• Be proactive and creative in implementing the Project to develop 1 million hectares of high-quality rice
  • Emission-reducing rice production: The direction of sustainable agricultural development
  • Launching the Project of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice and emission reduction

Productivity increases, costs decrease

Specifically, the Project has been implemented at Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative (Vinh Thanh Commune) and Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative (Da Bac Commune). Of which, Kinh Don Cooperative has 42 members participating in the pilot model of high-quality and low- emission rice cultivation associated with green growth, with a total area of ​​60 hectares, cultivating ST24 rice variety. Currently, the rice has been completely harvested, with an average yield of 6-6.5 tons/ha, higher than the summer-autumn crop of the same period.

According to Ms. Thai Thi Dung, Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative, the process of producing high-quality and low-emission rice associated with green growth is relatively easy, and most positively, it contributes to environmental protection.

Mr. Pham Tan Luu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative, excitedly said, “I have harvested more than 17 tons of rice, an increase of about 2 tons compared to previous years on an area of ​​nearly 3 hectares of land. When participating in the model, the amount of rice seeds sown was reduced from 112 kg/ha to about 70 kg/ha. Sparsely planted rice means less fertilizer and pesticides, especially less pests and diseases. This is a result beyond expectations.”

In addition, after harvesting , farmers proactively spray trichoderma fungus to process straw into fertilizer, helping to increase beneficial microorganisms in the soil, reducing chemical fertilizers in the next crop.

"This year, thanks to the cooperative's association, the rice price is 8,400 VND/kg, 200 VND higher than the market price, which also helps farmers increase their income. We propose that the relevant agencies and localities replicate the model to not only increase productivity and reduce production costs, but also contribute to protecting the environment so that everyone can benefit," said farmer Nguyen Truong Doi, a member of Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative.

According to farmers, thanks to sparse sowing at the end of the season, the rice grains are firm and beautiful, the amount of seeds is reduced but the yield is increased.

According to calculations by the Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development (Department of Agriculture and Environment), the summer-autumn rice crop at Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative has reduced emissions by about 3.02 tons of CO2/ha of rice, equivalent to 37% compared to before applying the model. The model also achieved 6/6 emission reduction targets according to Decision No. 145/QD-TT-CLT of the Department of Crop Production.

For Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, this model was piloted on a scale of 50 hectares, using certified OM18 rice variety, with a seed quantity of 70kg/ha. 24/43 cooperative members participated and were trained in rice care techniques; monitoring the water withdrawal process according to the MRV process guided by the International Rice Research Institute IRRI. Some initial favorable results were recorded as reducing input costs from seeds, pruning labor to reducing fertilizers and pesticides...

Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, said: "Although this is the first year of implementing the model, the rice crop is growing well, creating excitement among farmers. It is estimated that farmers have reduced the amount of rice seeds by 50% and reduced the amount of fertilizer by about 20%. On average, for every hectare of rice production land, farmers save about 1 million VND in input costs."

Sensor systems are placed in rice fields to measure data, helping farmers comply with regulations on mid-season water drainage.

Maintain and replicate the model

From the effectiveness of the high-quality and low-emission rice production model associated with green growth, Mr. Phung Son Kiet, Deputy Head of the Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development (Department of Agriculture and Environment), said that in the coming time, the Department will coordinate with relevant units and People's Committees of communes and wards to select capable cooperatives and cooperative groups to continue implementing the model.

At the same time, support cooperatives and cooperative groups to develop brands, promote trade and consume products... thereby completing the project's goal of "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission specialized rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030".

The OM18 rice variety certified by Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative grows well, and the row sowing method also reduces the risk of lodging when the weather is unfavorable.

Along with the support of the functional sector, to successfully implement the model, cooperatives also need to reorganize production, gather members and production areas into large fields, synchronize the crop calendar and cultivation process. Continue to invest in facilities and modern machinery to serve production services for members. Cooperatives also need to build close links with enterprises that consume output products and input suppliers to ensure the value chain.

“Above all, farmers need to change their thinking and habits such as: changing from traditional farming methods to modern production processes; proactively learning, actively participating in training courses and seminars; applying new technologies to production. At the same time, participating in cooperatives to produce on a large scale, have access to support policies and have stable output,” Mr. Phung Son Kiet emphasized.

Trinh Hai

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nong-dan-phan-khoi-voi-mo-hinh-lua-phat-thai-thap-a121991.html