KIEN GIANG – Recently, several farmers in Hon Dat and Kien Luong districts (Kien Giang province) received cash rewards ranging from 2.6 million to 43 million VND for participating in a low-emission rice farming project.
Low-Emission Rice Cultivation Brings Economic and Environmental Benefits
The project, implemented by Net Zero Carbon Joint Stock Company in collaboration with BSB Nanotech, involved eight farmers cultivating 71 hectares of Japanese rice variety DS1. The cultivation followed the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technique, a method proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmer Chung Tan Em, from Kien Son Hamlet, Kien Binh Commune (Kien Luong district), received the highest reward of over 43 million VND. During the summer-autumn 2024 season, he partnered with businesses to grow 29 hectares of rice using low-emission farming techniques.
Throughout the growth and development of the rice, technical staff from the companies provided support and supervision. Mr. Em emphasized adhering to recommendations for fertilizer and pesticide usage and following the water drainage process precisely.
At the end of the season, Mr. Em’s fields reduced emissions by approximately 116 tons of CO2. In addition to the profits from his rice harvest, he earned a cash reward of 43 million VND from the partnering companies.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving High Yields
Initially, heavy rains at the start of the season caused concerns about potential crop failure. However, by the end of the season, the results were promising, with an average yield of 7.6 tons per hectare.
Across all eight pilot farms in Kien Giang, the combination of AWD techniques and the application of biological products led to an average yield of 7.6 tons per hectare, representing a 7.04% increase compared to the regional average.
The model also demonstrated cost efficiency, with an average investment cost of 28.5 million VND per hectare, nearly 10.4% lower than the regional average.
Incentives and Environmental Impact
The partnership between farmers and businesses has not only provided economic benefits but also contributed to environmental protection. Farmers were rewarded with cash bonuses ranging from 2.6 to 43 million VND, depending on their cultivated area and the level of emission reduction achieved.
Supporting Vietnam’s Climate Goals
Tran Minh Tien, CEO of Net Zero Carbon Joint Stock Company, emphasized that this farming method aligns with the government’s action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Net Zero Carbon has piloted AWD farming techniques in various provinces across Vietnam, including Dak Lak, Binh Thuan, An Giang, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, and Dong Thap. With the integration of satellite systems, the growth of rice crops is monitored and managed to ensure both transparency and effectiveness.
Conclusion
The low-emission rice farming project in Kien Giang demonstrates the potential for combining sustainable agricultural practices with economic incentives. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing yields, this model provides a replicable solution for sustainable farming while supporting Vietnam’s climate action goals. Farmers, businesses, and the environment all benefit, making it a win-win initiative for all stakeholders involved.
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