DISSEMINATION AND REGIONAL POLICY DIALOUGE WORKSHOP...

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DISSEMINATION AND REGIONAL POLICY DIALOUGE

WORKSHOP ON LOW EMISSIONS AND SUSTAINABLE

RICE CULTIVATION Vietnam Low Carbon Rice Project

(Supported by the Australian Government)

Kien Giang, 15 April 2014

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SUMMARY REPORT OF THE VIETNAM LOW CARBON RICE PROJECT- VLCRP

PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESULTS AFTER 11 CROP PRODUCTION

IN AN GIANG AND KIEN GIANG PROVINCES

PERIOD OF NOVEMBER 2012- DECEMBER 2014

Tran Thu Ha1, Nguyen Van Sanh2, Joseph Rudek1, Huynh Quang Tin2, Nguyen Hong Tin2, Tran Kim

Tinh3, Tran Quang Cui4, Doan Ngoc Pha5, Hoang Trung Kien4, Huynh Hiep Thanh5, Richie Ahuja1

ABSTRACT

The Vietnam Low Carbon Rice Project - VLCRP is a pioneering community-based low carbon rice farming project that creates the practical and measurable changes for the rice production in the Mekong Delta. These changes have been documented through their on-farm research and intervention activities for 11 crops in Phu Thuong Co-op, Phu Tan district of An Giang province and Kenh 7b Co-op, Tan Hiep district of Kien Giang province. With the Participatory Technical Development approach, the VLCRP’s low carbon rice farming protocol namely 1Must 6 Reductions (1M6R) has been piloted, and more than 500 farmer households have been trained to cultivate rice on an area of 540 hectares, for 3 crops per year. Over the two communities were VLCRP has worked, rice farmers that have adopted 1M6R have reduced their seed density by 50%, fertilizer by 30-40%, water irrigation by 40-50%, pesticide by 30%, and labor costs by 20% while increasing their yield from 5-10% resulting in an increase their net profit by 10% to as much as 60%. The project also has implemented its community development package with affirmative gender and women empowerment activities targeting the improvement of women’s livelihood, market linkages and rice value chain improvements. All crop results were communicated with local governments at the commune, district and province as well as policy makers at national level to support policy changes. The scientific data are presented in 3 research reports which accompany this Summary Report.

1. Background context

Vietnam has a largely agriculturally based economy, ranked 2nd

for rice export, providing

16% of the total rice export commodity (FAO, 2008). The Mekong Delta (MD) is the

country’s main rice bowl with approximately 3.9 million hectare of cultivation areas; in which

about 1.85 million hectares are in rice cultivation. In 2013, MD rice export reached 25 million

tons which accounted for approximately 77% of the total rice production of Vietnam and

contributed 90% of Vietnam’s rice export (GSO, 2014). The rice production sector is the main

livelihood for more than 70% of rural populations and contributes substantially to the export

1 Environmental Defense Fund

2 Mekong Research Development Institute, Can Tho University

3 Advanced Laboratory, Can Tho University

4 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kien Giang province

5 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, An Giang province

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turnover and the GDP. Vietnam’s agricultural strategic development plans for 2030

recognizes the MD as the strategic area for ensuring the national food security.

In recent years, the rice production and livelihood of rice farmers has been facing numerous

challenges. Rice prices have dropped while input costs have increased. It has been estimated

that more than 1,140,000 farmer households’ livelihood are threatening due to the very low

income from agriculture. Rice farmers have overused fertilizer and other inputs by

approximately 30% and face adverse weather conditions including drought, flooding, salinity

increases and soil erosion. Other problems include limited knowledge and poor farming

techniques, increased soil pollution, and small-scale production with little or no linkage to the

market.

The mandates to increase the income of farmers and foster rural development are major

targets of the Vietnamese Government. These mandates are driving the national policy

framework for restructuring and modernizing Vietnam’s Agriculture, and achieving

sustainable rural development. Given this context, applied research and wide-scale application

of an advanced rice farming technique is needed to increase economic effectiveness while

reducing the negative environmental impacts.

2. Objectives, project size and location of the VLCRP

With the support of the Australian Government under the Community-based Climate Change

Action Grants, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) collaborated with the Mekong

Research Development Institute (MDI) and the Advanced Laboratory of Can Tho University;

the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of An Giang and Kien Giang and their

Extension Centers to pilot the community-based project entitled “Vietnam Low Carbon Rice

Project – VLCRP” during the period of 2012 – 2014.

This pilot project was designed to achieve the 3 main objectives:

1. Improve community livelihoods by training small-holder rice farmers in

agricultural practices that decrease production costs, maintain or improve yields,

provide environmental co-benefits, and create additional income streams from

sales of carbon credits.

2. Demonstrate a community level climate smart agriculture pilot that (i) trains

small-holder rice farmers to document changes in agricultural practices that

reduce GHG emissions and (ii) facilitate the higher income generation from

better rice quality, market linkages and potential to sell the resulting carbon

credits on the voluntary carbon market and (iii) promotes community

development with gender mainstreaming for empowering women and the

marginalized members of the community.

3. Build stakeholder and community capacity for scaling up the project and for

transitioning to a broader array of sustainable funding sources over time. This

includes the dissemination of project results by stakeholder advocates to policy

makers for broader adoption of the approach.

VLCRP worked and built up capacity for the DARD and their Extension System as well as

more than 500 small farmer households in the 540 ha paddies in Phu Thuong Co-op, Phu Tan

district, An Giang province and Kenh7b Co-op, Tan Hiep district, Kien Giang province. Over

the period of 2.5 years, VLCRP completed a total of 11 crops in the two Co-ops.

3. Major results and achievements

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The 1M6R low carbon rice farming protocol is built on and further refined from the 1 Must 5

Reductions farming techniques. (1 Must means must use certified seed; 5 reductions include

the reduction of seed density, fertilizer, pesticide, water irrigation and post-harvest lost.)

VLCRP has tested, piloted and applied a comprehensive farming package to the 1M5R

techniques, including a crop-specific alternate wet dry water irrigation scheme and

appropriate fertilizer application rates that have produced positive economic and

environmental co-benefits. As such, the resulting VLCRP low carbon rice farming protocol

has achieved a 6th

reduction – a reduction of environmental pollution that includes green

house gas emissions and thus has been renamed “1 Must 6 Reduction” low carbon rice

farming technique. Since 2010, the 1M6R techniques have been further refined to prove its

efficacy in terms of economic, environment and social development.Based upon the

encouraging results and achievements from the last 2.5 years, the Department of Agriculture

and Rural Development of Kien Giang and An Giang have extended and scaled up the

application of VLCRP’s 1M6R low carbon farming techniques to over 1,000 ha since the

Winter-Spring crop of 2015, in their Large Scale Rice Production Model. They are also

promoting the adoption of the 1M6R technique in other communes and districts of Tan Hiep

and Phu Tan of Kien Giang and An Giang provinces.

3.1. Major results

Over the last 11 crops in both An Giang and Kien Giang, the application of the 1M6R farming

protocol have continuously delivered the triple wins of economic, environment and social

development. These aspects are measured, verified and reported as following:

a) Economic development and livelihood improvement for rice farmers

Farmer’s incomes have increase from 5-60% through the reductions of input costs by reduce

50% seeds, 15-30% fertilizer, 30-40% chemical pesticide/herbicide, 40-50% water irrigation

and 20% labor cost. On average, rice yield increase from 10% and net profit increase from 10-

15% per hectare as compared to the farmer’s conventional practices.

b) Environment and Food Safety; Protection of Public Health, Water Resources and

Ecological System

By reducing chemical pesticide use, not only is production cost reduced, but this practice has

helped to improve the quality and safety of the rice. VLCRP has collected rice samples

randomly from its 1M6R model and the conventional practice model for laboratory test to

measure the heavy metal and chemical residues. Results have showed that the rice from

1M6Rs met the WHO.standard food safety. The nitrate was found to be 4.97 -6.76mg/kg

which is far lower than the allowed nitrate residues from fresh vegetable, drinking water and

food for infant and mother in accordance with the WHO standard. Concentrations of

Propiconazole, Tryciclazone, Acetamiprid, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were below

detectable levels.

When apply the 1M6R farming protocol, rice farmers have better opportunities to reduce their

health risk hazard by reducing direct interactions with toxic chemical, and protect their

ecological system including the useful insects and fish. Many farmers in the VLCRP project

areas reported to the mid-term independent reviewers commissioned by the Australian

Government that after 3 crops of reduced chemical pesticide use, they have witnessed the

return of fishes/shrimp in their canal and paddies. While farmers’ perceptions have not been

measured to date, VLCRP is considering the possibility of documenting water quality benefits

in its next project phase.

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To measure the on-farm green house gas emissions, VLCRP applied the US Department of

Agriculture’s GraceNet protocol for measuring the emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous

oxide (N2O) greenhouse gases for each crop. Results show significant reductions in

greenhouse gas emissions in 7 out of 8 crop seasons where good data was collected over the 2

year project duration. As a result of reductions in overall green house gases emissions, there is

the potential for an additional new income source for farmers from the sale of Certificate of

Emission Reductions – CERs.

c) Social development with Gender and Women Empowerment Integration

VLCRP designed a participatory approach for raising awareness and building up a

community’s capacity which is important for the community’s desire and ability to

voluntarily adopt and practice the low carbon rice farming technique. VCLRP worked with

local authorities and Co-ops to organize and divide each project site into 5 Production Groups.

The field-based extension workers, farmer Group Leaders, and Women’s Union leaders were

provided with a series of Training of Trainer courses which provided a range of subject matter

from primary to advanced level on the low carbon rice farming protocol, and planning and

leadership skills. Farmers and their Group Leaders are thus taking charge of their own crop

planning and management and share successful experiences and practices through their

regular group meetings held 7 times per crop season in accordance with the physical

development stages of the rice. This approach ensures that all farmer households including the

poor, near poor, single women-head of households, disabled and other types of the

marginalized community members have equal opportunities to access to learn advanced rice

farming techniques, equal access to extension services and equal ability to air their opinions

and concerns. During the group meetings, farmers’ Diaries were updated and used to calculate

the profitability at the end of each crop. As a self-help group with the farmers supporting

farmers approach, VLCRP created a sustainable community system for effective application

of 1M6R protocol.

Personalized extension services were provided to the most vulnerable groups of the poor, near

poor, single women-head of households, disabled and other types of the marginalized

community members. Through training and coaching, their knowledge of low carbon rice

farming and household economic management was enhanced, and women and other members

of vulnerable groups were empowered so their voices couldbe heard in either family or

community crop planning and decision making processes. At the same time, VLCRP

collaborated with the Women’s Union to design a user friendly guidebook of 1M6R farming

techniques and integrated its contents to the Women Union’s curriculum for women meetings

at commune, district and provincial level. Baseline data showed that less than 4% and 12% of

women in the community in An Giang and Kien Giang, respectively, participated in

community meeting before VLCRP. After the project intervention, M&E data showed that

86% of women attended and participated 1M6R training and Production Group meetings. To

date, more than 1,200 women have participated in the 1M6R training and group meetings.

The local authorities at the commune, district and provincial level actively monitored,

advocated and promoted the voluntary adoption of 1M6R protocol and provided matching

funds to improve the infrastructure.

3.2. Major achievements

In addition to the economic, social and environment development results, VLCRP was also

able to address the rural development priorities of Vietnam Government and Australian

Government for their international aid program for Vietnam. These are:

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a) Policy Dialogue to facilitate the Modernized and Sustainable Agriculture

Rice cultivation reform during this critical transition period requires that advanced farming

techniques can increase profitability and sustainability. The successful training in the

techniques of the low carbon rice farming protocol is key to encouraging farmers’ voluntarily

adoption and self-replicate on wide scale. This is a conditional foundation to be sure that the

Agriculture Re-structuring Plan and Rice Reform Plan targeting 2020 be achieved. Given

VLCRP’s encouraging results and achievements, in September 2014, under the direct support

and execution of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), VLCRP

successfully held the first national level Policy Dialogue Forum on Low Emission Agriculture

with the participation of relevant technical divisions of MARD, DARD, Agriculture Research

and Policy Strategy agencies, and international organizations including SNV, ADB, JICA,

AgResults and others. As results of this national Policy Dialogue Forum, the International

Cooperation Division (ICD) of MARD updated EDF that the proposals and recommendations

of the dialogue have been used as inputs for rice sector restructuring strategy which MARD

commissions IRRI to undertake. MARD also was able to mobilize the support from the

Vietnam Forest and Delta (VFD) – a USAID funded project to conduct a national-level

review of the implementation of all low-emission agriculture projects in Vietnam. And the

ADB through the TA-REG 8163 Implementing the GMS Core Agriculture Support Program,

Phase 2 have agreed to support MARD to organize a policy dialogue on the low-carbon rice

farming to share experiences with GMS countries aiming at promoting the low carbon

farming practices in the region. In addition, VLCRP Project Management Board actively

contributed and shared methodologies, best practices, lessons learnt and technical expertise on

crop management, irrigation, on-farm greenhouse gas emissions measurement with national

counterparts including Ha Noi and Hue University, Cuu Long Rice Research Institute and

international development partners such as ADB, IRRI, Winrock International,

USAID/USDA and the World Bank.

b) Improvement of Rice Value Chain: creation of Bio-rice and formulation of the PPP

business model

DARD of An Giang and Kien Giang provinces and their Extension Centers supported the

business promotion among the Co-ops and the Rice Trading Companies. Prior to each crop,

the business contracts were negotiated for a favorable purchase price of rice from VLCRP Co-

ops; often from 100 – 300 dong/kg higher as compared to the market price. In addition, rice

farmers also benefited from a no-interest credit offer of 5 million dong/ha or $240/ha from the

Rice Trading Company upon signature of the business contract. These are significant sources

of additional income to rice farmers practicing 1M6R. Moreover, rice farmers did not have to

deal separately with the middle men who often offer lower prices or result in other problems.

There has been a serious proposal from rice trading companies to have a strategic business

plan with VLCRP for improving the rice value chain and developing a bio-rice trade mark for

rice produced from VLCRP’s farming model.

c) Improvement of Livelihood and Empowerment for Women through integrated

community development

In the Mekong Delta, rice farming is the main livelihood and farming decision are often made

by the men. VLCRP baseline data documented this; and although women participated in all

14 major farming activities, from land preparation to the sale of rice at the harvest, male

farmers pre-dominantly made the decisions and the female farmers followed. Through the

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integrated community development activities and with close collaboration from the existing

Women Union system, VLCRP had built up the knowledge and capacity for more than 1,200

women including single women-head of households for adopting the advanced farming

technique, gender equity in agriculture production and household economic management. As

a result, women were able to better track records of crop inputs and farm labor used; and

reported they are being consulted more for farm planning in their households. On average,

women-headed households saved 2 million dong (90 USD) of input cost per hectare,

increasing their net profit by 1.6 million dong (about 80 USD) per hectare and had their yield

increased by 1.35 tons/ha.

