The initiative was jointly implemented by the Department of agriculture and environment, in collaboration with three companies: NetZero Carbon, BSB Nanotech, and Spiro Carbon (collectively known as BNS) across three districts: Điện Biên, Mường Ảng, and Tuần Giáo. The model covered nearly 86 hectares of rice paddies, featuring varieties such as Đài Thơm, Séng Cù, and J02. Specifically, Điện Biên district accounted for 53 hectares, Mường Ảng 23 hectares, and Tuần Giáo 10 hectares.

Following one growing season and with strong support from agricultural officials and local farmers, the smart rice farming model delivered promising outcomes. The Đài Thơm variety yielded about 7.46 tons per hectare (300kg more than traditional methods) while Séng Cù reached over 5.1 tons per hectare, up 500kg. Notably, the model reduced carbon emissions by 172 carbon credits, directly contributing to environmental sustainability. Farmers also received financial bonuses for carbon credit reductions, averaging VND 880,000 per hectare, bringing total additional income from VND 4.8 to 9.3 million per hectare.

Nguyễn Thị Hanh, a farmer from Residential Group C9 in Thanh Xương commune, participated in the program with 9,000 square meters of Séng Cù rice. She expressed delight during crop assessments, noting the new farming method reduced production costs by approximately 30%. The plants are healthier, more resistant to pests, and produce higher yields than traditional methods.

The model incorporates integrated nutrient management to ensure balanced input and output, maintaining soil fertility and improving yields. Intermittent irrigation techniques (wet-dry cycling) were applied, alongside integrated pest management based on crop health monitoring. As a result, rice plants developed strong roots and sturdy stalks, with exceptional resistance to pests and diseases.

Hanh also highlighted that rice outside the model, particularly the Séng Cù variety, is typically susceptible to blast disease, requiring frequent pesticide applications. However, the smart rice farming model helped reduce the incidence of blast disease, lowering the need for pesticide use. This contributed to not only higher yields but also better grain quality.

Beyond its environmental and agricultural benefits, the entire smart-farmed rice area was contracted for purchase by companies and cooperatives in the rice processing sector. Trần Thị Hương Quế, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at the Tâm Thiện cooperative, confirmed their commitment to buy all Séng Cù rice grown under the smart farming model in Mường Thanh. “This area is known for its high-quality rice, thanks to strict production standards from seed selection to farming techniques and yield performance,” she noted. With improved post-harvest value, the cooperative aims to maintain stable market access for farmers and continue supporting the program if expanded.

The smart farming model offers farmers not only improved cultivation methods but also a clear economic advantage, with profit margins per hectare rising as much as 50%. Farmers also receive payments for verified carbon reductions from NetZero Carbon, valued at USD 20 per metric ton of CO2-equivalent (CO2e). With 86 hectares participating this season, the model reduced 172 carbon credits, translating to roughly VND 880,000 per hectare in additional farmer income.

Trần Minh Tiến, CEO of NetZero Carbon, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Điện Biên in adopting advanced agricultural technologies, especially in the Mường Thanh rice fields, a key specialty rice region of the Northwest. “We are actively working with local authorities to scale this smart farming model and position Điện Biên as a leading low-emission rice production hub not just in the Northwest, but throughout northern Vietnam”, he said. Tiến added that NetZero Carbon is finalizing administrative procedures to ensure transparent and timely carbon credit bonus payments to participating households.

At a review conference of the winter-spring 2024-2025 season, most farmers reported that adopting the new farming techniques was manageable and clearly more effective than traditional methods. However, one challenge remains: post-harvest straw management. Current regulations prohibit burning straw, requiring farmers to collect and remove it from the fields - a task for which they lack adequate solutions. Farmers are calling on the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment for support. If the issue of straw management is properly addressed and the process is ensured, local farmers will continue to implement and expand the model in future rice crops.

Addressing the issue, Mai Văn Nam, Director of the provincial Center for Agricultural Extension and Crop Sees-Livestock, acknowledged farmers’ concerns. “Straw disposal is critical for sustainable, low-emission farming”, he said. The center has developed plans to collect and process straw into livestock feed and other agricultural byproducts. “We commit to handling straw collection and processing for all participating fields”, he assured, aiming to build farmer confidence and expand smart farming in the region.

The success of the smart rice farming model in Điện Biên province highlights its potential for replication across Vietnam. With strong collaboration among government, scientists, businesses, and farmers, the model is paving the way for a more sustainable, high-quality rice production system.