Viet Nam approves Crop Cultivation Emission Reduction Project for 2025-2035

At least 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

The Crop Cultivation Emission Reduction Project for 2025 - 2035 was recently approved and signed by Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang under Decision No. 4024/QD-BNNMT on September 29. The project aims to put the crop production sector on a low-emission pathway, ensure national food security, and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets.

A key highlight of the project is that by 2035, crop cultivation is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15% compared to 2020 levels.

In addition, the Ministry will develop and issue a “Low-emission” label for crop sector products. Every province and city is required to implement at least 1 - 2 scalable low-emission production models. A minimum of 15 pilot models will be launched to support the development of carbon credits eligible for the international market.

The long-term vision for 2050 is even more ambitious: 100% of key crop areas will adopt sustainable farming practices; all emission data will be digitized and integrated with the national monitoring system; and the “Low-emission” label will be widely applied across major crop sectors, positioning Vietnam as a regional leader in climate-responsible agricultural production.

Pilot models, technical standardization, and database development

To achieve its targets, the project outlines a series of specific tasks. The first is restructuring production: low-yield rice areas will be converted to high-value upland crops or integrated with aquaculture, while the “one rice crop - one upland crop” model will be piloted to improve soil quality and reduce emissions. For perennial crops, priority will be given to varieties that offer both economic benefits and strong carbon sequestration potential.

The second task is standardizing low-emission cultivation packages. Identified measures include alternate wetting and drying irrigation for rice, adopting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), reducing inorganic fertilizer use by increasing organic, microbial, and slow-release fertilizers, and minimizing chemical pesticide application through biological solutions.

Digital technologies will be applied to monitor soil moisture, optimize fertilizer and pesticide use, enhance efficiency, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Another key focus is developing production models along value chains. Demonstration models will be implemented in concentrated commodity-producing areas, linking farmers, cooperatives, and businesses. These models will apply low-emission techniques while ensuring mechanisms for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) according to international standards.

In parallel, a national database on crop emissions will be established, integrating information by ecological zone, crop type, and applied techniques. This database will serve as a foundation for connection with the national greenhouse gas inventory system and ensure data transparency when participating in the carbon market.

Additionally, training and communication efforts are given high priority. At least 3,000 key technical staff, agricultural extension officers, and lead farmers will receive training on low-emission farming methods, MRV, and carbon credits. Five standardized communication toolkits will be developed and widely disseminated to encourage changes in farmers’ production practices.

Improving institutions, mobilizing finance, and expanding international cooperation

The project outlines seven groups of solutions to achieve its targets. The first is policy improvement: legal documents will be reviewed and updated, integrating emission reduction requirements into crop strategies, plans, and programs. The government will issue a set of low-emission farming criteria and implement financial incentives for farmers, cooperatives, and businesses undergoing the transition.

In terms of science and technology, the project emphasizes the research and application of artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and precision agriculture to manage water, nutrients, and monitor emissions. Initiatives such as producing biochar from agricultural residues, implementing appropriate crop rotations, and introducing duckweed into farming systems are also encouraged to increase soil carbon sequestration.

Regarding production organization, cooperatives are positioned as the core of value chain linkage. Enterprises are encouraged to invest in raw material areas, co-manage emissions with farmers, and participate in carbon traceability. Markets for low-emission agricultural products will be expanded, initially targeting high-demand regions such as the EU, Japan, and North America.

Regarding data, the focus is on completing the MRV system and the emission database, utilizing remote sensing, GIS, and digital reporting to monitor large-scale areas. This information will be integrated with the national greenhouse gas inventory to ensure transparency and consistency.

In terms of resources, the state budget will play a leading role, complemented by mobilizing private investment and international funding. Training and communication programs will incorporate low-emission production practices, disseminate knowledge on carbon credits, and promote green consumption.

Finally, international cooperation is emphasized. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will strengthen connections with FAO, WB, GIZ, JICA, UNDP, IFAD, and other organizations to receive technical and financial support as well as management expertise. Vietnam will also participate in global forums and initiatives on low-emission agriculture, paving the way for Vietnamese agricultural products to establish a strong presence in the green market.

The Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection has been assigned as the leading agency, responsible for guiding, coordinating, and supervising the nationwide implementation of the project. Units such as the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of International Cooperation, the Department of Climate Change, and the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences will collaborate on technical content, training, research, and technology transfer.

Communication efforts are entrusted to the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper through dedicated sections, forums, and campaigns to promote low-emission production models.

At the local level, provincial and city People’s Committees are responsible for issuing action plans, integrating the project’s objectives into socio-economic development, mobilizing resources, and monitoring implementation. Additionally, enterprises, cooperatives, industry associations, and international organizations will actively participate in providing financial and technical support, market connections, and carbon credit development.