Reduce costs, increase profits from growing high-quality rice

On September 4th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the People's Committee of Soc Trang province, organized a conference to review the implementation of 7 pilot models in the first crop season under the Project for Sustainable Development of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice monoculture, reducing emissions associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030 (the Project).

According to the Department of Crop Production – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the Summer-Autumn and Autumn-Winter 2024 seasons, in coordination with 5 provinces and cities (Can Tho City, Tra Vinh , Soc Trang, Dong Thap, and Kien Giang), 7 pilot models were implemented.

Rice farmers' profits increase by 12-20% when they produce high-quality rice with reduced emissions. Photo: Phuong Anh

During the 2024 Summer-Autumn crop season, three provinces and cities ( Can Tho City, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang) implemented four model projects covering an area of ​​196 hectares. The estimated yield reached 64.52 quintals/hectare, higher than the average yield outside the model by 4.63 quintals/hectare, resulting in a reduction of 1,262 tons of emissions. Profits were 12-20% higher compared to areas outside the model.

For the Autumn-Winter 2024 crop season, 3 model farms (Kien Giang, Dong Thap, and Tra Vinh) sowed 140 hectares, with an estimated average yield of 63.34 quintals/hectare and a total production of 157 tons, with harvesting expected from mid-September to the end of October 2024.

Input costs decreased by 10-15%. This included a 40-50% reduction in seed quantity; a 30-40% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer; a 3-4 reduction in pesticide spraying; and a 30-40% reduction in irrigation water. The production cost per kilogram of rice decreased by 7-20% (from 252 VND/kg to 822 VND/kg).

Specifically, there was a reduction of 7,610 kg to 12 tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare compared to areas outside the model.

All models have businesses that purchase rice, and in some models, these businesses have contracts to purchase rice from participating households at a price 100-150 VND/kg higher than outside the model.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam speaks at the conference. Photo: Phuong Anh

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam emphasized that the main goal of the project is to reduce production costs and increase profits for farmers. He also stressed that all seven pilot models have proven effective.

According to Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, another encouraging result is that farmers trust and follow sustainable farming practices. Cooperatives have done a good job of linking together, and local authorities have shown interest and support. This is the basis for expanding the area of ​​high-quality rice cultivation and reducing emissions in the future.

Source: https://laodong.vn/kinh-doanh/giam-chi-phi-tang-loi-nhuan-tu-trong-lua-chat-luong-cao-1389136.ldo