In the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, one thing sets Vo Van Van’s rice fields apart from the emerald expanse that surrounds them: they aren’t fully flooded. This, along with a giant drone hovering above, marks a departure from traditional rice farming practices and a step towards addressing the unique challenges posed by rice cultivation.
Rice, a finicky crop, requires a lot of water and generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Inundated fields prevent oxygen from entering the soil, creating an ideal environment for methane-producing bacteria. This poses a significant problem, as rice paddies account for 8% of human-made methane in the atmosphere.
In Vietnam, where rice holds cultural and economic significance, farmers are embracing innovative techniques to reduce methane emissions and improve sustainability. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) reduces water usage, while drones enable precise fertilizer application, saving on labor costs and preventing excessive nitrogen release.
Moreover, rice stubble, traditionally burned, is now collected for livestock feed and straw mushroom cultivation. These measures benefit farmers by reducing costs and increasing yields, while promoting environmental stewardship.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing methane emissions, Vietnam has pledged to expand sustainable rice farming practices on a million hectares of land by 2030. This ambitious target is expected to slash production costs and boost farmers’ profits.
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice heartland, faces multiple climate change threats, including extreme flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels. Adopting climate-resilient farming practices is crucial for safeguarding this vital region and ensuring the sustainability of rice production.
Vietnam’s efforts are gaining international attention, with the World Bank and other organizations supporting methane reduction initiatives. By embracing innovative solutions, Vietnam is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for rice farming worldwide.
