Climate-Smart Rice Farming Can Reduce Emissions by Nearly 11 Million Tons of CO2 Annually

Farming in harmony with nature promotes economic goals, environmental protection, and the future of the Mekong Delta amid climate change. Professor Andy Large, Director of the Newcastle University Project (UK), highlighted the importance of nature-based agriculture, aligning with Resolution 120 for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta. The region faces challenges from unsustainable development, hydropower dams, and climate change impacts like altered rainfall and saltwater intrusion. Professor Large stressed the urgency of nature-based solutions for climate change. Several Mekong Delta localities are implementing climate-smart agriculture, including a scheme for 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice production by 2030. This involves organic fertilizers, biological pesticides, and integrated farming systems. Dr. Nguyen Van Kien, Project Leader at An Giang University, emphasized that ecological and organic rice farming is crucial for the Mekong Delta's adaptation to natural laws. While organic agriculture is a growing trend, its value remains low for farmers. Effective pilot models are needed to demonstrate benefits before widespread adoption. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's scheme promotes techniques like alternate wetting and drying and reduced chemical use. Optimizing organic farming across the Mekong Delta's rice paddies could reduce emissions by nearly 11 million tons of CO2 annually. Reusing rice straw and adopting climate-resilient practices further contribute to emission reductions.