Can Tho City, Vietnam (April 9, 2025) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) held a conference to review the initial outcomes of the One-Million-Hectare High-Quality and Low-Emission Rice Program (1mHa Program). Early findings indicate lower production costs, higher yields, and increased farmer income, signaling a step forward for sustainable rice farming in the Mekong River Delta (MRD).

According to Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Deputy Director of the Plant Production and Protection Department, 12 provinces and cities in MRD, excluding Ben Tre, have registered to join the 1mHa Program. The program, which aims to promote sustainable, high-quality rice production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has reached 1,015 hectares of participating area. Seven pilot models have already been implemented in five provinces: Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap, and Can Tho.

Initial results show cost reductions between 8.2% and 24.2%, yield increases from 2.4% to 7%, and income gains ranging from 12% to 50%. These gains translate to an added profit of 4 to 7.6 million VND (156 to 296 USD) per hectare over conventional methods.

Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Soc Trang province, shared that a 50-hectare pilot using the ST25 rice variety delivered a 25% profit increase and reduced carbon emissions by 4 tons per hectare per crop. Building on this success, Soc Trang will extend the program to eight more pilot sites covering 350 hectares in 2025.

Dr. Robert Caudwell, IRRI Vietnam Country Representative, reiterated IRRI’s support for the program’s five key objectives: scaling region-specific solutions, developing certification standards for Vietnam’s Green and Low-Emission Rice brand, advancing technologies for improved input efficiency and income, establishing a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system, and enhancing stakeholder capacity.

Mr. Do Duc Duy, Minister of MAE called for a clear definition of cultivation and buffer zones and supported the program’s expansion in line with its roadmap.

Looking ahead, MAE and IRRI plan to launch four new pilot models during the 2025 Summer-Autumn crop in An Giang, Tien Giang, Long An, and Bac Lieu. Each site will cover 50 hectares and apply sustainable techniques such as modified Dry Seeded Rice (mDSR), fertilizer deep placement, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and integrated straw management.

The expansion builds on initial results and aims to test and refine these approaches for wider adoption in the region.

Published Date: May 28, 2025