The smart, low-emission rice cultivation method not only helps increase yield, production, and rice value while protecting the environment, but also provides farmers with additional income from selling carbon credits.

The Điện Biên Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has partnered with NetZero Carbon, BSB Nanotech, and Spiro Carbon companies (collectively referred to as BNS) to implement the model across three districts of Điện Biên, Mường Ảng, and Tuần Giáo, with a total pilot area of 86 hectares, specifically: Điện Biên District: 53 hectares, Mường Ảng District: 23 hectares, and Tuần Giáo District: 10 hectares.

According to Mr. Lò Văn Cương, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, this initiative aims to apply, transfer, and expand advanced production technologies and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction solutions while enhancing climate resilience in rice farming.

The model encourages and supports farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as ecological farming, organic agriculture, circular economy, and climate-smart farming. By doing so, it helps minimize risks for farmers, reduce production costs, and increase productivity and income per unit of land.

The smart, low-emission rice cultivation model integrates nutrient management techniques to balance input and output, thereby boosting yields while maintaining soil fertility. Key technical approaches include Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) based on Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) principles. Satellites are used to monitor for this process tracking and management.

For Mrs. Trần Thị Lợi, a farmer from Chăn Nuôi 2 Hamlet, Thanh Xương Commune, Điện Biên District, this is her first time participating in the smart, low-emission rice pilot project. She was surprised by the differences from traditional rice cultivation methods.

One notable change is the reduction in seed quantity, now limited to 5 - 6kg per 1,000sq.m, compared to much higher amounts in previous seasons. Water management follows the AWD method, supported by water level measurement tubes.

“For this winter-spring crop, I am implementing the model on a 3,500sq.m plot. From the beginning, I have strictly followed technical guidelines on land preparation, seeding, water management, fertilization, and pest control as instructed by the district’s agricultural staffers,” said Mrs. Lợi.

Throughout the cultivation process, agricultural staffers conduct regular field inspections, collect samples, and analyze indicators before guiding the next steps.

A significant change in pest control is that farmers only spray pesticides when pest populations reach the allowable threshold, rather than applying chemicals indiscriminately. As a result, pesticide use has significantly decreased. Meanwhile, farmers prioritize biological and herbal-based pesticides, which are safer for health and more environmentally friendly.

Similarly, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thủy, another farmer from Chăn Nuôi 2 Hamlet, Thanh Xương Commune, has applied the model on a 5,000sq.m plot.

“Although the model is newly implemented, it has already shown significant benefits in reducing production costs. One major improvement is that farmers no longer burn straw in the fields after harvesting. Instead, straw is collected and repurposed for mushroom cultivation, livestock feed, organic bedding, or compost production. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also generates additional income from agricultural by-products,” she shared.

According to the project proposal, the model reduces input costs by 30%, increases farmers' profit margins by 50%, lowers GHG emissions by 10%, and provides additional income from selling carbon credits at USD 20 per ton of CO2e reduction (1 carbon credit is equivalent to 1 ton of CO2 emissions reduced).

Mrs. Đào Thị Khuyên, Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Division of the provincial Crop Protection Sub-Department, is directly responsible for implementing the model in participating districts.

“From results observed in other provinces, the smart rice cultivation model has proven to be highly effective in reducing investment costs, increasing profitability, and cutting GHG emissions. However, since this is a new farming method requiring strict technical adherence, farmers must follow guidelines rigorously. Agricultural officers must also closely monitor and assist farmers at each stage of production,” she underlined.

To demonstrate the model’s effectiveness, traditional rice fields are being maintained as control samples for comparison in terms of yield, cost, and profitability.

Recently, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted field inspections to evaluate the model’s initial progress.

Results indicate that rice crops are growing and developing well, farmers are strictly following technical guidelines, and local leaders recognize the model’s high potential and consider it an important opportunity to enhance the province’s high-quality rice production sector.

In the coming months, once the harvest is completed and evaluations are finalized, the model will be expanded to promote sustainable agriculture, increase economic value, and support environmental conservation.