Multiple benefits from the "green rice growing" model

The rice growing model applying sustainable farming processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the framework of the Project "Improving the quality of applying sustainable rice production techniques to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for specialized rice growing areas in Yen Bai province" piloted by the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Yen Bai province in coordination with OXFAM in a number of localities in the province has given positive results, affirming the value and benefits of "growing green rice".

Yen Bai implements a sustainable rice production model aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In mid-June, farmers in Duc Thinh village, Hung Khanh commune, Tran Yen district, harvested their winter-spring rice crop with joy as the plants were healthy, the fields had few pests and diseases, the rice grains were plump and golden, and the yield nearly doubled compared to previous seasons.

Ms. Tran Thi Tuyet from Duc Thinh village said: "At first, I was skeptical about participating in the project because I had to change my long-standing rice farming methods. But after receiving training and following the instructions, I found it easier than I thought. No pesticides are needed, no straw is burned, and less fertilizer is required, yet the rice plants still grow well. This season, my family harvested 2.5 quintals of rice per sao (approximately 1000 square meters), double last year's yield." The high yield and improved grain quality are also evident, with longer grains and a higher percentage of plump grains.

Ms. Pham Thi Tuyet Mai from Duc Thinh village shared: "Thanks to planting sparsely and leaving pathways between the rice paddies, it's easier to care for the plants and monitor for pests and diseases. Especially, using organic fertilizer helps loosen the soil, allowing the rice roots to grow deeper, reducing lodging and preventing root rot. The care process is also easier, and we don't need pesticides like before."

Participating in the project, people are equipped with technical knowledge and receive direct guidance on production practices. Classes for farmers are held right in the rice fields, allowing them to learn theory and practice simultaneously under the guidance of technical staff. "Learning in the field is easy to understand, easy to remember, and allows for immediate application, so the people are very enthusiastic," said Mr. Luong Ngoc Dung, Head of Duc Thinh village.

With a total area of ​​4 hectares belonging to more than 30 households in Duc Thinh village participating in the Project during the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop season, Hung Khanh is one of four communes selected by the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Yen Bai province to implement the Project (including: An Thinh commune, Van Yen district; Hung Khanh commune, Tran Yen district; Bach Ha commune, Yen Binh district; Dong Khe commune, Van Chan district). Participating households receive technical support, productivity monitoring, emission measurement, and effectiveness evaluation according to a transparent and scientific process.

Besides economic benefits, the greatest value the project brings is its environmental advantage. Measures such as sparse rice planting, rotational irrigation, reduced use of chemical fertilizers, and the elimination of straw burning have directly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased the carbon sequestration capacity of the agricultural ecosystem. Previously, farmers often burned straw in the fields, causing air pollution and depleting organic matter. Now, thanks to biological products, all the straw is composted on-site, becoming organic fertilizer for the next crop. At the same time, farmers use well-rotted manure and bio-fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers, which is both good for the soil and safe for consumers.

A key feature of this model is the absence of herbicides and the minimal use of pesticides. This limits chemical residue in the soil, water, and rice, contributing to the protection of people's health. The total greenhouse gas emissions, as recorded in the Rice Hero software (used to measure emission levels in each rice field), represent a reduction of 395-405 kg of CO2, equivalent to a 70-73% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation in the province.

With the techniques of the rice cultivation model applying sustainable farming processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas emissions have been limited; crop health has been managed and improved; input costs have been minimized while rice yield, quality, and economic efficiency have increased significantly; agricultural by-products are processed into organic fertilizer; the ecosystem and environment have been improved, with water resources used at the lowest and most rational level. The project's model has affirmed its economic and environmental effectiveness and should be replicated in rice production in localities throughout the province.

Thu Hanh

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/351959/Da-loi-ich-tu-mo-hinh-trong-lua-xanh.aspx