As climate change impacts agriculture, the Vietnamese rice sector must adopt sustainable practices that ensure high quality and low emissions. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gases but also boosts the value of Vietnamese rice in both local and global markets.
Key Principles
This process is grounded in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and incorporates:
- Quality Seed Varieties: Choosing resilient seeds.
- Balanced Fertilization: Optimizing nutrient application.
- Water Management: Implementing Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD).
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Focusing on pest control and health.
- Post-Harvest Straw Management: Collecting and reusing straw.
Steps in Rice Production
- Soil Preparation: Level the land, ensure proper drainage, and sanitize.
- Seed Selection: Use certified seeds resistant to pests and diseases.
- Sowing: Choose direct seeding or transplanting methods.
- Water Management: Follow AWD principles for efficient irrigation.
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizers based on soil needs and crop stages.
- Pest Management: Utilize IPM strategies to minimize chemical use.
- Harvesting: Collect rice at 85-90% ripeness using combine harvesters.
- Post-Harvest Processing: Dry rice within 24 hours to maintain quality.
- Straw Management: Recycle straw for various uses to avoid burning.
Implementation Strategy
- Field Planning: Optimize cultivation areas and irrigation sources.
- Land Preparation: Use effective tilling and leveling techniques.
- Monitoring: Train farmers on crop and pest management.
- Professional Development: Annual training for large-scale farmers.
This protocol, effective from the Winter-Spring season of 2024-2025, aims to enhance the sustainability of rice production while adapting to market demands. Adjustments will be made as new techniques and insights are gained.
