Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (12 March 2025) - A highlight of the AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025, a seminar on Viet Green, High Quality, and Low Emission Rice Value Chain was organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the Department of International Cooperation (ICD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA), and German Agricultural Society (DLG).
Experts from the national government, IRRI, and other partner international organizations, private sector, and farmers’ cooperatives discussed the most advanced technological solutions in sustainable rice cultivation, GHG monitoring systems, and public-private partnership models aimed at scaling up rice production under the One Million Hectares of High-Quality and Low-Emission Rice (1mHa) Project.
To set the scene, Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, a scientist at IRRI, highlighted innovations for green and low-carbon rice, emphasizing technical solutions, data-driven management, and precision mechanization to improve quality and reduce emissions. He outlined the goals of climate adaptation, reduced input costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and increased farmer income through these advancements.
Dr. Hung also introduced RiceMoRe, a geo-referenced monitoring and reporting system developed by IRRI. This tool enables detailed tracking of rice production practices and GHG emissions at the commune level.
Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Standing Vice Chairman and General Secretary of VIETRISA, outlined opportunities for collaboration in Vietnam's green rice value chain, emphasizing the development of a digital database, technological advancements for low-emission production, and establishment of carbon credit standards. He added that Vietnam aims to enhance branding, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build capacity for the widespread adoption of sustainable rice practices.
During the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of ICD, Mr. Li Guo (World Bank), Mr. Nguyen Hong Thien (Tu Sang Company), Mr. Nguyen Cao Khai (Tien Thuan Cooperative), Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong (Department of Crop Production), Dr. Bui Ba Bong (VIETRISA), and Dr. Robert Caudwell (IRRI) addressed the critical aspects of promoting Viet Green, High Quality, and Low Emission Rice.
The panel discussed the significant challenges in infrastructure and stakeholder engagement, but also highlighted the immense opportunities for brand development and market expansion through technological innovation and international collaboration. The panelists collectively stressed that a balanced focus on production efficiency and market accessibility is crucial for the 1mHa project's long-term success.
In his closing message, Dr. Cao Duc Phat, chair of the IRRI Board of Trustees, commended the initial implementation of the 1mHa Project, noting that the technical packages and implementation strategies have proven effective, achieving high yields and premium market prices due to superior quality.
However, Dr. Phat stated that improvements are needed in fertilizer formulations, IRRI's development of high-yielding rice varieties, regional customization of technical protocols, and VIETRISA's brand development and quality certification systems. He stressed that these enhancements further optimize production, resource efficiency, and market value.
During the AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025, IRRI also participated in the trade fair and exhibition, showcasing Vietnam’s green innovations for high-quality and low-emission rice value chains. IRRI’s exhibit spotlighted the technical innovations under the 1mHa Project, including low-emission water management, precision land leveling, precision crop establishment, site-specific nutrient management, integrated pest management, harvest and post-harvest, and sustainable rice straw management.
The booth also featured advanced low-carbon rice innovations such as precision mechanized direct seeding, fertilizer deep placement, drones, rice straw-based biofertilizer and bioplastic production, innovative fertilizers, and high-quality rice varieties from private sector partners such as Tu Sang Company, Bien Dien Fertilizer, and Vinaseed.
AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025, the leading trade fair for agricultural technology and smart farming in Asia, brought together more than 300 exhibitors from 29 countries and welcomed over 10,000 visitors.
This activity is supported by the CGIAR Science Programs on Scaling for Impact and Sustainable Farming and the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund-supported Rice Straw-based Circular Economy.