Delegates attend the workshop.

As Viet Nam pushes forward with its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, the workshop highlighted the importance of low-emission rice production in achieving national climate goals.

Participants also discussed Viet Nam’s leadership in developing climate-resilient rice farming models, especially through the ambitious programme to sustainably cultivate one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030.

Dr Jongsoo Shin, Asia Regional Director at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), stressed that climate change poses serious threats to global food security. “Viet Nam has strong potential to lead green transformation in the rice sector. The new initiative aims to establish effective policy mechanisms, delivering dual benefits of carbon reduction and improved farmer livelihoods,” he said.

Key presentations included insights from Dr Mai Van Trinh (Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences) on GHG reduction in rice farming under Viet Nam’s NDC, Dr Alisher Mirzabaev (IRRI) on public-private cooperation for low-emission rice systems, and Roland Treitler (GIZ) on the ASEAN-EU-Germany climate action programme.

Field data on sustainable farming practices in five provinces of Thai Binh, Nghe An, An Giang, Kien Giang and Soc Trang were shared by Le Trong Hai (ISPAE), while Le Thanh Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA) discussed challenges and opportunities in eco-friendly rice cultivation.

The workshop also featured four in-depth discussion sessions on barriers, support mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and pilot project impacts. Outcomes will inform future strategies for sustainable rice development and climate action in Viet Nam.