Mrs Tran Thi Dao, Head of Women’s Union of K7A hamlet said: After learning the 1M6Rs, I

now understand that the rice does not always required water and that the alternate wet dry

scheme helps the rice to grow better while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. In the

summer-fall crop of 2014, I will convince my husband to use less seed and fertilizer and apply

the AWD. Of course I will also advocate and convince other women to apply 1M6R.

A full gender aggregated database with measured progress from women participation to

VLCRP community development activities and application of 1M6R was created, analyzed

and disseminated to relevant audience including local authorities, Women’s Union, DARD,

Extension Centre and community leaders to strengthen women’s roles in adopting the

contemporary farming techniques and their roles in their communities. Specific results from

women livelihood improvement can be referenced from the case study of Mrs Nguyen Thi

Ngoc Huong, a single woman-head of household in K7b Coop, Tan Hiep district of Kien

Giang province (attached).

4. Lesson learned: major challenges and solutions

The low carbon rice farming protocol requires certain infrastructure conditions, operational

and management mechanisms and agricultural policies to ensure that the large scale rice

production that results from small households can apply consistent crop management

practices in order to generate and optimize the economic, social and environmental benefits.

After a total 11 crops in An Giang and Kien Giang, the following major challenges were faced

and addressed by VLCRP.

4.1. Challenges from the Farmers and their Community

o Farmers often worry about losing their yield and income when the 1M6R protocol

reduced seeds, and fertilizer and implemented alternate wet dry water management.

o There are conflicts between husband’s and wife’s for changing from conventional to

1M6R farming practices

o There are a lack of “farmer leaders” who can be peer educators to their communities

o Few households disagree with the community’s crop plan

o Farmers are dependent on the private suppliers’ credit and thus dependent on the

recommended quantity

o Farmers often have to use credit to purchase their materials at the local shop. Thus

they must purchase whatever materials are available and often, the quality of those

materials were not of high quality.

4.2. Challenges from external conditions

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o Adverse weather: prolonged heat, strong rain, whirlwinds, storms, and floods occurred

in most of the crops and during the key development stages of the rice or just before

the harvest.

o Lack of access to quality materials (seeds, fertilizer, pesticide)

o Ineffective irrigation infrastructure

o Uneven topography of the paddies

To address these fundamental challenges, VLCRP collaborated with relevant partners and

local authorities to execute the technical solutions and management mechanism as following:

1. Designed and maintained the “demonstration paddies” in the area of each Production

Group to allow farmers’ observation and evaluation. Farmer Field School and Group

Meetings are used to raise awareness and capacity of farmers for adopting the 1M6R

farming protocol.

2. The 1M6R protocol is specifically designed for each cropping season to ensure its

suitability with the specific cropping features, irrigation system, water irrigation

procedures, capacity of the extension workers and the ability of farmers for adoption.

3. Organized and trained the field-based extension team for supporting each of the

Production Groups in terms of crop management (fertilizer application, water

management, pest management, farmer’s Diaries updates). The Group Leaders and

advanced farmers lead the community to follow their best practices.

4. DARD and local authorities provided relevant technical support and matching funds

for paddy management, infrastructure improvements including irrigation system and

paddy topography leveling by laser equipment.

5. Last but not least, the direct management and execution from DARD and their

Extension Centers play key roles in transferring direct technical support to farmers

during the entire crop, from selection of high quality seeds, fertilizer to market linkage

support, creation of relevant policy support and coordination of support from technical

agencies (irrigation, plant protection, local authorities). The DARD of An Giang and

Kien Giang also mobilized and provided matching funds and relevant development

projects to generate synergies and build storage facilities and laser equipment for land

leveling.

5. Conclusions and recommendations

1. The low carbon rice farming protocol has proven itself as an advanced technique that

has delivered multi-benefits in terms of economic development, poverty reduction for

rural farmers and environmental protection including the reduction of greenhouse gas

emissions and soil and water pollution in the Mekong Delta which contribute

effectively to the realization of the Agriculture Restructuring Plan of Vietnam. An

Giang and Kien Giang provinces have long been the two top advanced and productive

rice production provinces; however the application of 1M6R has increased their yield

and profitability from 5-60%. Hypothetically, if the 1M6R tehcniques are applied

across the 1.85 million ha of rice in the MD, the cost savings for materials is 7,400

billion dong (equivalent to 352.3 million USD) annually and the water saved is

approximately 2.4 billion m3. As such, the facilitation and promotion of adoption of the

1M6R in the large scale rice production model for improving the quality and

comparative advantages for the rice is recommended.

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2. VLCRP’s research data showed the close relationships between the economic and

environmental co-benefits versus the crop management practices, water irrigation and

ecological zones. For the 1M6R to optimize its efficacy, the replication and research

activities should continue in the five remaining ecological zones and geographical areas

of intensive rice cultivation in the MD.

3. The continuation of experience sharing and learning with other low carbon

rice/agriculture projects is a pivotal activity to standardize and document the optimum

low carbon rice farming protocol for widescale adoption.

4. Research and hands-on field experience on low carbon rice farming at the community

level should be used for evidence-based rice production planning at the provincial level

and policy recommendations at national level. At the community level, policy

recommendations should be focused on the modality and mechanism to support the

improvement of the rice value chain and the engagement for a win-win partnership

among farmers, scientist, government and private sector. At the national level, as the

VLCRP policy dialogues are being undertaken, policy recommendations should be

proposed for enhancing the effective coordination among the 3 key technical agencies

of Crop Production, Plant Protection and Water Resources Irrigation Department for

supporting the low carbon agriculture practices from the grass-root level and up. These

policy changes will support and accelerate the process of realization of the Rice

Restructuring Plan in particular; and the overall economic and social development in

general.

5. The low carbon rice farming protocol proves its feasibilities in promoting women’s

capacity and capability in adopting and mastering the contemporary advanced farming

technique as an innovative livelihood improvement for women. Further investigations

and interventions for gender empowerment in modern agriculture activities should be

continued at community and provincial level to facilitate the Women Union’s roles and

responsibilities in gender-focused livelihood improvements.

The restructuring of Agriculture toward modernization, increasing the competative

advantages and profitability in agriculture in an environmental-friendly style has been one of

the top priorities in the social economic development strategy of the Government of Vietnam.

The low carbon rice farming is an advanced contemporary farming technique has been

developed and applied in large scale of over 530 ha/each crop by VLCRP and their partners in

An Giang and Kien Giang provinces. The application and wide-adoption of 1M6R farming

protocol has delivered meaningful outcomes for economic, social and environment

development that are aligned with the development priorities of the agriculture sector and

Vietnam as a whole.

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Annex 1: Summary of Preliminary Results of VLCRP

Location/Season

(Kien Giang

province = KG;

An Giang province = AG

Model

Preliminary Results of GHG emissions

reductions

Preliminary Results of Profit in terms of

Yield and Net Profit for farmers

CH4

emissions

(CO2e

ton/ha)

N2O

emissions

(CO2e

ton/ha)

Combined

CO2e

ton/ha

GHG

emissions

Reduction

(CO2e ton/ha)

Yield

(ton/ha) -

Dry

%

Increase

in Yield

Profit

(million

VND/ha)

%

Increase

in Profit

AG (Crop 1: Dec

12- Mar 13)

Control 6.2 31.4

AWD 6.6 7 36.4 16

AG (Crop 2: April

- July 13)

Control 3.5 0.1 3.7 5.9 26.1

AWD 1.1 0.5 1.6 2.1* 6.7 14 37.1 42

AG (Crop 3: Aug-

Nov 13)

Control 2.2 0.5 2.7 6 20.7

AWD 1.2 1.1 2.6

No

reduction 6.5 8 27.3 32

AG (Crop 4: Dec

13-Apr 14)

Control 5.3 0.11 5.4 8.2 17.9

AWD 2.9 0.18 3.1 2.3 9.4 15 28.7 60

AG (Crop 5: May-

Aug 14) Control 10.9 0.14 11 5.8 10.8

AWD 4.9 0.25 5.2 5.8** 6.7 16 22.6 52

KG (Crop 1: Nov

12- Feb 13)

Control 6.7 15.9

AWD 7.2 8 20.8 31

KG (Crop 2: Mar-

Jun 13)

Control 1 0.15 1.1 5.9 12.9

AWD 0.2 0.18 0.4 0.7** 6.3 7 20.4 58

KG (Crop 3: Jul-

Oct 13)

Control 22.4 0.4 25.5 4.8 11.1

AWD 7.2 0.2 8.2 17.3*** 5.3 10 17.3 56

KG (Crop 4: Nov

13 - Mar 14)

Control 26.8 0.11 26.9 8.2 34

AWD 9.3 0.13 9.4 17.5 9.6 17 45.7 34

KG (Crop 5: Mar -

June 14) Control 32.2 0.09 32.2 4.9 11.6

AWD 7.5 0.12 7.5 24.7** 5.6 13 19.3 40

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Annex 2: Case study of Mrs Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huong

Prior to the launch of VLCRP in Kenh 7b ward,

Thanh Dong A commune, Tan Hiep district of Kien

Giang province, rice farmers harvested two crops of

rice per year. On average the net income per hectare

from rice cultivation was about 14.5 million

VND/hectare. During times when the crop was not

productive, farmers were not able to pay for their

input costs. A widow since 2008 and nursing five

children, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huong’s main

income source is from Rice production. Mrs. Huong

has participated in the VLCRP project since

November 2012 and practiced VLCRP’s farming

model, 1 Must 6 Reductions, over her three hectares

of land. To date, six crops have been harvested. A full

data set of farming practices of Mrs. Huong’s family

prior to joining VLCRP project and during the last 6

crops is available in VLCRP’s Baseline study and

Crop Evaluation database and shown below.

In 2012, I was encouraged to join the Vietnam Low Carbon Rice Project. At first and

during the entire crop one (the Winter-Spring crop 2012-2013), I was very nervous

because the project’s farming technique reduced 50% of the seeds, 30% of fertilizer,

reduced the water and minimize the herbicide spray as much as possible. During the

crop, I was trained to count the panicles and tillers, and witnessed that even if I used

much less seeds and fertilizer, the total rice panicles and tillers in my paddy are about

the same but even stronger than the paddies with much higher seed density and

fertilizer application. The results of the first crop were very positive. Thus I have been

practicing 1M6Rs since that. The last Winter-Spring crop of 2013-2014, with three

hectares of land for rice cultivation, our family earned more than 100 million Dong

after subtracting the input costs. I am no longer nervous when following the project’s

farming technique; and am very happy now that I can pay back my debt, cover the

living cost and pay for tuition fees for my sons and my daughters. Joining this project,

I learned a lot from the regular community meetings and the on-farm support from

our Group Leaders, Extension Workers and Teachers from Can Tho University. Our

lives are a lot easier and happier. I am also joining the Women Union’s regular

meetings in my commune, and I shared with many other women about the 1M6Rs

farming practices to help them to increase their family income.

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Farm and Economic Data for Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huong

1. Rice farming practices prior to joining VLCRP

Prior to joining VLCRP

(baseline data)

Upon joining VLCRP (Data source:

Farmer Diary Records) Winter-Spring

crop 2013-2014

Winter-Spring crop 2010-2011

Seed (kg/ha) 210.0

Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 120.0

P2O5 (kg/ha) 76.0

K2O (kg/ha) 65.0

Yield (ton/ha) 8.15

Seed (kg/ha) 120.0


P2O5 (kg/ha) 61.0

K2O (kg/ha) 50.0

Yield (ton/ha) 10.4

Summer-Autumn Crop 2011

Seed (kg/ha) 230.0


P2O5 (kg/ha) 75.0

K2O (kg/ha) 62.0

Yield (ton/ha) 5.53


Seed (kg/ha) 120.00


P2O5 (kg/ha) 65.00

K2O (kg/ha) 50.00

Yield (t/ha) 7.15

Autumn-Winter crop 2011

The Co-op and farmers only do two crops

per year before the Vietnam Low Carbon

Rice Project arrives; thus there was no

Autumn-Winter crop data.


Seed (kg/ha) 120.00


P2O5 (kg/ha) 62.00

K2O (kg/ha) 50.00

Yield (ton/ha) 6.91


Seed (kg/ha) 120.00


P2O5 (kg/ha) 46.00

K2O (kg/ha) 46.00

Yield (t/ha) 6.40


Seed (kg/ha) 120.00


P2O5 (kg/ha) 46.00

K2O (kg/ha) 42.00

Yield (t/ha) 6.00

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2. The economic effectiveness of the Winter-Spring crop before and after joining the VLCRP

Prior to joining VLCRP (baseline data) Upon joining VLCRP

Winter-Spring crop 2010-2011 Winter-Spring crop 2012-2013

Input costs VND/ha

(thousand)

Input costs VND/ha (thousand)

Land preparation 1,440 Land preparation 1,540

Seed 2,625 Seed 1,680

Fertilizer 4,950 Fertilizer 5,213

Pesticide/herbicide 3,100 Pesticide/herbicide 5,726

Water 1,215 Water 633

Harvest cost 1,590 Harvest cost 2,000

Labor cost 3,200 Labor cost 3,530

Total input cost 18,120 Total input cost 20,288

Total Revenue 45,640 Total Revenue 44,149

Net Income 27,520 Net Income 23,861

3. The economic effectiveness of Summer-Autumn crops upon joining the VLCRP

Upon joining VLCRP Upon joining VLCRP

Summer-Autumn crop 2011 Summer-Autumn crop 2013

Input costs VND/ha (thousand) Input costs VND/ha (thousand)


Seed 1,800 Seed 1,320



Water 560 Water 368






4. The economic effectiveness of the 2 Autumn-Winter crops upon joining the VLCRP


Autumn-Winter crop 2013 Autumn-Winter crop 2014

Input costs VND/ha

(thousand) Input costs VND/ha (thousand)


Seed 1,230 Seed 1,440



Water 560 Water 566





95


5. The economic effectiveness of the Winter-Spring crop before and after joining the

VLCRP

Prior to joining VLCRP (baseline data) Upon joining VLCRP

Winter-Spring crop 2010-2011 Winter-Spring crop 2013-2014

Input costs VND/ha (thousand) Input costs VND/ha

(thousand)

Land preparation 1,440 Land preparation 940

Seed 2,625 Seed 1,416


Pesticide/herbicid

e 3,100 Pesticide/herbicide 2,850

Water 1,215 Water 633






6. The economic effectiveness of the Summer-Autumn crop before and after joining the VLCRP


Summer-Autumn crop 2011 Summer-Autumn crop 2014

Input costs VND/ha

(thousand) Input costs VND/ha (thousand)


Seed 1,800 Seed 1,440



Water 560 Water 153






96

STUDY ON AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF 1 MUST – 6 REDUCTIONS MODEL


Huynh Quang Tin1, Nguyen Van Sanh1, Tran Thu Ha2

Doan Ngoc Pha3, Tran Quang Cui4

Abstract

The “Vietnam low carbon rice project - VLCRP" has been implemented at Kenh 7B cooperative, Tân Hiep, Kien Giang province and Phu Thuong cooperative, Phu Tan, An Giang province for improving rice cultivation of 1 Must – 5 Reductions model (1M – 5R) to 1 Must 6 Reductions model that resulting higher households’ income and green products – low carbon emission. The experiment had been carried out since the winter-spring crop 12–13 until autumn-winter crop 2014 with 3 models: 1) 1 Must 6 Reductions, 1M6R+Tricoderma (TRI) and traditional practice as Control (CON). The results from 11 rice crops show that application of 1P6G+AWD could reduce 47% of seed rate; 24% of nitrogen, 32% of pesticide application; 48% of water for production; 30% of losses during production and increase about 12% of average rice yield and 50% of profit in comparing to CON model. The results indicate that the model of 1P6G-AWD benefits higher economic efficiency, improving environment conditions; and it is also a potential technical model for poverty alleviation for poor farm households towards green agriculture in the Mekong Delta.

