1 million hectare rice project: Dual benefits for farmers, environment and food security

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the morning of September 5, in Can Tho, Can Tho University coordinated with the Vietnam Rice Industry Association to organize a workshop on "Solutions to support the Project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta".

Can Tho University and Vietnam Rice Industry Association sign cooperation agreement - Photo: VGP/LS

Scientific forum for sustainable agriculture

The workshop revolved around the Government's major orientation and goals: Developing a 1 million hectare high-quality rice area, associated with green growth and emission reduction. Many scientists , managers, and businesses shared solutions from rice varieties, cultivation processes, microbiological applications, to post-harvest technology, circulation, and deep processing.

Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice Rector of Can Tho University emphasized: "This workshop is an important forum for us to find a sustainable direction for the rice industry, both increasing value and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with Vietnam's commitment to sustainable development."

According to Mr. Hai, the project not only aims to improve the quality of Vietnamese rice but also creates a turning point in building green agriculture, adapting to climate change. The Mekong Delta, the country's key rice granary, is facing many challenges, such as saltwater intrusion, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. Therefore, implementing the project is a double opportunity: increasing economic efficiency and protecting the environment.

Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Vice President of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association, provided data: The rice planting area nationwide reached 7.11 million hectares/year, of which the Mekong Delta alone accounted for 3.82 million hectares/year. The total output nationwide reached 43.7 million tons, of which the Mekong Delta contributed 24.1 million tons/year; the average yield was 6.14 tons/ha, of which the Mekong Delta alone reached 6.31 tons/ha. Notably, 700,000 hectares of cultivated land in this region produced 3 crops/year.

"The Mekong Delta supplies over 90% of the country's rice exports and is a pillar of food security. The 1 million hectare high-quality rice project plays a vital role in reorganizing the production system, increasing farmers' income, applying sustainable farming and meeting international commitments on emission reduction," Mr. Tung emphasized.

Therefore, having solutions to support this project is extremely important for the agricultural sector and people's lives. In particular, promoting the development and application of new science and technology, building a research and development network for Vietnamese rice...

Hero of Labor, agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua speaks at the conference - Photo: VGP/LS

Benefits from 'circular agriculture'

One of the prominent voices at the conference was Hero of Labor, agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua, author of ST25 rice, which has twice won the title of World's Best Rice. With more than 30 years of research, he affirmed that circular agriculture is the key to achieving the goal of Net Zero.

Mr. Cua explained: "Healthy plants must start from healthy soil. When chemicals are reduced to a minimum, the flavor of rice is more natural. Practicing mid-season rice field drying helps the rice grow new roots and reduces lodging; late-season drying makes the rice more fragrant and cleaner because there are no microorganisms attached to the husk."

Engineer Cua also emphasized that the rice-shrimp ecosystem is an effective model for climate change adaptation. In 2015, the rice-shrimp area nationwide was 155,495 hectares; it is expected to increase to about 250,000 hectares by 2025. With this model, shrimp productivity reaches 300 kg/ha, rice productivity reaches 4 tons/ha, with diverse rice varieties from Nang Keo, ST25 to OM varieties.

Since 2021, Mr. Cua's company has invested in organic fertilizers and biological products, and committed to purchasing all products. Rice is harvested by combine harvesters to ensure uniform, clean and dry quality, thereby increasing value and profits for farmers.

The results are very positive: Rice yield reached 6 tons/ha, selling price is about 9,000 VND/kg - much higher than normal rice which is only 6,000 VND/kg. With a scale of 100,000 ha, the added value reached 1,800 billion VND thanks to the production of ST24 and ST25 rice.

"High profits come not only from rice but also from stability in production, helping to ensure safe shrimp crops and a clean farming environment," Mr. Cua affirmed.

3 strong research groups from Can Tho University

To accompany the project, Can Tho University has established 3 strong research groups, bringing together many experts from the Mekong Institute, the School of Agriculture and scientists inside and outside the school.

Prof. Dr. Vo Van Minh, Head of the research team, said that the groups will focus on many key directions: Surveying the current status and building a baseline emission curve in rice production; researching emission reduction, conservation and development of genetic resources in breeding; applying DNA technology to appraise agricultural products; selecting beneficial microorganisms to help rice plants withstand salinity, fix nitrogen, dissolve phosphorus and potassium; and proposing safe plant protection solutions and sustainable pest management.

According to Mr. Minh, the results of this research not only serve the 1 million hectare rice project but also contribute to shaping green agriculture in Vietnam, creating a model that can be replicated throughout the region.

* At the workshop, the leaders of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association and Can Tho University signed a cooperation agreement on training and scientific research, innovation and technology transfer. In particular, the two sides will coordinate to receive/transfer technology to domestic and foreign enterprises; and provide scientific and technological services related to the rice industry.

The two sides also cooperate to connect with technology transfer and agricultural extension systems related to rice development; coordinate to promote the application of digital technology in the rice industry, including serving to optimize production processes (precision farming), rice quality and trade management, resource and environmental management, forecasting and preventing natural disasters, rice diseases, adapting and mitigating climate change in rice production; supporting the application of new initiatives, advances and start-up organizations.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/de-an-1-trieu-ha-lua-loi-ich-kep-cho-nong-dan-moi-truong-va-an-ninh-luong-thuc-102250905153201071.htm