Farmers with free time can find new work

In mid-October, a field in Binh Minh Village with a sign indicating the use of low-emission rice cultivation was already growing seedlings after more than a month of drone sowing. With this footprint-free field model, the farmers’ main task is to monitor water levels daily. Meanwhile, in nearby fields where traditional methods are still used, farmers continue to fertilise and spray pesticides by hand.

Ba Huu Nhi, one of the participating farmers, excitedly shared that planting 1,000 square meters manually had required 25 kg of rice seed, while with drone-based planting, only 10 kg of rice seed is needed. He found it fascinating to watch the engineers adjust drone settings on their phones and have the drones sow rice in perfect, straight rows.

After over a month, the rice plants have grown well thanks to adequate sunlight. In contrast, manually sown fields often result in uneven growth and damage to many plants. This high-tech farming method not only reduces the amount of seeds, labour, fertilisers, and pesticides required but also cuts costs and increases profits. Farmers are optimistic about producing high-quality rice this season, which could fetch a higher price.

Every day, farmers only need to visit their fields in the morning and evening to check water levels. If the water is insufficient or excessive, they notify the engineers to adjust the fertiliser and pesticide dosage. With more free time, Nhi now focuses on running a small beverage shop at home.

Van Thi De Oanh, another participant and a teacher, only needs to check water levels on her way to work. This allows her more time to explore new teaching methods and care for her family. Other farmers involved in the low-emission rice cultivation project have also taken up additional jobs.

In early September, the Binh Thuan Agricultural Extension Centre launched the low-emission rice cultivation project in Binh Minh Village. On the first day of drone sowing, many enthusiastic farmers came to watch the demonstration. Within just 30 minutes, a drone sowed 1 hectare of rice. After seeing the demonstration, many farmers who are not yet part of the project expressed a strong desire to join.

As part of the collaboration, BSB Nano Technology Joint Stock Company monitors the farming process, providing solutions to reduce fertilisers and pesticides while increasing productivity. NetZero Carbon Vietnam purchases the reduced emissions, and Spiro Carbon, a US-based company, measures emissions following United Nations (UNFCCC) standards.

The primary responsibility of farmers is to monitor water levels, as low-emission rice cultivation requires a stable water supply. The model involves smart rice farming techniques, such as alternate wetting and drying irrigation. The entire growth process of the rice is monitored by Spiro Carbon Group INC’s satellite system.

Green transformation linked to digital transformation

Ngo Thai Son, Deputy Director in charge of the Binh Thuan Agricultural Extension Centre, shared that the centre has been training farmers on sustainable rice farming models based on the SRP (Sustainable Rice Platform) standard, which integrates the “one must, six reductions” approach.

The “one must” is using certified or foundation rice varieties as recommended by local agricultural authorities. The “six reductions” include reducing seed use to 80-120 kg/ha, controlling nitrogen fertilisers with a leaf colour chart, only applying pesticides when necessary, reducing irrigation water, minimising post-harvest losses, and cutting emissions.

At the same time, the centre is developing Binh Thuan Digital Agriculture software. Digital transformation is key to producing high-quality agricultural products at the lowest cost, resulting in the highest profit. Therefore, linking digital transformation with green transformation is essential. Farmers are encouraged to adopt digital recording methods to ensure transparency in the production process, build green branding, and enhance product competitiveness.

This year, the centre is guiding the development of footprint-free field and VietGAP-compliant rice production models covering 160 hectares and piloting high-quality rice varieties on over 50 hectares.

Phan Van Tan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Binh Thuan Province, stated that the department will coordinate with districts to develop 14,000 hectares of concentrated production areas suited to local conditions in 2024. By 2025, the province aims to have over 17,700 hectares of high-quality commercial rice fields.

Of this, about 50% will be linked to companies through production contracts. Profit margins are expected to increase by 10-15% compared to traditional farming. The province is establishing 15 VietGAP-standard rice production models.

Binh Thuan plans to develop five value-chain-linked rice production chains and train over 3,000 rice farmers in applying advanced techniques. Additionally, around 30 demonstration models of high-quality rice varieties are being tested to identify varieties that are both high-yielding and climate-adaptable for local use.

The province is also promoting large-field high-quality rice production to attract capable enterprises to partner with cooperatives. This ensures quality production at lower costs and stable, sustainable sales at higher prices.