Rice cultivation, an integral part of Vietnam’s agricultural landscape, is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Recognizing the need for more sustainable agricultural practices, Net Zero Carbon Joint Stock Company, in collaboration with GreenUP Sustainable, has implemented an alternate wet and dry rice cultivation technique in several provinces across Vietnam. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the sustainability of rice farming.
Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture
As the exclusive project development partner for Net Zero Carbon, GreenUP has played a vital role in driving this innovative green rice cultivation initiative. GreenUP specializes in designing and scaling sustainable practices that minimize carbon emissions across various sectors, including agriculture. In this collaboration, GreenUP’s expertise in carbon credit markets, project management, and sustainable agriculture has been instrumental in the success of the project, which aligns with international standards for emission reductions.
The Alternate Wet and Dry Rice Cultivation Technique
At the heart of the project is the alternate wet and dry (AWD) rice cultivation technique, also referred to as “intelligent wet-dry rice cultivation.” This technique involves periodically draining rice fields during the growing season rather than continuously flooding them. AWD reduces the amount of water required for rice cultivation and significantly cuts down on methane emissions, which are produced when organic matter decomposes under waterlogged conditions.
One of the most successful implementations of this method took place during the Summer-Autumn crop in Truong Long Tay commune, Chau Thanh A district, Hau Giang province. Here, farmers applied the AWD technique to cultivate OM 5451, a popular rice variety in the region. The results were remarkable: on a cultivated area of 18 hectares, farmers achieved an impressive yield of 7.4 tons per hectare. The application of the “1 Must 5 Reductions” principle further contributed to these outcomes. This principle focuses on reducing inputs such as seeds, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers while improving crop management practices.
Yielding Economic and Environmental Benefits
The adoption of AWD and the “1 Must 5 Reductions” process has had a transformative effect on both the economic and environmental sustainability of rice cultivation in the region. The entire growth process of the rice plants was carefully monitored and managed using satellite technology, which allowed for precise data collection and real-time decision-making. This technological integration provided farmers with valuable insights into the optimal water management and fertilizer use for their crops.
By implementing these practices, farmers were able to reduce pesticide usage by approximately 30%, lower chemical fertilizer input by around 15%, and cut the amount of seed used from 120 kilograms per hectare to 80 kilograms per hectare. These reductions translated into substantial cost savings for farmers—about 3 million VND (roughly $125 USD) per hectare. More importantly, the increased efficiency and improved farming methods boosted farmers’ profits by over 11 million VND (approximately $460 USD) per hectare compared to traditional farming practices.
Beyond the economic gains, the project delivered significant environmental benefits. By lowering the use of harmful chemicals and reducing water consumption, the initiative not only cut production costs but also minimized the environmental impact of rice farming. The reduced need for chemical inputs has also contributed to improved soil health and biodiversity in the region, which will have long-lasting positive effects on local ecosystems.
Scaling Success for the Future
Following the success of the pilot project in Hau Giang province, Net Zero Carbon and GreenUP plan to scale the AWD technique and other sustainable agricultural practices to other rice-growing regions in Vietnam. These initiatives will help Vietnam meet its ambitious climate goals and contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice producers, the widespread adoption of such sustainable farming techniques could have a profound impact on both the global rice market and the planet’s climate.
GreenUP’s comprehensive understanding of carbon credits and its ability to facilitate carbon trading mechanisms will be key to this expansion. The emission reductions achieved through the AWD method and other sustainable practices can be quantified and converted into carbon credits, which can then be sold on international markets. This offers farmers and local stakeholders an additional source of income while simultaneously incentivizing further reductions in carbon emissions.
Recognition of the Project’s Success
The success of the project in Hau Giang province has garnered significant attention, both nationally and internationally. The initiative was recently featured on VTV9, the national television channel of the Southeast region of Vietnam Television. The feature highlighted the economic and environmental achievements of the project, emphasizing the benefits of AWD cultivation and the role of GreenUP and Net Zero Carbon in driving this change.
The media coverage has helped raise awareness of sustainable agricultural practices among local farmers, policymakers, and the broader public. It is hoped that this increased visibility will encourage more farmers to adopt AWD and other green farming techniques, contributing to a broader shift towards sustainable agriculture in Vietnam.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Net Zero Carbon and GreenUP represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable agriculture in Vietnam. By implementing the alternate wet and dry rice cultivation technique, the project has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve both economic gains and environmental sustainability. With plans to scale these efforts across the country, the future of rice farming in Vietnam looks brighter—and greener—than ever before. The success of this initiative offers a blueprint for other regions around the world seeking to reduce emissions and promote sustainable farming practices.