Keywords: 1 must – 6 reductions, alternative wetting and drying, yield, economic efficiency, rice

1. Introduction

Rice is the main food crop of almost all Asian countries and around the world; thus, rice is

cultivated with a large area. The estimation of the amount of water used in rice cultivation is

about2,700 billion m3/year of the total amount of water used globallyof about 3.800 billion

m3/year(Pham Thi Thanh Hoa, 2013). In the context of global climate change such asdrought,

floods, saltwater intrusion, etc., the efficiency of water management in agricultural production

is a major concern of agricultural countries, especially the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Many research have proven that there is an emission of methane (CH4) during the period of

rice cultivation; this gas is one of the major gases directly affecting to the global warming.The

practices of continuous wetting, high seed rate, too much fertilizer (nitrogen), etc.have been

the main cause of greenhouse gases emission (GHG). The emission in Vietnam is 150.9 Tg

CO2 (1 Tg = 1 million tons); in which, the GHG emission of agriculture sector is 65.09 Tg

CO2accounting for 43.1% of the total GHG emission of the country. In the agriculture sector,

wet rice cultivation accounts for 57.5% the GHG emission of whole sector(VSC, 2010).

1Mekong Delta Development and Research Institute (MDI)

2Environment al Defense Fund (EDF) – Vietnam

3 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, An Giang province

4 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kien Giang province

Support group: Nguyen Van Nhat, Nguyen Thanh Liem (MDI),

Trinh Minh Thao, Le Huyen Linh, Duong Phu Hau (EC- AG)

Nguyen Thi Xuan Huong, Nguyen Ngoc Huyen, Nguyen Van Huynh, Pham Viet Nam (EC-KG)

97

The reduction of water for irrigation (drained out) few times during a rice crop could decrease

about 50% of methane emission (Khosa et al., 2011; Elena Sanchis et al., 2012). In order to

save water and reduce GHG emission in rice production along with improving farm

household’s income, many new advanced practices which could reduce production costs and

increase rice yield such as 3 reductions – 3 gains (Heong et al., 2010); 1 must 5 reductions

(Truong Thi Ngoc Chi et al., 2013), System of rice intensification – SRI (WWF-ICRISAT,

2010), and 1 must 6 reductions (1M6R) - “1M5R” integrating with alternative wetting and

drying method (Huynh Quang Tin, 2014) are introduced in Vietnam. However, many farm

households are not applying the model of 1M5Rimproperly causing low production efficiency

and low income (Nguyen Ngoc Son et al., 2013).Thus, the pilot of VLCRP aims to

standardize farming practice and determines the impacts of alternative wetting and drying

technique to rice yield and economic efficiency in rice production at Phu Thuong, An Giang

andKenh 7B, Kien Giang from 11/2012-12/2014 providing a reference for recommendations

in production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

2. Materials and methodology

2.1.Materials and methodology

- The rice varieties used for experiments at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong have the growth

duration of about 95 - 105 days (depending on different variety/crop) and the quality

level is Certified seed provided by Extension center (provincial or district). The list of

rice varieties is shown in Table 2.1.

Table2.1: List of rice varieties for experiments through out seasons at Kenh 7B and Phu

Thuong

Crop Kenh 7B, KG Phu Thuong, AG

1. WS12-13 Jasmine 85 (105 days cycle) CK 92

2. SA 2014 OM5451 CK 92

3. AW 2014 OM5451 CK 92

4. WS13-14 Jasmine 85 CK 2003

5. SA 2014 OM5451 CK 2003

6. AW 2014 OM5451

- Fertilizers: the agreed fertilizers to be used in 3 models are as follow:

o Urea: Phu My, Vietnam (46% N)

o DAP: Philippines (18–46)

o Kali: Canada (60% K2O) – applied by households practice 1P6G-AWD

o NKP (16-16-8) applied by households practice CON model at Phu Thuong

- Plastic tubes 150 mm (diameter) x 400mm (long) are used for monitoring water level.

- Plastic frame is used for monitoring agronomic characteristics (height, number of

tillers, etc.).

- Plastic canvas is used for preventing water leakage between experiment fields of

1M6R-AWD and CON.

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- Water pump and necessary tools are used for measuring the amount of water pumped

into the field.

- Grain moisture meter, electric scaleand tool for measuring stem characteristics are

used for calculating rice yield and stem-internodes characteristic.

2.2. Methodology

2.2.1. Experiment establishment

Experiment including 3 treatments (model): 1P6G-AWD, 1P6G-TRI and CONwere

carried out in 3 seasons at K7B, KG and PT, AG (WS12-13 to AW2013)

Experiment including 2 treatments: 1M6R-AWD and CONwere carried out in 3 seasons (WS13-4 to AW 2014) at Kenh 7B and 2 seasons at Phu Thuong

Experiment establishment: The 3 models were arranged randomly with 3 repetitions. The total rice fields were 9 (3 treatments); 1 rice field (household) was a repetition of

each treatment. The area of each rice field was 1 ha.

Technical variable: sowing rate, fertilizer formula based on the baseline study

conducted before the implementation of the project and the model of 1 Must 6

Reductions based on the recommendation of 1 Must 5 Reductions with modifications

which were applied at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong as following:

Table 2.2: Fertilizer formulas applied in experimental models at K7B and PT by crops

Crop

Kenh 7B Phu Thuong

1M6R-

AWD

1M6R-

AWD+TRI*

Control 1M6R-

AWD

1M6R-

AWD+TRI*

Control

1 100-60-50 100-60-50 130-80-60 110-60-60 110-60-60 140-74-100

2 78-46-46 70-46-46 106-71-69 110-60-60 100-60-60 143-74-26

3 67-35-46 60-35-46 88-71-69 110-60-60 100-60-60 143-74-42

4 100-60-50 145-80-40 110-60-60 140-74-100

5 85-46-46 105-71-69 110-60-60 143-74-26

6 67-35-46 88-72-69

Note: * applied Desela 30kg/ha

2.2.2. Practices

Land preparation: after harvesting, the rice field was turned up and fallowed around 1-2 weeks, then harrowed and leveled for sowing. For the model using rice straw,

Trichoderma was buried down 2 weeks before sowing preventing poisoned.

Fertilizer application: Amount and timing for fertilizer application in all models was arranged at the same time for all sites, as following:

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Table 2.3: Amount and timing of fertilizer application for research models at K7B and PT

1M6R-AWD N (%) P (%) K (%)

1 (8-10DAS) 20 50 0

2 (20-21 DAS) 40 50 0

3 (40-45DAS) 30 0 50

4 (70-75DAS) 10 0 50

CON Model N (%) P (%) K (%)

1 (8-10DAS) 21 50 0

2 (20-22DAS) 40 50 0

3 (40-45DAS) 29 0 50

4 (70-75DAS) 10 0 50

Water management:

o The process of 1M6R-AWD was stimulated and applied as shown in the figure

below, timing for controlling water level in the rice field was recommended

accordingly to period before fertilizer application and at the end of tillering

stage to decimate the non-productive tillers and easy for harvesting.

o The CON model was applied the traditional practice of the areas. The water

level in this model is followed the schedule of irrigation group and cooperative

which included drain-out twice (at the mid-season and 10 days before

harvesting).

The process of AWD was designed for the 2 project areas as following:

Figure 2.1a: Water management in research models at Kenh 7B

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Figure 2.1b: Water management in research models at Phu Thuong

2.2.3. Data collection on agronomic characteristics

The variables of height, tiller development, lodging, growth duration, panicle and rice yield

were monitored periodically and followed the growth stages of the rice plant based on the

Standard Evaluation System for Rice (IRRI, 1988).

Rice roots:

Rice roots were randomly collected 10 rice plant/field in different times of 14, 21, 28, 35, 42,

56, 6 DAS for evaluating the development of rice roots in each treatment. The rice roots were

cleaned up and measured for average after dis-rooting.

Stem – internodes:

Internodes diameter: 10 days before harvest, 20 – 30 rice plants were randomly selected in

each field, main stem of each bush was picked for measurement as follow:

o Internodes length: the 3rd

, 4th

and 5th

internodes (from top goes down) were selected

for measuring the length (from 2nd ends of each internodes) and average length of

each internodes.

o Internodes diameter: the 3rd

, 4th

and 5th

internodes were selected for measuring

diameter at the middle point of each internodes using technical tool and calculating the

average.

o Thickness of internodes: Cutting at the central part of each internodes 3, 4, 5; using

technical tools to measure thickness in mm and calculate average thickness.

2.2.4. Yield components

Panicles/m2: counting the number of panicles of 3 frames on each field. The total

panicles of 3 frames (50 cm x 50 cm = 0.25 m2) was calculated into panicle/m

2.

Full grains/panicle: randomly seelcting 10 panicles for counting the total full grains

and unfilled grains. The average full grains/panicle was calculatedfor each frame.

Weight of 1,000 grains: selecting 1,000 full grains of each frame and weighting using

electric scale. The results of weight (g) and moisture (14%) were recorded.

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Actual yield: The grain was harvested from 3 distinct frames, 10m2/frame, and then

the threshing was carried out. Cleaning, weighing and measuring moisture content

were recorded.

All of the data related to grain weight were measured with the standard moisture of

14% applying the follow formula:

Wo x (100-Ho)

Weight (14%) = ------------------

86

In which: Wo: weight of grains (harvesting 5 frames or 10m2)

Ho: moisture content when weighting (%)

Rice yield calculation: Yield (ton/ha) was calculated by the weight of average weight of

frames (10m2).

2.2.5. Economic efficiency

Each project farmer was provided a "household note" and be trained to record the cost of

production including costs of materials, fertilizer, fuel materials and equipments, the cost of

hiring labor and services and analyzing production efficiency of each model. Economic

efficiency was calculated as follow:

Total cost (1 ha) = materials + labors

o Material costs

o Labor cost = hired labors + household’s labors

Total income (ha) = Yield (kg) x Selling price (VND/kg)

Profit /1 ha = Total income – Total cost

2.2.6. Data analysis

The data was input by using Microsoft Excel and analysed by using the SPSS software with the

T-test tool for study the difference of average between models in term of agronomic

characteristics, yield,costs, profit and net profit.

3. Results

The study on agronomic characteristics and economic efficiency was conducted at Kenh 7B

and Phu Thuong through 11 rice crops with positive results which could prove the advantages

of 1M6R-AWD model as following:

3.1. Impact of water management on rice growth

Growth duration:

At Kenh 7B: Jasmine variety was used during winter-spring crop and OM5451 variety was

used in the remaining rice crops. Figure 2.2 shows that the growth duration of rice in 1M6R-

AWD model is 1-3 days longer than those in CON model.

At Phu Thuong: CK92 variety was used in 3 rice crops from WS12-13 to AW2013 and

CK2003 variety was used in the last 2 rice crops. The results show a change in growth

duration throughout seasons, the duration in WS crop was longer than AW crop. During

102

WS13-14, due to cold weather condition, the growth duration was prolonged up to 7 days.

The model of 1M6R-AWD had a longer duration than CON model from 1-2 days.

Figure 2.2: Growth cycle (days) of rice varieties through 11 rice crops at K7B and PT

Height:

This characteristic is affected by cultivation conditions, in which water management is

one of the important factors. During the period of water drained-out, the rice height

was developed slowly and those in 1M6R-AWD model seem to be lower than those in

the CON model (Figure 2.3). This result is confirmed by the research of Tuonget al.

(2005), when water is drained-out, the rice roots develop deeper into the soil searching

for water; however, due to high rain fall in AW crop and appropriate water

management, there is no significant different between the 2 models.

Length of panicle:

The length of panicle (Table 2.4) in the model of 1M6R-AWD is always longer than

those in the CON model about 2cm and this is significantly different. The result could

be due to low sowing rate and appropriate fertilizer application and water management

of 1M6R-AWD model, the rice plants could develop a longer root system contributing

to better nutrient absorption, bigger panicles and increasing in length resulting higher

yield.

Figure 2.3: Plant height average of rice

plant throughout 11 crops at K7B and PT

Figure 2.4: Length of panicle between 2

models throughout 11 crops at K7B and PT

Development of tillers

The weekly data shows that the maximum number of tillers was reached at 21-28 DAS

in WS crop and SA crop; and 28-35 DAS in AW crop. With a high sowing rate, the

103

maximum number of tillers of CON model is always higher with low productive tillers

(50-60%) as compared to 1M6R-AWD model.

