Opportunity for Quang Tri rice to enter the global carbon market

QTO - Quang Tri is one of the pioneering localities applying the rice model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From a few dozen pilot hectares, the whole province now has more than 2,000 hectares, aiming for international certification to participate in the carbon credit market. This is an important step opening the way for green, sustainable and integrated agriculture. Regarding this issue, reporters of Quang Tri Newspaper, Radio and Television had an interview with Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment (DARD) of Quang Tri province.

From green fields to carbon credits

- Reporter: Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong! How do you evaluate the initial effectiveness of the rice model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Quang Tri ?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: In the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop, Quang Tri province has piloted over 60 hectares and conducted post-harvest assessments. On that basis, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of the province reported to the Provincial People's Committee and proposed a plan to expand cooperation with the goal of having 50% of the province's rice area participating in the program by 2030, striving for 5,000 - 10,000 hectares each year. Particularly in the 2025 summer-autumn crop, the whole province has implemented a rice model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on an area of ​​over 2,000 hectares in the communes of Trieu Phong, Trieu Binh, Vinh Thuy, Truong Ninh, Ninh Chau and Quang Ninh .

Initial results show that the model has brought many obvious benefits: saving water, reducing costs, limiting pests and diseases, and maintaining rice productivity and quality. When applying the wet-dry irrigation method, the amount of methane (CH₄) is reduced by 58.21% - 66.87%, equivalent to 3.01 - 3.34 tons of CO₂ not emitted into the environment/ha. More importantly, people have changed their mindset, aiming for long-term benefits from the carbon market - proving that green, sustainable agriculture is completely feasible in Quang Tri.

Leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province, the North Central Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, and Green Carbon Company inspected the rice model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Duy Vien Cooperative, Vinh Thuy commune - Photo: NB

- Reporter: The concept of carbon credits in agricultural production is quite new. Can you tell us how this concept is related to rice production?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: According to Clause 35, Article 3, Law on Environmental Protection 2020: "Carbon credit is a certificate that can be traded commercially and represents the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or one ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent". Thus, carbon credit is a type of license with commercial value, associated with the right to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gas. Farmers can simply understand that carbon credit is like a "bonus" that they receive if they produce less polluting emissions in agricultural production activities. Each credit is equivalent to the farmer applying advanced farming methods to reduce or absorb one ton of CO₂. These coupons have the potential to participate in the carbon credit trading market when this market officially comes into operation according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.

- Reporter: In your opinion, what are the opportunities for Quang Tri to participate in the international carbon credit market from its own rice fields?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: With more than 102,000 hectares of rice cultivated annually, Quang Tri has great potential to participate in the international carbon market. If production is well organized and digital technology is applied for transparent monitoring, Quang Tri rice can completely achieve international certification and participate in the carbon market. This is a "double opportunity" to help farmers increase their income and affirm the position of the local agricultural sector in the trend of green development and global integration.

Collecting methane (CH4) once a week in rice fields reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Vinh Thuy commune - Photo: NB

New impetus for farmers and agriculture in Quang Tri

- Reporter: In the rice model of reducing emissions and moving towards carbon credits, what role does digital technology play, madam?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: Digital technology is the key to the success of the low-carbon rice model. All data on the growing area has been digitized and managed online, helping with transparent monitoring. In the coming time, it is possible to apply additional technologies such as: Field water level sensors attached to automatic water control valves, fertilizer monitoring devices, satellite images, and drones to monitor the fields. Data is synthesized and analyzed accurately, ensuring transparency - a mandatory condition for carbon credits to be internationally recognized. Thanks to digital technology, Quang Tri rice has the opportunity to enter the global carbon market.

- Reporter: Resolution 57 of the Politburo identifies science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as the top important breakthroughs. So, for the low-carbon rice model to develop sustainably, what should the Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment do to take advantage of the momentum from this resolution?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: Resolution 57 is an important driving force and resource for the agricultural sector to invest in the application of science and technology. We have determined to focus on three directions: First, promoting the use of organic fertilizers, biological products, reducing chemicals in production; applying advanced techniques in cultivation such as applying AWD (wet and dry irrigation) in rice cultivation, agroforestry cultivation, forest garden models, advising farmers not to burn straw and ground cover after harvest.

Second, transfer and train techniques for farmers to master environmentally friendly farming processes, and transfer digital skills to farmers.

Third, raise awareness and capacity to access the carbon market for cooperatives and farmers, so that when Vietnam forms a carbon trading floor, Quang Tri can proactively participate.

- Reporter: For this model to be truly sustainable and for farmers to benefit, what mechanisms are needed, madam?

- Ms. Nguyen Hong Phuong: Carbon credits are formed from the production activities of farmers and cooperatives, so they are the direct beneficiaries. We are working with international organizations and businesses to build a transparent mechanism from allocating revenue from selling credits, supporting green production inputs to connecting markets. When benefits are linked to responsibility, farmers will stick around for a long time, and the brand "Quang Tri low carbon rice" will have a sustainable position not only in the domestic market but also internationally.

- Reporter: Thank you very much!

Nguyen Bao (performed)

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202509/co-hoi-de-hat-lua-quang-tri-buoc-vao-thi-truong-carbon-toan-cau-b0100a4/