Strategic steps toward sustainable agriculture by carbon storage and emission measurement

Understanding clearly and acting early in greenhouse gas reduction

Climate change is profoundly affecting every aspect of life, and agriculture stands out as both a victim and a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Delivering a presentation at the training workshop on enhancing media capacity for carbon neutrality, held on October 15, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Environment (IAE), emphasized that identifying, measuring, and managing GHG emissions is an essential requirement if Viet Nam aims to build a green, sustainable, and deeply integrated agricultural sector in line with global standards.

In Viet Nam, six rounds of national greenhouse gas inventories have been conducted, demonstrating the Government’s strong commitment to transparency in emission data and fulfillment of its international obligations in responding to climate change. Agriculture accounts for a large share of the country’s total GHG emissions, mainly originating from rice cultivation, livestock production, and fertilizer use. The major gases include CO2 from fuel combustion, CH4 from paddy fields and enteric fermentation, and N2O from nitrogen fertilizer and organic matter application.

GHG emissions not only impact the environment but also directly affect the productivity, quality, and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in international trade. Major markets such as the EU, Japan, and the United States have set carbon standards as technical barriers to entry. “If we fail to take proactive control, Viet Nam’s agriculture will lose its position in global supply chains,” warned Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh.

To reduce emissions, IAE has developed and applied specific solutions for rice production, such as regulating irrigation through AWD, optimizing the use of organic fertilizers, and recycling rice straw into compost or biochar instead of open burning. Each solution can cut methane emissions by 30-55%, while simultaneously improving soil fertility and reducing production costs.

A promising direction is the application of a circular economy model in rice production, whereby post-harvest straw is recycled into raw materials for mushroom cultivation, organic fertilizers, or biochar. The CARICE (Circular in Rice Production) model, developed by Dr. Trịnh’s research team, has demonstrated the potential to reduce emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional cultivation methods.

MRV and carbon markets: The foundation of modern emission management

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh, MRV is not merely a technical requirement but the backbone of modern carbon governance. Currently, GHG emissions are measured using three main approaches: direct measurement, calculation following IPCC guidelines, and modeling.

Direct measurement is carried out directly in the field using gas collection chambers, automated instruments, or sensor-based systems to monitor CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions. These data are essential for establishing national emission factors used in large-scale calculations. At the same time, climate–soil–crop simulation models support forecasting emissions under different cultivation practices, ecological zones, and climate scenarios, providing a scientific basis for policy and market mechanisms in the carbon economy.

In the forestry sector, the “gain-loss” method is applied to calculate the amount of carbon absorbed and released. When forests are protected, restored, or newly planted, the carbon accumulated in biomass and soil increases; conversely, deforestation or forest fires lead to significant emissions. This scientific foundation serves as the basis for developing forest carbon credit, which is a new economic resource for rural communities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh emphasized that 2025 marks a critical turning point, as the Government has approved the Scheme on Establishing a Domestic Carbon Market under Decision No. 232/QĐ-TTg. The 2025-2028 period will serve as a pilot phase, paving the way for the official operation of the carbon trading exchange by 2029. This market will enable organizations and businesses to exchange and trade carbon credits - units equivalent to one ton of reduced CO2 emissions.

In addition, Decree No. 119/2025/NĐ-CP has just been issued to supplement and improve the legal framework of Decree No. 06/2022/NĐ-CP, providing a more practical regulatory foundation for the operation of Viet Nam’s carbon market. The new decree clearly defines the responsibilities of ministries, local authorities, and enterprises in emission inventory and reporting, while also encouraging voluntary and innovative models for emission reduction and carbon sequestration.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh, “If Viet Nam can effectively implement MRV and actively participate in the carbon market, the agricultural sector will not only contribute to achieving the Net Zero commitment by 2050 but also unlock a new revenue stream from carbon credits, creating incentives for farmers and businesses to invest in green production.”

Toward a low-carbon agriculture

Dr. Trinh’s presentation at the training workshop on enhancing media capacity for carbon neutrality, held on October 15, 2025, in Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An Province, was not only academic in nature but also provided a practical roadmap for the future of Viet Nam’s agriculture. From scientific research and measurement to policymaking and market mechanisms, all efforts converge on a common goal: reducing emissions, enhancing carbon absorption, and fostering sustainable development.

As carbon becomes a measurable and tradable asset, Viet Nam’s agriculture must swiftly adapt to this new reality. Investing in emission measurement technologies, circular production models, and internationally recognized MRV will be the key to strengthening Viet Nam's position in the emerging global green economy.

On October 15-16, the Vietnam Agriculture & Nature Newspaper, in collaboration with TH Group, organized a training workshop titled “Enhancing media capacity on carbon neutrality” in Nghe An Province.

Attending the opening session were Mr. Nguyen Nhu Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Council; Mr. Nguyen Tuan Quang, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change; Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nghe An; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Van Trinh, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Environment; Mr. Phan Van Thang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper and Radio–Television; representatives of TH Group; together with delegates, guest speakers, and 40 journalists, reporters, and editors from central and local press agencies.