Internodes:

Figure 2.5 shows that the characteristic of the 4th

internodes is significantly different

between the two models. Water drained-out resulted shorter internodes with bigger

internodes diameter and higher thickness in 1M6R-AWD model comparing to CON

model. These traits contribute to a strong stem for rice plants lowering lodging rate

comparing to CON model; and this result is also corresponded to the study of Vu Anh

Phap (2013).

Figure 2.5: Averaged length, diameter and thickness of 4th

internodes in the experiments at

K7B and PT

Note: characteristic of 4th

internodes of 1M6R is significantly different with CON at 1%

3.2. Yield components and rice yield

Figure 2.6 shows that averagenumber of panicle/m2in1M6R-AWD model is less than CON

model of about 100 panicles/m2 and is significantly different with CON model at Kenh 7B

and Phu Thuong. The reason for this difference is the high sowing rate of CON model.

Number of panicle/m2in 1M6R-AWD model is low, but the length of panicle is longer and

number of full grains/panicle is higher (12 grains/panicle) significantly comparing to CON

model. The significant difference in number of full grains/panicle contributes to higher yield

of 1M6R-AWD model. The results indicate that low sowing rate with appropriate fertilizer

application contribute to less pest/diseases, stronger stem and high ratio of full grains.

The weight of rice/sticky rice grain in the experiments is note significantly different between

the models due to the characteristics of the varieties. Thus, grain weight is not an important

factor contributing to higher yield in the experimental models.

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Figure 2.6: Panicles/m2 and fulfilled grains/panicle of models by 11 crops at K7B and PT

Rice yield(Figure 2.7) is high during WS crop and reaches the lowest number during AW

crop. The model of 1M6R-AWDalways has a higher yield about 11% and is significantly

different to CON model. During the 3 experiment crops (WS12-13 to SA 2013), 1M6R-

AWD+TRI model had reached the rice yield equivalent to 1M6R-AWD model and higher

than CON model about 0.5 ton/ha comparing to CON at K7B and PT.

Note: V1: F=6.001**; V2: F=4.141*; V3: F=12.121**; V4; T=7.438**; V5: T=3.095** ;

V6 : T=2.032*

Note: V1: F=1.032ns; V2: F=3.282*; V3:F=5.316*; V4: T=4.456*; V5: T=4.148**

Figure 2.7: Grain yields of experimental models throughout 11 crops at K7B and Phu Thuong

105

3.3. The efficiency of 1M-6R model

The situation of pest/diseases and application of plant protection chemicals: The situation was

happened unfavorable for the experimental models at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong. Brown plant

hopper, rice leaf folder and blast leaf, viruses happened several times every rice crop with

different level of damages and farmers applied chemicals to solve the problem. In general,

farmers applied chemicals about 3 – 4 times in 1M6R-AWD model and less than CON model

(Figure 2.8).

Application of “alternative wetting and drying” technique: the data shows that the amount

water used in 1M6R-AWD model was significantly decreased – average of 1,296 m3 (43%) at

Kenh 7B and 3,518 m3 (48%) at Phu Thuong. Application of AWD has greatly reduced the

amount of water used (Figure 2.9) with no decreasing in rice yield. This result indicates that

1M6R-AWD model will be a potential model for rice production in the future to cope with

water scarcity.

Figure 2.8: Average of chemical application

times in each rice crop at K7B and PT

Figure 2.9: Average of amount of water used

per rice crop at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong

Economic efficiency analysis between 1M6R+AWD andCONmodel (Table2.4) shows a

decreasing of seed rate by47%; fertilizer by24-28% (nitrogen and phosphate), chemical

application by32%; losses during harvesting by 31%, and saving water about 45% of water

comparing to CON model. The result indicates that 1M6R+AWD model brings higher

economic benefits and environment friendly.

Table2.4: Comparison (% reduction) between 1M6R+AWD and CON model throughout rice

crops at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong (11 crops)

Costs Kenh 7B Phu Thuong Average

Reduction 1 – Seed 50 43 47

Reduction 2 – Fertilizer N

P2O5

K2O

25

37

28

23

19

-27

24

28

0

Reduction 3 – Chemical applications 37 27 32

Reduction 4 - Water

Time of pumping

43

37

48

16

45

27

Reduction 5 – Losses 30 30 30

106

3.4. Economic efficiency

Investment costs (5 Reductions)

In all experimental models (Figure 2.10), input costs of CON model include seed, fertilizer

and chemicals accounting for a high proportion (44%) of total costs;

Application of “1M6R-AWD”:farm households could reduce the costs of seed, fertilizer,

chemicals with the average of about 9.7 million VND/ha (37%) comparing to CON model.

Comparing of investment costs between 2 project sites shows that the production costs of

households (1M6R-AWD and CON) at Phu Thuong is higher about 3-10 million VND/ha

than those at Kenh 7B.

The cost of irrigation and harvesting are similar in each project site because the existing

management mechanism requests all farmers to share equally the total pumping cost to their

Co-ops; thus there is no difference in cost reductions between models.

Figure 2.10: Production costs of 1P6R-AWD and CON through 11 crops at Kenh 7B and PT

Financial efficiency

The average data of 6 rice crops at Kenh 7B – Kien Giang and 5 rice crops at Phu Thuong –

AG (Figure 2.11) show that the total investment in CON model is higher about 19% (KG) and

37% (AG) comparing to 1M6R-AWD; however, the total income and profit at Phu Thuong,

AG is higher than those at Kenh 7B.

There is not significant difference in average profit between 1M6R-AWD and 1M6R-

AWD+TRI at K7B and PT. However, 1M6R-AWD model earns higher profit about 7 - 8

million VND/ha at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong comparing to CON model. The higher profit of

1M6R+AWD model is due to: 1) reducing cost of seeds, fertilizer and chemicals, and 2)

higher rice yield of 11.5% contributing to higher profit.

The profit of 1M6R-AWD model at Phu Thuong is higher than Kenh 7B due to higher selling

price of sticky rice (Phu Thuong) than paddy rice (Kenh 7B) during the first 3 rice crops of

the project. In addition, there is occasion of rain at the harvest time of AW cropat Kenh 7B

affecting to selling price and profit of the models.

107

Note: V1: F=10.319**; V2: F=27.849**; V3: F=12.691**; V4: T=4.506*; V5: T=3.996* ;

V6 : T=4.509*

Note: V1: F=1.724ns

; V2: F=11.063**; V3: F=19.261**; V4: T=7.475**; V5: T=7.727**

Figure 2.11: Returns form models throughout 11 rice crops at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong

In general, 1M6R+AWD and 1M6R-TRI model earn higher financial efficiency significantly

in statistical analysisto CON model. The profit is stable at Kenh 7B with 20 million

VND/ha/rice crop; especially, the 4th

rice crop (WS13-14),the highest profit was reached with

45 million VND/ha due to high rice yield and high selling price.

At Phu Thuong (AG), the profit has gradually reduced since the beginning of the project due

to the fluctuation of paddy rice and sticky rice selling price on the market, the highest profit

were achieved in the 1st and 2

nd rice crop with about 37 million VND/ha.

3.5. Problems in the study

Pests/diseases

During the implementation of experiment and developing of 1M6R-AWD model,

many occasions of pests/diseases had happened directly affecting to the rice growth

and development such as brown plant-hopper, rice leaf folder,stem borer; blast

disease, bacteria diseases. Infection of pests/diseases contributed to higher production

costs of households; however, those applied 1M6R model could reduce 2 chemical

108

application/rice crop which reduced production costs and contributed to the

improvement of environment.

Weather conditions

- During the last 2 years, all of experiments have been affected by unfavorable weather

conditions causing difficulties from sowing until harvesting.

- In SA 2013 crop, high rainfall and strong winds happening during the harvest times

caused high damage to all the project sites at Kenh 7B. In addition, occasion of rain

happened during sowing time causing flood and low productive of rice plant

contributing to higher production cost for re-sowing and transplanting.

- On the other hand, high rainfall also affected greatly to the water management at Kenh

7B and Phu Thuong (Figure 2.12), especially during SA and AW crop there was high

probability of rainy days and high rainfall. Thus, period of water control could not be

done properly according to the process and sometimes needed to drain-out (AW crop).

Figure 2.12: Rainfall regime affecting to water management at Kenh 7B and PT, SA2014

- Although affected by unfavorable weather conditions, the project farmers have applied

the process quite well crop by crop resulting the decreasing of water pumping about 2-

3 times in the 1M6R model and the water level in the rice field is also lower and

saving of about 45% of water comparing to CON model.

Infrastructure for water management:

There is a dyke system and irrigation system in the project area which could provide enough

water even during the AW rice crop (Phu Thuong). However, at Kenh 7B, there is usually

rainy days during the AW crop which causes difficulty for water controlling. Although the

process of 1M6R shows high economic efficiency, there are difficulties in wide spreading the

process to other farm households in the project areas:

109

- At Phu Thuong: Farmers have to follow the schedule of irrigation of “1 time

pumping/every 10 days” agreed by members of the cooperative; thus, the water

control of participated households sometimes could not be managed in full accordance

with the recommended process.

- At Kenh 7B: The water management is totally dependent on the water pumping sub-

stations and the mechanism of cooperation between groups in term of timing (due to

differences in investment: water pumping station and pumper) and cost. Although

there are advantages in the system, it also affects the unification in water management.

Moreover, due to the dimension of the rice field, it requires time to level the water in

the field causing unequal flooded plot in the field.

Techniques

- The combined technique of using rice straw with Trichoderma could increase the soil

fertile and reduce fertilizer application in rice production. However, it requires time

for rice straw to be decomposed ensuring low emission of CH4.

- During the autumn-winter rice crop, there are high probability of rainy days and high

rainfall causing flood in the rice field. These conditions limited the development and

growth of rice plant causing low productivity and rice yield. Other techniques such as

fertilizer formula, timing for fertilizer application and sowing rate should have been

further studied in order to help farm households improving their households’ income.

4. Conclusions and recommendations

4.1. Conclusions

Based on the collected agronomic data and production costs of 11 experimental rice crops for

the model of 1M6R-AWD at Kenh 7B and Phu Thuong, the following conclusions are made:

The model of 1M6R-AWD including several water control periods had contributed to a

shorter rice stem – stronger stem, bigger internodes – more thickness of internodes and

longer panicles (1cm) comparing to CON model.

The number of full grains/panicle in the model of 1M6R-AWD is higher about 12 grains/panicle (31%) and is also an important factor resulting higher rice yield and is

significantly different to CON model.

The application of 1M6R-AWD model has reduced 47% of seeds, 24% of nitrogen fertilizer, 48% of water, 32% of chemical applications comparing to CON model.

The average rice yield of 11 rice crop of 1M6R-AWD model is higher about 11.5% and

50% of higher profit than traditional practices.

The model of 1M6R-AWD is effective and suitable for wide application in rice production inKien Giangand An Giang province. 1M6R-AWD model is a potentially technical model

for increasing rice yield and product value and green agriculture.

4.2.Recommendations

With the positive results from 11 experimental rice crops, 1M6R model is very potential for

wide introduction and application; however, the following recommendations are made for

better results of application:

- Continue to standardize the technical process of 1M6R model and alternative wetting

and drying for different ecological systems in the Mekong Delta.

110

- Further study is required for better understanding the relationship between the ratio of

rice straw and emission in order to make suggestions for wide adaptation contributing

to the development of sustainable and green agriculture.

- Further study about fertilizer formula, timing of fertilizer application and appropriate

cultivation technique are required in order to increase rice yield and profit during the

autumn-winter rice crop.

- Selecting and better support for core farmers are needed in order to demonstrate the

technique, transfer and widespread the model of 1M6R to farmers in the Mekong

Delta.

References

1. Elena Sanchis, Marta Ferrer, Antonio G. Torres, Maria Cambra-Lopez, and Salvador

Calvet, 2012. Effect of water and straw management practices on methane emisiion

from rice fields: A review through a meta-analysis. Environmental Engineering

Science. 29 (12): 1053-1062

2. Huỳnh Quang Tín, 2014. Báo cáo kỹ thuật Nông học và Hiệu quả tài chính Mô hình 1

Phải 6 Giảm, Dự án VLCRP – EDF.

3. IRRI, 1988. Standard Evaluation System for Rice (3rd

Edition, June 1988)

4. Khosa M.K., Sidhu B.S., Benbi D.K., 2011. J Environ Biol. 32 (2): 169-72. PubMed

5. Phạm Thị Thanh Hoa va Nguyễn Đức Vinh, 2013.Nước và An ninh lương thực:Vấn

đề toàn cầu và Việt Nam.

http://nawapi.gov.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1397:nuoc-

va-an-ninh-luong-thuc-van-de-toan-cau-va-viet-nam&catid=3:tin-trong-

nuoc&Itemid=6

6. Trương Thị Ngọc Chi, Trần Thị Thúy Anh, Trần Quang Tuyến, Florencia Palis, Grant

Singleton, Nguyễn Văn Toan, 2013. OMONRICE 19: 273-249

7. Tuong T.P, Bouman B.A.M and Martin Mortimer, 2005. More Rice, Less Water –

Integrated Approaches for Increasing Water Productivity in Irrigated Rice – Based

Systems in Asia. Plant Prod Sci 8 (3): 231 – 241

8. Vietnam Second Communication (VSC), 2010. Vietnam Second Communication to

UNFCCC, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2010. Thông báo Quốc

gia lần 2 của Việt Nam cho Công ước khung của Liên hiệp quốc về biến đổi khí hậu

năm 2010

9. Vũ Anh Pháp, 2013. Đánh giá khả năng chống chịu đổ ngã của một số giống lúa cao

sản triển vọng. Tạp chí Khoa học Trường Đại học Cần Thơ, số 25: 67-74

10. WWF-ICRISAT, 2010. More rice for people – More water for the planet. Africare,

Oxfarm, WWF.

http://nawapi.gov.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1397:nuoc-va-an-ninh-luong-thuc-van-de-toan-cau-va-viet-nam&catid=3:tin-trong-nuoc&Itemid=6





111

STUDY ON CULTURAL PRACTICES

FOR INCREASING INCOME OF AUTUMN-WINTER RICE CROP

IN TAN HIEP, KIEN GIANG PROVINCE

Huynh Quang Tin1, Nguyen Van Nhat1, Nguyen Cong Uan2, Tran Thu Ha3

Abstract

The study on technical intervention for increasing income during autumn-winter rice crop inTan HiepKien Giangprovince was conducted with 03 treatments: (1) sowing rate, (2) nitrogen fertilizer formula, and (3) timing of fertilizer application. The experiment was arranged with 3 repetitions and the data of rice yield andproduction costs were collected for analysis to find out the differences between the treatments. The results show that: high profit could be achieved with the sowing rate of 80-120 kg/ha; the treatment of applying no fertilizer had the rice yield which was not different to the treatment of nitrogen fertilizer formula of 80-35-45kg/ha and achieved equal profit with CON model; 1 time of fertilizer application (8 DAS or 40 DAS) could achieve high economic efficiency but was not significantly different to none fertilizer application and CON; applying appropriate technical interventions could earn high economic efficiency with the sowing rate of 120kg/ha andapplying no fertilizer. The autumn-winter rice crop atKenh 7B, Thanh Dong A, Tan Hiep,Kien Giangprovince with the application of none-fertilizer treatment could be a model for green rice production with high income. However, further study is required for the autumn-winter rice cop 2015 in order to confirm the result for recommendation into production.

