Vietnam Expands Low-Emission Rice Farming Across One Million Hectares

Vietnam is accelerating one of the world’s largest climate-smart agriculture programmes by expanding low-emission rice cultivation across one million hectares in the Mekong Delta. The initiative combines improved farming practices with lower greenhouse gas emissions, better water management and higher farm incomes.

The programme is attracting global attention because it demonstrates how rice production can become more sustainable without reducing productivity. Government agencies, research organisations and international partners are working together to support farmers with training, technology and financial incentives.

Rice cultivation is an important source of methane emissions because fields remain flooded for long periods.

Under the programme, farmers are adopting practices such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), precision fertiliser application and better residue management. These methods reduce methane emissions while conserving water and maintaining healthy crop growth.

Researchers say improved irrigation practices also lower pumping costs and make rice cultivation more resilient during periods of water scarcity.

Farmers Are Seeing Better Returns

The programme is designed not only to protect the environment but also to improve farmer incomes.

Reduced use of irrigation water, fertilisers and other inputs lowers production costs. Farmers are also receiving technical support to improve grain quality and meet sustainability standards required by premium markets.

Officials believe climate-friendly rice production can become more profitable than conventional cultivation when supported by efficient management and better market access.

Vietnam is using satellite monitoring, digital advisory services and field demonstrations to support farmers participating in the programme.

Scientists regularly monitor crop performance, water use and greenhouse gas emissions to measure the impact of different farming practices. Extension workers also conduct training programmes that help farmers adopt new techniques with confidence.

The programme demonstrates how research, technology and farmer participation can work together to improve agricultural sustainability.

A Model for Rice-Growing Countries

Rice is a staple food for billions of people, making sustainable production an international priority.

Agricultural experts say Vietnam’s initiative offers valuable lessons for countries seeking to increase production while reducing environmental impacts. Better water management, efficient input use and climate-smart practices can improve both productivity and resilience.

As climate change places increasing pressure on agriculture, programmes such as Vietnam’s one-million-hectare initiative show that environmental protection and profitable farming can move forward together. The experience is likely to influence future rice development programmes across Asia and other major rice-producing regions.