On 27 November 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1490/QĐ-TTg approving “The Project on sustainable development of 01 million hectares for specialized farming of rice with high quality and low emission associated with green growth of the Mekong Delta by 2030.” (hereafter referred to as the 1 Million Hectares Rice Program). In implementation of the Program, on 27 March 2024, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (formerly the Department of Crop Production) issued Decision No. 145/QĐ-TT-CLT promulgating the Technical Procedures and Guidance Handbook for “High-Quality and Low-Emission Rice Production in the Mekong Delta.” This technical procedure was developed with the support of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and domestic experts. It is based on a synthesis of research outcomes, field demonstration models, expert knowledge, and practical experience from local authorities.
After more than one year of pilot implementation, several components of the technical procedure revealed challenges in practical application and therefore required revision and supplementation to ensure feasibility. Based on consolidated feedback from provincial authorities, research institutes, universities, scientific organizations, and professional associations, together with consultations with experts, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection reviewed, revised, and supplemented the procedure. The revision focuses on strengthening the integrated system of agronomic practices to improve production efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as summarized below:
- Scope of the Technical Procedure
The procedure covers the entire rice production cycle, including three major components: (i) Crop cultivation techniques; (ii) Harvest management and post-harvest handling; & (iii) Rice straw management. These components are designed as a coherent and integrated technical package, ensuring consistency and synchronization throughout the production chain and forming a comprehensive guideline applicable to rice production within the scope of the Project.
- Crop cultivation techniques: include practices related to Land preparation; Seed preparation; Seeding operations; Water management for greenhouse gas mitigation; Fertilizer application; Rice pest management
- Harvest and post-harvest management: Include technical measures related to Harvesting operations; Grain drying; Storage management. These measures aim to enhance rice quality, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve energy efficiency.
- Rice straw management: Includes technical measures for the management of straw and rice stubble following circular agriculture principles and emission reduction objectives.
- Applicable entities:
The procedure applies to organizations (farmer clubs, cooperative groups, agricultural cooperatives, and enterprises) and Individuals (farming households and agricultural farms) participating in the Program “Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality and Low-Emission Specialized Rice Production Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030.”
- Scope of application:
The procedure applies to high-quality and low-emission rice production zones within the above-mentioned Project in the Mekong Delta.
Below is the translated version of the procedure prepared by the TRVC project for reference only. The translation may contain errors, and the TRVC project is not responsible for the content of the original document.