Keywords: yield, economic efficiency, fertilizer application, sowing rate, rice

1. Introduction

There is an increasing trend of rice production during the 3rd

(autumn-winter) rice crop in the

Mekong Delta around 832,000ha (CTT, 2015) in order to ensure the national productivity and

create job for farmers. However, during the AW crop, there is high probability to encounter

unfavorable weather conditions and is difficult to apply technical interventions causing lower

profit than SA rice crop about 17-19% with similar inputs and selling price (Pham Le Thong

et al., 2010). Currently, rice production during AW crop is usually affected by unfavorable

conditions causing low rice yield (less than 5 tan/ha) (Nguyen Ngoc Son et al., 2013). Based

on the surveyed and practical data of AW rice crop ofVLCRP at Thanh Dong A commune,

Tan Hiep, Kien Giang province, it shows that the rice crop completely happens during the wet

season (July – October). This reason has significant impacts on sowing, water control and

efficiency of fertilizer application which has causedhigh production costs, low rice yield

(about 4 ton/ha), and low profit or loss.

Beside from creating jobs for farmers, increasing income and rice productivity, 3 rice crops

production also cause low nutrient contents in the soil, low rate of organic matters and

reducing rice yield (Tan et al., 1995; Tan, 1997; Lai et al., 1997; Hoa et al., 1998; Phung et

al., 1998; quoted by Huynh Dao Nguyen, 2008). In order to find out the appropriate

intervention for farmers to improve their households’ income, the experiment of technical

1Mekong Delta Development Research Institute (MDI)

2Agricultural Seed Center of Hau Giang province

3Envirenmental Defense Fund – Hanoi (EDF)

112

interventions during the AW rice crop was conducted during the AW crop 2014 at Tan Hiep,

Kien Giang province.

2. Materials&methodology

In order to achieve good result for analyzing major factors and comparison of profit, 3 distinct

experiments had been conducted from 7-10/2014 at Thanh Dong A commune, Tan Hiep, Kien

Giang province. The materials and experiment establishment are listed below:

2.1. Materials

OM5451 variety was used for experiment; the fertilizers were the same for all experiments;

plastic canvas, and other necessary tools for experiments.

2.2.Experiment establishment

Experiment on sowing rates:

Five treatments (80, 120, 160, 200 và 240 kg/ha) were laid out in the randomly complete

design with three replications. Area of each plot was 100 m2. Fertilizer formula was 65N-

35P2O5-45K2O kg/ha.

Experiment on nitrogen fertilizer formula:

The experiment included 06 treatments arranged completely random block with 03 repetitions

(76 m2/ replication).In which, the CON treatment was applied no fertilizer andtreatment 6 was

applied traditional practice (90-70-70). The other treatments were set a fix amount of

phosphate (P) andpotassium (K) as 35% K2O and 45% P2O5;the amount of nitrogen fertilizer

in experiments were 30%, 45%, 65% and 80%. The sowing rate for broadcasting method was

120 kg/ha. The timing for fertilizer application was: 1st timeat 08 DAS (32% nitrogen and

50% phosphate); 2nd

timeat 20 DAS (28% nitrogen, 50% phosphate and 34% potassium)

and3rd

timeat 40 DAS (40% nitrogen and 66% potassium).

Experiment on the timing for fertilizer application:

The experiment included 07 treatments of 08-20-00; 00-00-40; 08-00-40; 00-20-40; 08-00-00;

08-20-40 (Đ/C) and 00-00-00 arranged randomly, with 03 repetitions(50 m2/repetition).The

sowing rate was 120 kg/ha. The based fertilizer formula was 65-35-45. There were 03 fixed

period of fertilizer application as1st time: 08 DAS (32% nitrogen and 50% phosphate); 2

nd

time: 20 DAS (28% nitrogen, 50% phosphate and 34% potassium) and3rd

time: 40 DAS (40%

nitrogen and 66% potassium). The total amount fertilizer was different between the

treatments.

2.3.Data collection

Rice yield: The rice yield was applied accordingly to the Standard Evaluation System for Rice

(IRRI, 2014)

Production costs: Each household which participated in the study was provided a “Household

note” and was trained to record details from sowing to harvest such as: input costs, fertilizer,

fuel and equipments, labor and calculating economic efficiency at the end of the crop for each

model.

2.4.Data analysis

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with DUNCAN test was applied to find out the difference of

rice yield and economic efficiency between treatments of each experiment.

113

3. Results

3.1. Water management

During the AW crop 2014, there were 45 days of rain with the total rainfall of 832mm.

Raining in the sowing period had affected the experimental field (seeds were engulfed deep

into the soil) and slow growth of rice seed during the first week.

In the AW crop 2014, there was only 1 period of completely drained out the water (33-

42DAS) overlapping the period of no rainfall. However, rainfall caused great impacts on the

water control during the period of 0-30 DAS affecting the field in continuous flooding which

required pumping-out at 20-25 DAS for 2nd

time of fertilizer application. During the period

from the 3rd

time of fertilizer application (40 DAS) to harvest, the water level in the rice field

was around 5-20cm; especially, rainfall happened during flowering stage directly affecting the

rice yield. The water level was high during the period from flowering stage to ripening stage

due to seasonal flood. In general, the water control process could not be done properly during

the AW rice crop.

Figure3.1: Rainfall and water management in the experiments,AW 2014atKenh 7B

3.2. Results on rice yield

Experiment on sowing rates

There was only 1 time of water control (completely drained out) in the mid-season causing

flooding in the experimental treatments and affecting the development of tillers. Figure3.2

114

shows that the rice yields of the sowing rate of 80-120kg/ha was highest and is significantly

different to other treatments. According to farmers, high sowing rate could not achieve a good

development of tillers as of low sowing rateand the similar situation happens to the number of

grain/panicle; thus, the number of full grains/panicle in low sowing rate is the important factor

contributing to the increasing in rice yield.

Figure3.2: Rice yield in the experiments on sowing rateat Kenh 7B, AW-2014

Note: On top of each column, similar letter means nto significant different; T-value and * mean

significant different at 5%.

Experiment on nitrogen fertilizer formula

Figure3.3 indicates that high rice yield could be achieved with high amount of fertilizer and

continuous flooding method; however, it would cause high production costs and high lodging

rate in treatment 5 and 6. The actual rice yield is gradually increasing and is directly

proportional to the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used. However, only the CON treatment (90-

70-70) achieved high rice yield and was significantly different at 5% comparing to the rest.

In the treatment of none application of fertilizer,the rice leaf is quite shorter and light yellow

in color but the stem is strong and less infected by pest/diseases and the yield of the treatment

was 4.2t/ha and was not significantly different to other treatments (up to 80-34-45kg/ha). The results indicate that the capacity of nutrient absorption of rice plant was low due to high level

of water in the rice field; thus, intensive fertilizer application during AW crop is not an

appropriate technique for sustainable increasing of rice yield.

115

Figure3.3: Rice yield in treatments on nitrogen fertilizer formulas atKenh 7B, AW-2014

Note: On top of each column, similar letter means nto significant different; T-value and * mean

significant different at 5%.

Experiment on the timing for fertilizer application

Applying similar water control method with the reduction in fertilizer amount and time pf

application, the result shows that the rice yield is increasing accordingly to the increasing in

the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used(Figure3.4). The highest amount of fertilizer used was of

CON treatment (65-35-45) with 3 applications achieving highest yield (4.6t/ha) and was

significantly different to other treatments.

There are some similarities to experiment on nitrogen fertilizer formula; however, in

treatment 2 and 3, there was only one time fertilizer application with a great reduction in the

amount and it could achieve quite high rice yield with no significant difference to CON. This

result indicates that treatment 2 and 3 could reduce production costs and pollution in

comparing to CON (treatment 7).

In the treatment of none fertilizer application, although the rice plant grew weakly, the rice

stem was strong and low lodging rate and low rice yield with no significant difference to

treatments with 1 to 2 applications (excluding CON). This will be compared in the section of

economic efficiency; however, the rice yield of 3.8t/ha is acceptable for green rice production

with great impacts to environment and no losses.

Figure3.4: Rice yields in experiment on times of fertilizer application atKenh 7B, AW-2014

- On top of each column, similar letter means nto significant different;* mean significant different at

5%

- Row below the column means the treatments – timing for application; - within ( ) is the corresponded

fertilizer formulas.

4.3 Economic efficiency

Experiment on sowing rates

Table3.1 shows that high sowing rate caused high production cost in CON treatment (240

kg/ha) which is higher about 1.2 timethan the treatment of 80 kg/ha and is significantly

different to other treatments.

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Income and profit of the treatment of 80-120 kg/ha is highand significantly different to other

high sowing rates. The profit of the sowing rate of 80 kg/ha is higher than the sowing rate of

240 kg/ha (CON) about 5.57 million VND/ha (increasing 42%). The treatment of 80kg/ha

also has the highest profit ratio of 1.9.

Table3.1: Economic efficiency of experiments on sowing rates atKenh 7 B, AW- 2014 (dried

rice; million VND)

Kenh 7B 80 kg/ha 120

kg/ha

160

kg/ha

200

kg/ha

240

kg/ha F Sig.

Total

income 28,502

b 27,401

ab 24,988

a 24,988

a 25,145

a 3,296

ns 0,027

Total costs 9,887a 10,367

b 11,140

c 11,620

d 12,100

e 0,000** 0,000

Profit 18,615b 17,034

b 13,848

a 13,368

a 13,045

a 7,589** 0,000

P/C 1,88b 1,63

b 1,27

a 1,17

a 1,10

a 14,948** 0,000

Note: Within a row, numbers followed by the same letter is not significantly different at 5%;

Rice yield is not significantly different; ** different at 1%

Experiment on nitrogen fertilizer formulas

The higher amount of nitrogen fertilizer is used, the higher income is earned;however, income

between treatments was not much different, only the treatment of 90-70-70 is significantly

different to no-fertilizer treatment. Treatments which were applied much nitrogen fertilizer

had higher production costs causing many impacts such as water pollution, high labor cost,

health, etc.

Interestingly, although the production cost was high, the profit per area unit was not

significantly different in all fertilizer formula including none fertilizer application

treatment(Table3.2). The results show that the treatment of none fertilizer application and

high amount of nitrogen (CON) could earn higher economic efficiency than other treatments.

The reason could be due to the characteristic of AW rice crop which are intensive application

of fertilizer (because of low capacity of nutrient absorption of rice plant during this period) or

great reduction of fertilizer application. In other treatments, although the production cost was

low, the low capacity of nutrient absorption of rice plant caused low rice yield and profit.

Thus, the treatment of none fertilizer application has the highest efficiency (0.2).

Table3.2: Economic efficiency in experiments of nitrogen fertilizer formulas atKenh 7B, AW-

2014 (dried rice; million VND)

Kenh

7B 00-00-00 30-35-45 45-35-45 65-35-45 80-35-45

90-70-70

(CON) F Sig.

Total

income 23,936

a 25,472

ab 24,800

ab 26,240

ab 28,560

bc 30,960

c 3,839** 0,008

Total

costs 20,039

a 22,066

b 22,765

c 24,821

d 25,801

e 27,114

f 0,000** 0,000

Profit 3,897 3,406 2,035 1,419 2,759 3,846 0,567ns

0,724

117

P/C 0,18 0,17 0,08 0,07 0,12 0,15 0,670ns

0,649

Note: Within a row, numbers followed by the same letter is not significantly different at 5%; Rice yield

is not significantly different; ** different at 1%

Experiment on the timing of fertilizer application

Table3.3 shows a difference between the treatments;higher number of fertilizer application

comes along with high production cost. Treatment of 03 applications/crop had higher cost

than the treatment of none fertilizer application about 5.101 million VND/ha (44%).

The total income is significantly different at 5% between CON treatment and none-fertilizer

application treatment (Table 2.3). However, the treatment of 1-2 fertilizer application/crop

(not including 2nd

application) also has high income but it is not significantly different to other

treatments.

Table3.3: Economic efficiency in experiments on the timing of fertilizer application atKenh 7

B, AW- 2014 (dried rice; million VND)

00-00-00

00-00-40

(21-00-30) 08-00-00

(23-17-00) 00-20-40

(42-17-45) 08-00-40

(44-17-30) 08-20-00

(45-35-15) 08-20-40

(65-35-45) F Sig.

Total income

22,051a 24,558

ab 24,816

ab 24,831

ab 24,988

ab 22,403

a 27,417

b 2,352* 0,052

Total

costs 6,607

a 7,528

c 7,433

b 10,821

f 10,595

d 10,732

e 11,708

g - -

Profit 15,443b 17,030

b 17,383

b 14,011

ab 14,393

ab 11,671

a 15,709

b 2,783* 0,026

P/C 2,34b 2,26

b 2,34

b 1,29

a 1,36

a 1,09

a 1,34

a 15,941** 0,000

Note: Within a row, numbers followed by the same letter is not significantly different at 5%; Rice yield

is not significantly different; ** different at 1%

In term of profit, the treatment of 2 fertilizer applications/crop which did not include the one

at 40 DAS could bring the lowest profit and it is significantly different to others. The first two

fertilizer application period (8 and 20 DAS) with high amount of Urea and DAP fertilizer

causes high production cost with no difference in the rice yield. This could be the reason for

the low profit of the treatment of 2-3 fertilizer application/crop. Highest efficiency is recorded

from the treatment of 01 fertilizer application/crop with the profit of 17.030–17.383 million

VND/ha but it is not significantly different to none-fertilizer application or 3 applications/crop

(CON).

The treatment of none-fertilizer application and 1 application/crop have higher economic

efficiency and is significantly different to the treatment of 2-3 applications/crop..

