One million hectare high-quality rice project officially approved

The one million hectares high-quality rice project was officially approved

On November 27, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang signed a decision to approve the project, which signifies a significant stride towards realising this ambitious initiative. By 2030, the targeted cultivated area for high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta is set to cover one million hectares.

This initiative aligns with restructuring the production system along the value chain, implementing sustainable farming processes to enhance production, increase value, and facilitate the sustainable development of the rice industry.

Furthermore, it aims to improve production and business efficiency, elevate the income and quality of life for rice growers, safeguard the environment, adapt to climate change, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and honoring Vietnam's international commitments.

To implement sustainable farming, the amount of rice seeds sown will be reduced to less than 70 kg per hectare; reduce the amount of chemical fertilisers and pesticides of chemical origin by 30 per cent; reduce irrigation water by 20 per cent compared to traditional farming. 100 per cent of the area must apply to at least one sustainable farming process.

The cultivated area of one million hectares spans 12 localities: An Giang, Kien Giang, Dong Thap, Long An, Soc Trang, Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Ca Mau, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long.

The project combines two strategic phases, each designed to ensure the project's success.

Phase 1 is between 2024 and 2025. This initial phase consolidates existing areas covered by the Vietnam Sustainable Agricultural Transformation Project (VnSAT), encompassing 180,000ha. Key activities include intensive training, planning, and establishing a measuring-reporting-verification system.

This phase will also involve quantifying and piloting carbon credits for qualified rice areas, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. Cooperative strengthening, the continuation of ongoing projects, and the strategic preparation for the subsequent period of 2026 - 2030 are included in the first phase.

Regarding the second phase, which is between 2026 and 2030, a primary objective is the reduction of new emissions beyond the VnSAT Project area, accompanied by an expansion of an additional 820,000ha. This phase emphasises key activities such as substantial investments in completing infrastructure for new areas, a comprehensive reorganisation of production systems, the establishment of resilient value chains, and the fine-tuning of the MRV system. Phase 2 underscores the commitment to maintaining sustainable production practices within the project areas established from 2024 to 2025.

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