From organic farming to carbon credits - A breakthrough in value.

In the context of increasingly complex climate change and environmental pollution, developing green, clean, and sustainable agriculture is no longer just a trend but has become an essential requirement. In Thanh Hoa, from organic farming to greenhouse gas emission reduction models that generate carbon credits, new directions are being opened, contributing to increasing the value of agricultural products, raising people's income, and gradually forming a modern, environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

In the spring of 2024, the first model was implemented in Yen Phong commune, now Yen Truong commune, covering an area of ​​over 90 hectares. During implementation, project technical staff collaborated with local authorities to disseminate information and guide people on the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to generate carbon credits. Field observations showed that, compared to areas outside the project, the fields within the model reduced irrigation by 3-4 times; rice plants grew well, with fewer ineffective tillers and more effective tillers; the root system developed healthily; there were fewer pests and diseases; and lodging was reduced. Yields reached over 60 quintals/hectare, while reducing nearly 5 tons of CO2 equivalent/hectare, equivalent to nearly 5 carbon credits/hectare.

In Ha Long commune, starting from the spring crop of 2025, a model for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production has been implemented on an area of ​​1 hectare. This model incorporates solutions such as alternating dry and wet irrigation, improved rice cultivation techniques, and the application of artificial intelligence to measure and collect data on greenhouse gas emissions in rice production. The model, implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Environment in collaboration with Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Griffith University, has initially shown clear effectiveness. Farmers participating in the model receive training in advanced cultivation techniques, helping to reduce production costs by 5-10%, reduce irrigation water by approximately 10%, and increase rice yield by about 10% compared to traditional methods.

A model for rice production that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Ha Long commune, covering an area of ​​1 hectare.

By the spring of 2026, Thanh Hoa province had developed nearly 11,000 hectares of rice production using emission reduction and carbon credit generation processes; this area is expected to expand to approximately 20,000 hectares by the end of 2026. This is considered an important step for Thanh Hoa's agricultural sector to participate more deeply in the promising carbon credit market.

A pilot project for reducing emissions in rice production on a 4,000 m2 area using the alternating wet and dry irrigation method is being conducted at the Center for Crop Research, Testing and Service, Thanh Hoa Agricultural Institute.

In addition to boosting production and reducing emissions, many businesses in the province are also shifting towards developing organic agriculture linked to building sustainable value chains. A prime example is Sao Khue Trading Joint Stock Company, which has invested over 50 billion VND in a rice processing plant in Dong Son ward, with a capacity of 30,000 tons of finished rice per year. Products such as Ngoc Pho, Ngoc Trai, and Quy Huong glutinous rice are processed and packaged using modern processes, meeting the increasingly high quality standards of the market. The company also focuses on researching and developing organic rice products, linking with farmers to form a closed production chain from the fields to processing and consumption. To date, the company has registered 13 rice products for exclusive protection, many of which meet OCOP standards and other quality certifications. This is an important foundation for enhancing the Thanh Hoa rice brand in domestic and international markets.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Duong, Deputy Director of Sao Khue Trading Joint Stock Company, said: “In the coming time, the company will continue to expand its raw material area, seek stable consumption markets, and select high-quality rice varieties to develop production in an organic and safe direction. This will bring high-quality rice products to consumers and contribute to increasing the value of Thanh Hoa rice.”

To expand the model of organic and high-quality rice production, localities in the province have focused on transforming the crop structure, promoting land consolidation, and attracting investment into large-scale concentrated production areas. Simultaneously, they have expanded the area of ​​integrated organic and safe rice production linked to processing and product consumption. Currently, Thanh Hoa province cultivates approximately 230,000 hectares of rice annually, yielding over 1.3 million tons. This represents significant potential for developing the agricultural processing industry and expanding the carbon credit market in agriculture. Furthermore, localities are strengthening the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge, providing support with agricultural supplies, fertilizers, biological pesticides, and linking businesses to guarantee product sales for farmers. Through these efforts, the productivity, quality, and value of agricultural products are gradually improving in a green, clean, and sustainable direction.

From rice paddies to modern processing plants, Thanh Hoa is gradually affirming the right direction in developing green agriculture. Organic production, emission reduction, and carbon credit creation not only help increase the value of agricultural products but also contribute to fulfilling commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and move towards a modern, responsible agriculture for the future.

Text and photos: Thuy Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tu-nong-nghiep-huu-co-den-tin-chi-carbon-dot-pha-gia-tri-288201.htm