5. Conclusion and recommendations

5.1.Conclusions

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Based on the collected data and analysis of experimental models during AW crop 2014 at

Kenh 7B with flooding condition and 1 period of water drained-out (30-40 DAS), the

following conclusions are made:

- The sowing rate of 80-120 kg/ha could earn high profit.

- The treatment of none-fertilizer application achieved the rice yield which is not

significantly different to other treatments with the formula up to 80-35-45kg/ha and

earned similar profit ofCON (3.8 million VND/ha),

- 01 time of fertilizer application (8 DAS or 40 DAS) could bring high economic

efficiency but is not significantly different to none-fertilizer application and CON.

- Application of suitable technical interventions could bring higher economic efficiency

to farm households during AW crop. In general, the best practices namely applying the

sowing rate of 80-120kg/ha with none-fertilizer application could earn the highest

economic efficiency with the highest ratio of 2.34.

- Application of none-fertilizer application treatment during the AW crop could greatly

reduce lodging rate in harvesting,production cost and increase profit and green

products.

5.2.Recommendations

The mentioned results indicate that low amount of fertilizer is a potential intervention for

rice production during AW rice crop. However, further study in AW rice crop 2015 (1.

none fertilizer; 2. 1 time at 8-10 DAS; 3. 1 time at 20 DAS, 4. 1 time at 40-45 DAS and 5)

traditional practice) is necessary to confirm the results for better recommendation.

During the AW rice crop, the dry condition could be maintained during the period from 0-20 DAS for better growth of the rice plant and reducing organic poisoning. The upgrading

of irrigation should be more concerned especially in the wet season.

REFERENCE

1. Huỳnh Đao Nguyên. 2008. Hiện trạng canh tác và biên pháp cải thiện độ phì nhiêu

đất, năng suất lúa canh tác ba vụ trong đê bao tại huyện Chợ Mới, tỉnh An Giang.Luận

văn thạc sĩ khoa học nông nghiệp. Trường Đại học Cần Thơ.

2. IRRI, 2014. Standard Evaluation System fr Rice. 5th

edition, June 2014

3. Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn, Nguyễn Hồng Tín và Nguyễn Văn Sánh. 2013. Thâm canh lúa &

áp dụng 1 phải 5 giảm (1P5G): hiện trạng về sử dụng lượng giống, phân và các yếu tố

ảnh hưởng đến lợi nhuận, năng suất lúa ở cấp độ nông hộ. Tạp chí khoa học Trường

Đại học Cần Thơ.

4. Phạm Lê Thông, Huỳnh Thị Đan Xuân va Trần Thị Thu Duyên. 2010. So sánh hiệu

quả kinh tế của vụ lúa Hè Thu va Thu Đông ở ĐBSCL. Tạp chí Khoa học 2011:18a

267-276. Trường Đại học Cần Thơ.

119

MONITORING AND EVALUATING OF THE APPLICATION OF LOW CARBON RICE

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES 1M6R AND ITS IMPACTS IN KIEN GIANG

AND AN GIANG PROVINCES

Nguyen Hong Tin1, Tran Thu Ha2, Chau My Duyen1, Nguyen Van Sanh1

Abstract

The Vietnam Low Carbon Rice Project (VLCRP)’s technologies were designed and developed from the advanced rice farming technique namely “one must - five reductions” combines with the smart application of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) water management and precise fertilizers application for optimizing the economic, social and environmental impacts. Since 2010, VLCRP has piloted and further refined their low carbon rice production technologies for improving production efficiency and protecting environment that including the reduction of green house gas emissions. As such, VLCRP’s low carbon rice farming technology has been named as one must do, six reductions (1M6Rs), in which, the sixth reduction the Greenhouse gas emission and negative impacts on environment. The VLCRP project’s 1M6Rs was demonstrated and extended over 11 crops in Kenh 7B cooperative, in Thanh Dong A commune, Tan Hiep district, Kien Giang province and Phu Thuong cooperative, in Phu Thanh commune, Phu Tan district, An Giang province. In Kien Giang, the project was undertaken on the rice fields of 265.63ha corresponding to 167 households (farmers). Similarly, in An Giang the project was conducted on the rice fields of 274.81ha corresponding to 254 households. The project’s Monitoring and Evaluation system were designed to monitor the application, evaluate the impacts and provide timely feedback during each and all crops to the communities, farmers, local authorities, DARD and Extension system. Key monitoring and evaluation indicators include (i) diffusion and expansion of 1M6Rs application in the project areas, impacts and technical effectiveness of the 1M6Rs through visual indicators encompassing rice yield, total revenue, total production costs and farmers’ farming practices, (ii) advantages and disadvantages in 1M6Rs application and desirable measures to support farmers, (iii) socio-economic changes and environmental impacts through integrated gender empowerment in rice production. As such, all project activities and its impacts are closely monitored and fully evaluated by each and all crops vis a vis the reduction of production costs, seeds density, fertilizers and pesticides application while increasing rice production efficiency to improve farmers’ livelihoods; as well as project impacts on socio-economic changes and gender equity support the community’s sustainable development.

Household farming diaries and questionnaires were used to collect data on technical (practice) and financial (cost) effectiveness including land preparation, seeding, pesticides and fertilizers application, rice caring, and harvesting. Furthermore, GPS and GIS tools were employed to determine positions of farmers (land parcel) applying the 1M6Rs technology in the field and on digital map.

Study results show that number of households (farmers) and land areas applied the 1M6Rs technology increases significantly over cropping seasons in both project regions, Kien Giang and An Giang. 1M6Rs technology helped farmers to sustain and increase their rice yield, reduce total

1 Mekong Delta Development Research Institute

2 EDF organization in Hanoi

120

production costs whilst achieving significant co-benefits of social, economic and environmental improvements as compared to pre-project intervention. The project has developed the appropriate and effective tools to monitor, manage and evaluate the farmers’ adoption and application of 1M6Rs rice production technology in An Giang and Kien Giang provinces.

Key words: 1M6Rs expansion, water saving, project monitoring and evaluation, technical efficiency.

1. Introduction

The VLCRP has been undertaken since 2010 in the Mekong Delta. Kien Giang and An Giang

provinces are the two ffrontiers in applying the advanced rice cultivation techniques to

increase rice production effectiveness. VLCRP’s overarching goal is to increase income and

improve livelihoods for rice farmers and their communities by applying the project’s

introduced 1Must 6 Reductions (1M6Rs) technology. In Kien Giang, the project was

implemented on the rice fields of 265.63ha covering 167 households which were organized

into 5 Production Groups numbered Group 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 (Statistical data at the Kenh 7B

Hamlet Committee, 2013). Similarly, in An Giang the project was conducted on the rice fields

of 274.81ha corresponding 254 households grouping into 5 such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, that

located in Phu Thanh commune, Phu Tan district, An Giang province (Statistical data at the

Phu Thuong Cooperative, 2013).

VLCRP designed the demonstration plots to assist on-farm observation and learning for

farmers. Farmers in project areas were organized into relevant Production Groups for learning

and exchanging their best practices for applying the 1M6Rs technology every crops.

Monitoring and evaluating 1M6Rs application in rice production of rice community,

particularly priority groups such as women, poor and nearly poor farmers, landless farmers to

have reasonably supportive technical solutions is an important activity of the project.

This M&E study is designed to monitor, evaluate and provide feedback for each crop on the

following key results.

(i) The rate of the diffusion and expansion of 1M6Rs application in the project areas, its

impacts and the technical effectiveness through the visual indicators encompassing

rice yield, total revenue, total production costs and farmers’ cultivating practices;

(ii) The aadvantages and disadvantages of 1M6Rs application and desirable measures to

support farmers in 1M6Rs application;

(iii) The socio-economic changes and environmental impacts through gender-oriented

activities in rice production.

Through its M&E system, VLCRP project activities and impacts are monitored and evaluated

fully and effectively for every crops, particular in reducing production costs, seeds

application, fertilizers and pesticides use while increasing rice production efficiency to

improve farmers’ livelihoods; as well as project impacts on socio-economic changes and

gender balance for a sustainable community development.

2. Research methods

2.1 Materials

− Household Farming Diary (HFD) was designed to include items correlative witheach

rice cultivation process, such as land preparation, seeding, fertilizer and pesticide

121

application, caring and harvesting. Farmers were trained on using the HFD to collect

data according to the rice growth duration, 7 times per crop on average.

− GPS tool, GIS and GoogleEarth softwares were employed to identify land plots

(farmers’ land parcels) applying 1M6Rs technology on the field and on digital maps.

− Excel and SPSS softwares were used to input, process and analyze collected data.

− Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect baseline data, and post-project intervention on both farmer groups inside and outside project areas.

2.2.Methodology

2.2.1.Time and locations

- Research time: the study was conducted from Summer-Autumn season (HT) in2013 to

Autumn-Winter in 2014 in intensive rice areas (3-crop per year) in the Kenh 7B cooperative

(Kien Giang) and the Phu Thuong Cooperative (An Giang).

2.2.2 Research process

− HFD design: the HFDwas designed based on required data to evaluate their benefitsand the effectivenessof applying 1M6Rs in rice production. The HFD was given to farmers

for their comments and suggestions, edited by local technicians and experts before

formally used; and appraised at the end of each crop for appropriate update to suit

farmer’s literacy.

− Seasonally, farmerswhom apply 1M6Rs technology are documented and registered; then

a community meeting is organized to plan project activities (including HFD recording)

with participation and support of stakeholders and experts from various organizations

such as Mekong Delta Development Research Institute-MDI (Can Tho University), An

Giang and Kien Giang Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARDs),

Advanced Laboratory, technical experts and farmers;

− Distributing and training for group leaders and farmers on HFD recording;

− Updating data in the HFD (participants were MDI staff, local technicians, project leader groups and farmers) according to various rice growth stages;

− Supplementing and finalizing data on technical and financial effectiveness of 1M6Rs at every community meeting based on the meeting schedule planned by the local project

management unit (PMU);

− Analyzing and comparing technical indicators and economic effectiveness;

− For 1M6Rs development content (Land ID)using GPS and GIS

o Digitalizing the project regional maps

o Identifying farmers’ land positions where 1M6Rs technology is applied in

the field(using GPS)

o Updating1M6Rs household locations on the map

o Updating attribute data

o Converting data in GIS to Google Earth and building thematic maps using

MapInfoand ArcGIS softwares.

122

− Besides, rice samples in control rice fields (using traditional practice) and project fields

(1M6Rs application) were randomly collected to analyze rice quality indicators including

rice milling quality, nitrate content and pesticide residues in milled rice.

− There are 3 types of farmers in this research.

o Core farmers are farmers whom participated in research sites

o Non-core farmers (early adopters) are farmers who learn 1M6Rs

technology from core-farmers and apply based on their rice cultivating

conditions

o Control farmers are farmers whom cultivate rice based on their experience

and habits.

2.2.3.Data analysis

1M6Rs technology development: households, land areas applied 1M6Rs were analysed each

crop

Comparison in technical and economic effectiveness indicators: rice production effectiveness

including technical and financial efficiencies were evaluated and compared between 3 farmer

groups as mentioned above.

3. Research study

3.1. 1M6Rs technology development

3.1.1.Kenh 7B cooperative project area (Kien Giang)

Over 5 crops expanding 1M6Rs application, the number of households and rice land areas

applied the technology have been increased remarkebly, especially in the first 3 crops(Table

4.1 and Figure 4.1).Up to the fifth crop, the registered area that apply the 1M6Rs technology

was expanded beyond the project areas.

Table 4.1: Area and households registered to apply 1M6Rs technology in Kien Giang over 5

crops

Crops3 Registered land areas Registered households

Areas (ha) Ratio (%) Households Ratio (%)

HT-2013 (1) 96.89 36.48 51 30.54

TĐ-2013 (2) 233.48 87.90 122 73.05

ĐX-13-14 (3) 286.27 107.77 143 85.63

HT 2014 (4) 284.3 107.03 133 79.64

TĐ 2014 (5) 294.95 111.04 133 79.64

Whole project areas 265.63 100.00 167 100.00

3ĐX, ĐôngXuân is Winter-Spring crop, HT, Hè Thu is Summer-Autumn crop, TĐ, Thu Đông is Autumn-Winter

crop

123

Figure4.1: Areas and households applied 1M6Rs technology in Kien Giang over 5 crops

Over 5 crops, 1M6Rs was developed widely through project capacity building activities such

as trainings, workshops, community and farmers’ field day. Besides, those activities help to

upgrade knowledge, skills and capacity, and raise awareness of farmers in the project areas.

Farmers gradually change their cultivation habits; now that they can record, monitor and

evaluate well technical and economic collected data.

At the beginning, 1M6Rs technology application faced several challenges in the Kenh 7B

cooperative. Among these challenges, the big problem is changing farmers’ behavior from

overusing input materials such as fertilizers, pesticides and water to 1M6Rs technology

which requires a standard cultivation process. Fortunately, 1M6Rs technology gives visual

benefits over continuous crops,which makes farmers change their mind and action in rice

practicing. Up to crop TĐ-2014 (the fifth crop), data analysis results show that there are

65.24% rice land areas in the project areas applied 1M6Rs in rice production (Table 4.1).

This proves that the project has intensive impacts on changing farmers’ rice cultivation

behavior; in particular, farmers change from knowledge and awareness to action with the

application of 1M6Rs in their rice production (Figure 4.2).

124

Figure 4.2: VLCRP project land plots (households) at 7B Cooperative (Kien Giang)

3.1.2. Phu Thuong Cooperative project area (An Giang)

Similar to the Kenh 7B Cooperative (Kien Giang), the area and household number registered

to apply 1M6Rs in rice production at the PhuThuong cooperative increased significantly over

4 crops (Table 4.2 and Figure 4.3). Many farmers participated in the project activities

voluntarily due to their motivation of reducing production costs. Firstly, farmers actively

observe and participate in the project activities (e.g. on-farm trials, meeting, farmers’ days,

workshops). When farmers recognize that 1M6Rs technology gives benefits to rice producers,

they apply 1M6Rs on their fields. This reveals the true nature of farmers which is learning and

accepting new technologies by observation and action. These results confirm that the project

has used suitable approaches in terms of transferring new technologies from theory and pilot

study to real-life application.

Noticeablyly, there are many farmers who are not included in the project areas still involve in

the project activities and apply1M6Rs technology (Figure 4.4). During the recording ofHFD,

farmers in Phu Thuongcooperative also face several problems because they are illiterate,

unfamiliar to jobs like writing data in books, while others are so old and couldn’t remember

how many input materials they have used in rice production. Fortunately, thanks to the project

participatory approaches, in which farmers help farmers, and advanced farmers help and

support new project farmers, only after 4 crops, most farmers are fimilarwiththe project

activities.

