For the sustainable development of the rice industry (Part 2)

Ninh Binh's rice industry has achieved initial success in restructuring rice varieties, applying mechanization, and effectively linking production. However, to build a sustainable and higher-value rice industry, the province faces many challenges: How to increase economic efficiency and organize concentrated production in the context of decreasing rice land area? What solutions are there to build an internationally recognized rice brand and introduce sustainable farming models (such as carbon credits) as a new source of income, driving the industry's remarkable development? These are the questions that need answers to elevate the status of Ninh Binh rice.

Applying advanced machinery and technology to production is a crucial factor in reducing costs and increasing profits in rice production. (In the photo: Using drones to apply fertilizer and spray pesticides in Yen Thang ward). Photo: Truong Giang

PART 2: MAKING MONEY FROM RICE: THE LAND, BRANDING, AND CARBON CERTIFICATION PROBLEMS

Challenges revealed through the 2025 crop season.

The 2025 crop season is a harsh test, as Ninh Binh's rice industry not only faces natural disasters and climate change but also the double impact of falling rice prices on the market. These difficulties have clearly revealed existing problems that need to be addressed.

Climate change is a real and present reality, directly and increasingly impacting rice production. The fact that the recent crop season was directly affected by five typhoons along with record-breaking rainfall shows that the climate will become increasingly harsh, directly threatening rice yield and quality, and requiring preparedness to respond.

In recent years, the irrigation system for rice cultivation has been upgraded to prevent and combat drought, flooding, tidal surges, and salinity intrusion. However, with the complex situation of climate change, this system needs continued investment not only to withstand natural disasters but also to meet the high technical requirements of modern production. Specifically, the irrigation system needs to serve large-scale, specialized rice production areas, with the application of integrated mechanization, meeting the requirements of cultivation in the new situation.

Modern machinery is used for harvesting rice, but the lack of drying systems and storage facilities still reduces the quality of the harvested rice (In the photo: Rice harvesting in Hoa Lu ward). Photo: Nguyen Luu

Furthermore, the harsh weather conditions, especially the continuous heavy rain during the harvest season, clearly revealed the limitations of our post-harvest infrastructure. The lack of a synchronized and modern drying system, storage facilities, and logistics resulted in harvested rice being unable to be dried properly, and the absence of drying ovens led to a reduction in quality and grade.

All the problems stem from the fact that rice production remains on a small-scale, fragmented farm basis. This situation hinders the widespread mechanization of production and is the biggest obstacle to investing in modern processing and preservation infrastructure.

Along with climate risks, the volatility of rice prices in the market during the 2025 crop season has shaken farmers' confidence in production. This uncertainty stems from the very low and unsustainable rate of consumption linkages. A low rate of linkages means that the majority of farmers face market pressures directly.

Strategic vision and breakthrough policies

The combination of external risks and internal challenges has presented a major and urgent problem requiring strategic solutions. To break down the barriers of fragmented production, strong policies are needed to encourage land consolidation for the "large landowner" class, creating truly large fields. Once large-scale operations are established, the synchronized application of mechanization and advanced technical processes will become feasible and yield higher economic efficiency.

Baling straw after harvest helps transform straw into a marketable commodity, contributing to increased economic value and promoting a circular economy model in agriculture . Photo: Nguyen Luu

A new generation of farmers is ready to lead the way, but they urgently need timely support to successfully consolidate land. Large landowner Trinh Viet Chien (Hoa Lu city) shared: Renting land to expand production in many localities is not simple. Some people, even though they have stable jobs in other fields and have no need for agricultural production, and some are even willing to leave their fields fallow, are unwilling to transfer or lease their land to others. Some households refuse to exchange land, and even after leasing it, they want to reclaim it when they see others doing well in their business...

Mr. Vu Van Bac (Quang Thien commune) pointed out another aspect: Rented farmland is fragmented and requires a lot of effort to accumulate, and the lease period is usually only 3-5 years. Such a short period makes it very difficult for us to work because we cannot risk making large investments in leveling the fields or building irrigation canals.

Developing the "intangible value" of rice through connecting agriculture with tourism. (In the photo: Tourists visiting the Tam Coc rice fields). Photo: Nguyen Luu.

Once the production organization challenges are resolved, the next steps will focus on technology and quality to maximize the value of rice. Building a sustainable rice industry requires a decisive strategic vision. Mr. Lam Van Chieu, Deputy Director of Cuong Tan Co., Ltd., pointed out that Ninh Binh has many static advantages in rice production compared to other localities in the Red River Delta, thanks to its high soil colloid content, good soil quality, favorable drainage slope, many hours of sunshine, and experienced rice farmers.

However, the Deputy Director of Cuong Tan Co., Ltd. emphasized that these natural factors only determine 30% of the success. The remaining 70% depends on the efforts and determination of the leaders of the agricultural sector, especially in implementing policies such as Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

According to him, the core issue is how to effectively bring science and technology to farmers, identifying the appropriate path and focus for development. This requires planning concentrated, high-tech agricultural production zones, while simultaneously providing access to loans and support through leading enterprises to drive this change. It is necessary to replicate models of close linkages where businesses act as "insurance" and technical guides. There should be preferential mechanisms, incentives, and encouragement for units with integrated production and product distribution chains, and with modern, synchronized warehousing and logistics systems.

From a management perspective, Mr. Nguyen Sinh Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: Firstly , in the reorganization of production, we will expand and promote the effectiveness of models for leasing and consolidating farmland, forming large fields, linked fields, and organizing rice value chains from production, processing, and consumption. In particular, to thoroughly remove the barriers of fragmentation and the mentality of holding onto land, the Department will advise on the issuance of breakthrough policies on stable land lease terms, helping large landowners feel secure in long-term investment, creating a real impetus for successful land consolidation.

Secondly, regarding technology and adaptation to climate change, the Department will strengthen the transfer of science and technology, support farmers in promoting mechanization, implementing advanced technical processes, and sustainable intensive farming methods under changing climate conditions, reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. A key solution is to expand the application of the alternating wet-dry (AWD) rice cultivation model, adapting to climate change to improve farming efficiency, reduce methane (CH4) emissions, create carbon credits, save irrigation water, and increase farmers' income.

Thirdly, we will increase the digitalization of agricultural fields, manage planting area codes, and ensure traceability. Notably, we will propose preferential mechanisms regarding capital and land to encourage businesses to invest immediately in modern, integrated drying, storage, and logistics systems, especially in concentrated production areas.

Finally, regarding the development of rice value, we have determined that we must focus on developing post-rice industries, deep processing, and product branding. In particular, we must connect agriculture with tourism and the creative economy. When rice is not just food, but also a raw material for cuisine, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and experiential tourism, then the "intangible value" of rice will be far greater than its tangible value.

Thus, with a synchronized combination of production restructuring (land consolidation, capital contribution), breakthrough technologies (emission reduction, digitalization), and strategic leadership (leading enterprises), Ninh Binh will have sufficient potential to create a prosperous and sustainable rice industry.

Nguyen Luu

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/de-nganh-lua-gao-phat-trien-ben-vung-ky-2-lam-giau-tu-cay-lua-bai-toan-dat-dai--251112152204075.html