125

14

76

121

159

275

16

84

104

130

254

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

HT-13 (1)

TĐ-13 (2)

ĐX13-14 (3)

HT-14 (4)

Whole project areas

Households Areas (ha)

Figure 4.3: Areas and households applied 1M6Rs technology in An Giang over 4 crops

Figure 4.4: VLCRP project land plots (households) in An Giang

126

Table 4.2: Areas, households registered to applied 1M6Rs technology in Phu Thuong cooperative

over 4 crops

Crops Registered rice land areas Registered households

Areas (ha) Ratio (%) Areas (ha) Ratio (%)

HT-2013 (1) 15.65 5.69 20 7.87

TĐ-2013 (2) 46.30 16.85 36 14.17

ĐX-13-14 (3) 129.85 47.25 93 36.61

HT 2014 (4) 282.2 102.67 149 58.66

Whole project areas 274.81 100 254 100

3.2.The organization of HFD recording and community meetings

Data on technical and economic efficiencies are collected using the HFD. This activity is

integrated to and organized at community meetings with the participation of stakeholders such

as MDI staff, local technicians, project farmer group leaders, pilot farmers and early adopters.

Seasonally, a community meeting is organized to plan project activities and to train farmers

how to use HFD to collect data. HFD is printed and provided to farmers every season to

collect data 7 times per crop.

Approximately 7-10 days after rice harvesting, a brief survey to update and evaluate data

collection is carried out. After that, collected data are processed and analyzed to get feedbacks

from farmers at the community meetings in the next crops. Here, farmers can learn and have

experience based on results of data analysis in previous crops.

Data in Table 4.3 present households and farmers ratio participated in community meetings

over crops. In general, in both project areas (Kien Giang and An Giang), the ratio of meeting

participation is more than 70% compared to that of 1M6Rs registered farmers. In particular,

this ratio is very high in An Giang project areas. Frequent participation in community

meetings helps farmers to work well in data collection and 1M6Rs cultivation process.

The main goal of the project and its activities are to help farmers in particular and rice

community in general to increase their capacity and income through the improvement of rice

production. Over 9 crops expanding 1M6Rs technology in Kien Giang and An Giang, rice

areas and farmers accept this technique increase considerably. This result will help improving

rice production through technical and economic features.

Table 4.3: Households and farmers ratio participated in community meeting over crops

Crops Kenh 7B cooperative PhuThuong cooperative

Households

Average ratio

(%) Households

Average ratio

(%)

HT-2013 36 70.59 17 89.47

TĐ-2013 94 77.28 90 88.97

ĐX-13-14 102 71.53 122 87.14

HT 2014 73 54.89 112 75

TĐ 2014 91 68.05 - -

Average 79.2 68.468 85.25 85.145

127

3.3 Project technical efficiency

Tables 4.4and 4.5 compares the technical efficiency between models ofcore farmers (pilot),

non-core farmers (early adopters), and control farmers. Accordingly, standard model delivers

the best efficiency in terms of technology, followed by early adopters. These results reveal

that the ratio of farmers using certified seeds in rice production increases more than 60% in

Kien Giang and 75% in An Giang. By contrast, rice sowing density declines 70kg/ha and

50kg/ha in Kien Giang and An Giang respectively. Furthermore, fertilizers quantity and

pesticides application also reduced.

Table 4.4: Technical effectiveness between pilot, early adopters and control models in Kien Giang

Techniques (kg/ha) Pilot

Early

adopters

Before

project* Change**

Farmers using certified seeds (%) 100 100 38.3 61.7

Sowing density (kg/ha) 120 150.5 218.8 68.3

Net N quantity used (kg/ha) 81.67 94.2 103.8 9.6

Pesticides application (times/crop) 4.33 5.8 7 1.2

Water management style AWD AWD Traditional

Yield (ton/ha) 7.1 5.9 5.8 0.1

Note: * not apply 1M6Rs yet; ** change between before and after project intervention; AWD: Alternate Wetting

and Drying technique

Prior to the project intervention, concept “Alternate Wetting and Drying-AWD” is completely

new to farmers in the project areas. More than 90% of farmers have traditional water

management style (not drying rice fields occasionally in a season). Currently, farmers in the

project areas clearly understand the benefits of, and apply AWD technique in rice production. By

this way, production costs have been declined and therefore financial effectiveness of rice

production increases.

Data in Tables 4.5 and 4.6 reveal that farmers who apply 1M6Rs technology have higher

technical efficiency compared to control farmers (using conventional practice) at specific

times. In both Kien Giang and An Giang, seeds quantity, fertilizers and pesticides application

in the project site are lower than those of non-project areas through T-test analysis. This is an

obvious and meaningful achievement in improving rice production benefits to enhance rice

farmers and community livelihoods.

Table 4.5: Technical efficiency between pilot, early adopters and control models in An Giang

Techniques (kg/ha) Pilot

Early

adopter

Before

project* Change**

Farmers using certified seeds (%) 100 100 25.4 74.6

Sowing density (kg/ha) 120 149.7 202.5 52.8

Net N quantity used (kg/ha) 111.7 142.2 149.9 7.7

Pesticides application (times/crop) 3.8 5.3 6.5 1.2

Water management style AWD AWD Traditional

Yield (ton/ha) 7.6 6.8 6.5 0.3

Note: * not apply 1M6Rs yet; ** change between before and after project intervention; AWD: Alternate Wetting

and Drying technique

128

Table 4.6: Technical efficiency in rice production between project and non-project farmers in

Kien Giang

Unit: kg/ha

Reduced items Inside project Outside project T-test

Seeds quantity 146.12 234.93 *

Net N quantity 95.98 134.21 *

K2O quantity 45.44 59.18 *

P2O5 quantity 62.40 85.97 *

Pesticides application (time/crop) 5.15 7.17 *

Yield (ton/ha) 5.77 5.78 ns

Table 4.7: Technical efficiency in rice production between project and non-project farmers in An

Giang

Unit: kg/ha

Reduced items Inside project Outside project T-test

Seeds quantity 149.35 232.40 *

Net N quantity 150.55 178.15 *

K2O quantity 44.28 61.79 *

P2O5 quantity 74.15 89.04 *

Pesticides application (time/crop) 5.25 7.50 *

Yield (ton/ha) 6.74 6.58 ns

Notes: * difference at statistical significance α =5%; ns=non significance

In general, after 9 crops of 1M6Rs technology expansion in Kien Giang and An Giang,

technical efficiency in rice production is improved clearly. Input factors such as fertilizers,

seeds, pesticides were used efficiently compared to those before the project is implemented.

Farmers not only use lower amounts of inputs, but they also know when to apply. Moreover,

farmers in the project areas have better efficiency in using input factors inputs compared to

that of farmers outside the project areas. It proves that the project has positive impacts and

great contribution to technical efficiency in rice farming.

Besides technical factors, 1M6Rs technology also improves rice quality in comparison to the

traditional practice. Table 4.8 shows that some quality indicators such as white rice and

perfect kernel rates cultivated by 1M6Rs technology were better than the conventional

technique under the same seasonal crop and variety. This result can help to improve market

price as well as enlarging consumption markets for project products.

129

Table 4.8: Comparing rice quality indicators between the AWD and CON farming practices

No Indicators 1M6Rs model CON model Significance

(α=5%)

Mean SD Mean SD ns

1 Rate of unpolished rice (%) 77.83 0.4 77.85 0.2 ns

2 Rate of white rice (%) 62.82 0.7 62.72 0.2 **

3 Rate of perfect kernel (%) 54.92 5.0 50.83 4.5 **

4 Length of white grain (mm) 6.11 0.1 6.21 0.1 ns

5 Width of white grain (mm) 2.08 0.1 2.10 0.1 ns

7 Vitreousness (%) 52.49 2.9 52.84 2.1 ns

8 Gel consistency (mm) 96.67 1.5 91.67 5.7 ns

9 Amylose content (%) 2.5 2.5 ns

10 Gelatinization temperature (level) 5 5 ns

Note:: ns=non-significant, **=significant at α5%; 1M6Rs=applied model of 1M6R/AWD from VLCRP,

CON=traditional practice

3.4.Economic efficiency of the project

Technical and economic efficiencies of the project are presented in Figures 4.5 and 4.6.

Accordingly, the pilot model has lowest total production costs and production costs per kg,

following is early adopters. In contrast, the pilot model and early adopters have higher profits

and investment efficiency compared to control model respectively. In terms of production

costs, control farmers invest 20-22 Mil.VND/ha/crop while early adopters invest only 15-18

million VND/ha/crop. Totally, the project helps farmers decrease production costs from

3,500-3,700 VND/kg of rice to 2,760 VND/kg.

Figure 4.5: Economic efficiency in rice production between three models in Kien Giang

130

Figure 4.6: Economic efficiency in rice production between three models in An Giang

Likely, Tables 4.9 and 4.10 compares economic efficiency in rice production between two

farmer groups, inside and outside project areas. It is shown that the total returns between two

groups are not significantly different by T-test. However, input factors such as costs for seeds,

fertilizers and pesticides are different. As a result, profits, investment efficiency and cost

benefits ratio in rice production of farmers inside are higher than outside project areas. In

addition, rice production costs of farmers inside are lower than outside project area that results

in competitive advantage to project farmers. The 1M6Rs helps rice farmers in Kien Giang

improve profits instantaneously declining production costs. These benefits bring more farmers

to involve in project activities. Over 9 expansion crops, the 1M6Rs have been adopted and

applied well to increase early adopters’ technical and economic efficiencies. However, this

achievement is lower than pilot farmers; it means the pilot model is the oriented goal to early

adopters.

Table4.9: Economic efficiency in rice production between farmers inside and outside project

areas in Kien Giang

Unit: million VND/ha

Parameters Inside project Outside project T-test

1. Costs

Seed cost 1.73 2.21 *

Fertilizer cost 3.95 5.55 *

Pesticide cost 2.73 3.69 *

Irrigation cost 0.62 0.71 *

Harvest cost 1.85 2.32 *

2. Total costs 14.59 19.32 *

3. Total returns 33.88 32.87 ns

4. Profits 19.29 13.56 *

5. Capital efficiency 1.38 .75 *

6. Investment efficiency 3.40 2.51 *

7. Production costs (VND/kg) 2607.30 3506.98 *

131

Table 4.10:Economic efficiency in rice production between farmers inside and outside project

areas in An Giang

Unit: million VND/ha

Parameters Inside project Outside project T-test

1. Costs

Seed cost 1.77 1.84 ns

Fertilizer cost 5.34 7.09 *

Pesticide cost 3.20 4.11 *

Pumping cost 1.17 1.04 *

Harvest cost 2.46 2.61 *

2. Total costs 17.92 21.94 *

3. Total returns 36.24 35.60 ns

4. Profits 18.32 13.65 *

5. Capital efficiency 1.07 0.71 *

6. Investment efficiency 3.26 2.14 *

7. Production costs

(VND/kg)

2695.78 3401.69

*

3.5.Social impacts

3.5.1. Women participation in project activities and household economic development

Community capacity buildings including gender equality and empowerment for vulnerability

groups are one of key objectives of VCLRP. Activities regarding technology and household

economic management through group meetings have attracted women participation, and the

participatory rate has increased over crops (Tables 4.11 and 4.12).

Table 4.11: Women participation in project community meetings in Kien Giang

Items HT-13 TĐ-13 ĐX-13-14 HT-14 TĐ-14

Women participation in regular meetings

(times)

77 76 94 75 139

Participation ratio(%) 23 18 19 17 26

Involving 1M6Rstopic in other women

meetings (times/crop)

0 3 2 3 3

Total times of participants (times) 0 74 48 50 52

Table 4.12: Women participation in project community meetings in An Giang

Items HT-13 TĐ-13 ĐX-13-14 HT 2014

Women participation in regular meetings (times) 45 114 210 163

Participation ratio (%) 11.78 16.06 25.77 20.71

Involving 1M6Rs topic in other women

meetings (times/crop)

1 1 4 4

Total times of participants (times) 28 33 135 142

132

During women participation in the project, women were provided the required knowledge and

trained skills on rice farming. They have a chance to interact with others in a new

environment, communicate with extension workers to express their problems and difficulties

on rice cultivation. Therefore, their capacity and roles are enhanced, and they assert their

important position in their families. Figure 4.7 and 4.8 shows a remarkable change of women

participation to advanced farming and community meetings after participating in the project.

Women whom are members of the project groups/clubs have an opportunity to participate in

trainings as well as rice cultivation activities.

11.7 12.121.2

87.579.8

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Be trained on rice

production

Participation in rice

production

Association members

Before project After project intervention

Figure 4.7: Women participation ratio in project activities in Kien Giang

3.3 3.310

85.7 87.6

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Be trained on rice

production

Participation in rice

production

Association members

Before project After project intervention

Figure 4.8: Women participation ratio in project activities in An Giang

Women participation in the project has a positive relationship with the improvement of

economic efficiency in rice production. Table 4.13 shows that significant improvement occurs

at both sites of the project in An Giang and Kien Giang. Cost reduction, profit increase,

capital efficiency improvement can be observed after the project is implemented. This proves

that the project activities have provided an opportunity for women to improve their

livelihoods.

133

Table 4.13: Economic efficiency of women rice farming in project areas

An Giang Kien Giang

Items Pre- project Post- project Pre- project Post- project

Total costs 21.28 18.42 18.20 16.65

Total returns 35.67 38.18 36.20 36.24

Profits 14.40 19.76 17.99 19.58

Capital efficiency 0.69 1.10 0.99 1.18

Yield (ton/ha) 6.55 7.08 6.84 8.15

Women’s roles and capacity buildings on rice farming are necessary. Through series of

project activities, knowledge and economic condition of women groups are improved.

Moreover, the project helps women to change their perception and raise their roles and

positions in the society. Remarkable results from An Giang and Kien Giang prove to be

worthy development and imply the potential for scaling up.

3.5.2. Impacts on the poor and the landless

There are three groups of farmers participated in both project sites at Kenh 7B cooperative and

Phu Thuong cooperative: farmers with more than 2 ha of land, farmers with 1-2 ha, and

poor/landless farmers with less than 1 ha. Farmers with more than 2 ha are better-off group;

therefore, they are more likely to apply new technology in cultivation than the poor or landless

farmers. However, through suitable approaches such as participatory extension and community

development of the project, all three groups have equal chance to participate (Figures 4.9 and

4.10). In particular,the ratio of farmers in An Giang with less than 1 ha of land who applied

advanced technology from the project accounts for 65-80% over the crops.

Figure 4.9: Farmers participated in project by land size, Canal 7B cooperative

134

Figure 4.10: Farmers participated in project by land size, Phu Thuong cooperative

One of the key objectives of the project is to enhance the adoption rate of 1M6Rs technology

for the poor and landless. The project always encouraged and supported the poor and landless

in all activities, particularly trainings, field workshops and club meetings.

3.6. Environmental impacts

Environmental efficiency could be considered not only at present but also in the future when

chemical fertilizers and pesticides decreased considerably. The project helps farmers reduce

pesticide application both times and quantity application, on average farmers decline 10

pesticides kg/ha/crop. This reduction, associated with suitable fertilizers management make

better enviromental conditions. Besides, the ADW technique prevents chemicals

discharginginto water in the rivers, canals. Therefore, water environment is cleaner, bio-

diversity in canal and river networks is improved. More importantly, reduction in pesticides

and fertilizers use improve farmers’ health and produce safe rice products to consumers.

Table 4.14 shows that rice grains produced under 1M6Rs technology did not content toxic chemicals for consumers according to current standard, especially 3 chemicals such as

Propiconazole, Tricyclazole andAcetamiprid. They are high sensitive chemicals to quality

standard for rice and other agricultural products. Besides, heavy metals such as Pb and Cd

were not detected either. Nitrate content was also below safe threshold. According to WHO

and EC standards, nitrate content is limited to 50 mg/l for drinking water, 300 mg/kg for fresh

vegetable, and 200 mg/kg for foods (The European Commission (EC), 2006).

135

Table 4.14: Contents of heavy metals and pesticide residues in 1M6Rs rice samples in An Giang

No Parameters Mesurable value

1 Propiconazole (mg/kg) LOD=0.01 Not detected

2 Tricyclazole (mg/kg) LOD=0.01 Not detected

3 Acetamiprid (mg/kg) LOD=0.01 Not detected

5 Nitrate (mg/kg) 4.97-6.76

6 Pb (µg/kg) LOD=1.63 Not detected

7 Cd (µg/kg) LOD=0.09 Not detected

Ghichú: LOD (limit of detection)

4. Conclusion and suggestion

The VLCRP project activities meet rice farmers’ objectives and needs in the project areas.

The monitoring and evaluation process indicates below conclusions

- The 1M6Rs is accepted, adpoted, and applied in An Giang and Kien Giang rice

farming areas that is presented through increasing in areas and farmers applied.

- The 1M6Rs helps farmers improve the use efficiency of input factors such as seeds,

fertilizers, pesticides, as well as produces safe rice products.

- The project 1M6Rs helps project farmers have higher benefits thanks to improving

technical and economic efficiencies in rice production. Conspicuously, low production

costs, high investment efficiency and returns, are examples.

- The project has great contribution to rice farmers and community socio-economic

development through the capacity building, particiaption and livelihood imporvement

to women, the poor and landless.

- Beside technological and socio-economic achivements, the project also contributes to

the envronmental improvement by reducing ferrtilizers and pesticides application,

producing rice products without pesticide residues.

- The project applies suitable tools to monitor and evaluate effeciency and development

of project 1M6Rs technology.

- The project produces a smart agricultural process which is accepted by the rice

community.As a result, it is easy to be scaled up to produce high quality, and

environmentally friendly rice products. This is a suitable measure to deal with climate

change impacts as well as generating competitive advantage and trade mark for

Vietnamese rice products.

The project has remarkable achievements. Obviously, it is nevessary to transfer these results

as well as systematizing the project products to locally application. Therefore, monitoring the

development of 1M6Rs technology and study on its environmental improvement, is needed to

be continued.

136

Acknowledgement

This report could not be completed without the support from MDI, Kien Giang and An Giang

DARDs. The authors would like to thank Nguyễn Ngọc Sơn4,

Trịnh Minh Thảo5, Lê Huyền

Linh6, Lê Huyên

6, Nguyễn Xuân Hương

7, Nguyễn Ngọc Huyền

6, Huỳnh Hiệp Thành

5 và Huỳnh

Đào Nguyên5 for their supports.

Reference

GSO (General Statistics Office). 2014. Statistical Yearbook 2013. Statistical Publishing

House-Hà Nội 2014.

GSO. (General Statistics Office). 2012. Results of rural, agricultural and fishery census in

2011. Statistical Publishing House-2012.

Annex

Calculation regulation

Production cost/crop includes costs that farmers invest for their rice production/crop, without

opportunity cost such as land

Yield: total harvest production/total planted areas

Total return = Productionx Price and Profit = Total return – Total costs

Production cost in practice (Ztt)

Ztt =

TCtt

W

Of which:

Ztt: Production cost in practice for 1 kg of rice (VND/kg)

TCtt: Total cost in practice for production area (million VND)

W: Total harvest productionin practice (ton)

Input efficiency

(Total return)-Total costs minus cost of factor a

Input efficiency for factor a = -----------------------------------------------------------

Cost of factor a

4 Former MDI staff

5 Department of Plant Protection in Phu Tan, An Giang

6 Center for Agricultural Extension in An Giang

7 Center for Agricultural Extension in Kien Giang

137

FINAL PROJECT REPORT ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT


Joseph Rudek1 and Tran Kim Tinh2

1. Introduction

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam formally approved and

recommends rice farmers follow an advanced farming technique named “1M5R” which is

shorthand for 1Must, 5 Reductions. Farmers “Must” use certified seed and seek “Reductions”

in fertilizer, pesticide, water use, and harvest losses as well as sow a lower density of seed.

VLCRP extends that set of practices to 1M6R by adding a reduction in methane emissions, a

potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Greenhouse gas emission reduction can be achieved by careful

planning of water management in the rice paddy. By allowing the soil to dry out during

certain periods of rice production, the soil will become aerobic.Anaerobic bacteria which

produce methane, stop doing so when the soil becomes aerobic thus reducing methane (CH4)

emissions relative to tradition flooded rice techniques.However, aerobic soil conditions

activate another set of bacteria which can release nitrous oxide (N2O), an even more potent

GHG. But reductions in nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (which are part of 1M6R) can

moderate N2O emission reductions as this is where the N in N2O originates.

2. Materials and Method

2.1 Experimental design

Experimental design variables are shown in Table 5.1. As there are 3 crops a year, the

experimental conditions for crops 1 – 3 were repeated in the second year. The third crop was

not repeated in AG as this is traditionally fallowed. Fertilizer application rates varied in KG

by season to accommodate variable crop yields by season. VLCRP measured GHG emissions

on 3 farms using the traditional techniques and 3 farms using 1M6R in two provinces of the

Mekong Delta (An Giang - AG and Kien Giang -KG) over a 2 year period.

2.2 Water management

Designing the water management regime was a critical component to the experimental design.

Extensive meetings with farmers groups were necessary to reach an agreement on the

traditional water management regime for use as the Control treatment. The Alternate Wet and

Dry (AWD) Experimental treatment water regime was formulated based on the agricultural

expertise within the VLCRP. Examples of planned and actual water management regimes are

shown in Figure 5.1a and 5.1b.

1 Lead Senior Scientist, EDF

2 Advanced Lab, Can Tho University

138

Table 5.1: Details on experimental variables for GHG emission measurement studies. 1M6R

is the experimental treatment. Control is the traditional practice. DX=winter – spring crop

season; HT= spring – summer crop season; TD = summer – autumn crop season. The three

numbers in the Fertilizer row indicate the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content. AWD

= Alternate Wet and Dry water management. KG = Kien Giang; AG = An Giang.

2.3 Greenhouse gas sampling and measurements

The USDA GraceNet3 protocol was used to establish the measurement procedure. A sampling

chamber with a dimension of 70 cm in diameter and 100 cm height was used to take gas

sample. Two chambers were placed on fixed basement structures in each field and gases were

withdrawn with a syringe through a sample port in the top of the chamber at zero, 10 and 20

minutes. Gas samples were stored in evacuated vials for transport from the field to the

Advance Lab. Greenhouse gases were measured on Gas Chromatographs at the Advanced

Laboratory at Can Tho University. An ECD detector was used for N2O determination and FID

detector was used for CH4 determination.

3. Results

The amount of methane emitted in An Giang in the experimental plot was significantly lower

than the Control in 3 out of 4 crop seasons (Table 5.2). (During the first crop season in both

AG and KG, the AWD water management regime was not followed in Experimental crop

fields so no experimental treatment was available). Nitrous oxide emissions, while generally

higher in the AWD experimental fields, as expected, were not significantly higher relative to

the control.

Methane and nitrous oxide emissions were converted to CO2 equivalents and added to get

total GHG emissions for each treatment (Figure 5.2). The reduction in total GHG emissions in

the experimental treatment relative to the control were significant in 3 out of 4 and 4 out of 4

crop seasons in An Giang and Kien Giang, respectively. The average annual GHG reduction

in An Giang was 7.7 metric tons CO2e/ha.

3http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/programs/programs.htm?np_code=212&docid=21223

139

The GHG emission data from KG (Figure 5.2) are still under review. The emission values

were exceptionally high as were GHG emission reductions as a result of the experimental

treatment. In order to verify the results from these experiments, it will be necessary to perform

duplicate sampling and measurement in coordination with an independent laboratory. This

verification is planned in the second phase of the VLCRP work. The KG results are shown in

Figure 2 in this report in the chance that others might also have found such exceptionally high

rates in research conducted in nearby areas. The GHG emission results from KG should not

be considered final results and should not be cited beyond this report.

Figure 5.2: Chamber, basement and bridge were constructed for GHG sampling

4. Conclusions

Methane emissions from the rice fields in the AG and KG are quite high but the 1M6R set of

management practices are able to significantly reduce these emissions. Nitrous oxide

emissions are not high but can be an important relative contributor to total GHG emissions

when CH4 emissions are low. The AWD water management regime and low N fertilizer

additions (relative to the traditional management) are important to controlling GHG emissions

from rice field. Agronomic data collected by VLCRP and discussed in other sections of this

report show that the 1M6R set of practices also increase yields and farmer revenue, a critical

factor to the proliferation of the 1M6R set of practices to other areas. Future plans include

modeling the GHG emission to allow extrapolation of the results of these measurements to

other fields using 1M6R.

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Figure 5.1a and 5.1b: An example of water management in (a) An Giang Province and (b)

Kien Giang Province. Control is the traditional practice. AWD = Alternate Wet and Dry

water management.A water level measurement was made next to each of the 2 chambers in

each field.

a

b

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Figure 5.2: Combined (methane + nitrous oxide) greenhouse gas emissions for the Control

and 1M6R (experimental) treatments as well as significant reductions in total emissions in the

experimental treatment relative to the control. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions are

converted to CO2 equivalents (CO2e) by multiplying by their global warming potential factor

(28 for CH4 and 298 for N2O). Kien Giang results are preliminary and should not be quoted

from this report.

Table 5.2: Methane and Nitrous Oxide flux from 5 crop seasons in An Giang. C-AWD = the

reduction in methane emissions as a result of the experimental treatment. * = Significant at

the P<0.05; **= Significant at the P<0.06

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RESULTS OF VIETNAM LOW CARBON RICE PROJECT (VLCRP)

BYAPPLICATION OF 1 MUST 6 REDUCTIONS MODELIN KIEN GIANG

PROVINCE (2012 – 2014) AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE FOLLOWING YEARS

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang province

1. Development of agriculture and rice production in Kien Giang province

1.1. The roles of agriculture and rice production in Kien Giang province

Kien Giang is a province in the Mekong Delta which has a total natural area of 634,627 ha; in

which, 377,000 ha is rice cultivation land. It also is divided into three ecological zones

including Long Xuyen Quadrangle is affected by acidity condition, annual floods and salinity;

western of Hau River is affected by flooding from Mekong River and U Minh Thuong area is

affected by acidity, salinity during the dry season and submergence in the rainy season.

Thanks to the favorable natural conditions, there are many potential advantages for the

province in development of economy, agriculture, forestry, marine economy, processing of

agricultural and forestry products and services; in which Kien Giang is the country's leading

in rice production and fishery exploitation. According to the statistic office, rice production of

the province in 2012 reached 4.28 million tons/year and 4.47 million tons/year in 2013 and

4.54 million tons in 2014. In particular, Tan Hiep district is one of the major rice production

areas of Kien Giang province which has a total area of 42,288 ha; area of 2 rice crops/year is

36,655 ha, area for autumn-winter crop is around 30,000 ha and the productivity is about

509,103 ton.

Rice production plays a key role in the socio - economic development strategy of Kien Giang

province. Thus, the province monitors all of resources for a comprehensive agricultural

development and positive impacts to the production such as supporting policies, reducing

irrigation costs; investing in infrastructure such as infield irrigation system, agricultural

extension system for production. Many programs, projects, and agricultural development

schemes are implemented such as selecting and production of high quality commercial rice,

establishment of high quality rice production area for exportation through production contract

between farmers and companies, large field model towards VietGAP, industrialization rice

production project, etc. Besides, many technical packages are recommended to farmers in

order to improve economic efficiency, ensure sustainable production and environmental

protection as 3 reductions 3 gains, VietGAP rice production, and 1 must 5 reductions.

1.2. Challenges in rice production and consumption in Kien Giang province

Although the role of rice is contributing greatly to the socio - economic development and food

security not only for Kien Giang but also the whole regional and nation, the challenges in rice

production are recognized as follows: (1) low income and livelihood of farmers is due to high

production costs, increasing diseases and difficulty in linking farmers and market, (2) low

exportation of agriculture sector and low competitive in the market; (3) high vulnerability of

poor households and women is increasing in the rice monoculture area, (4) environmental

pollution of soil and water in rice production area is increasing. These difficulties are

increasing due to the impact of climate change and integration of Vietnam into a competitive

world market.

Therefore, Kien Giang province has collaborated with the VLCRP-EDF project to implement

and scale up the application of 1 must 6 reductions model addressing the mentioned

challenges. At the same time, the action is also orienting to the implementation the state

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policy of restructuring agricultural sector through the Decision QD889CP with the aim of

sustainable development on socio-economic and environmental protection.

2. Results of VLCRP –EDF

2.1. Cooperation with the VLCRP project in Kien Giang province

The overall objective of the rice production and consumption of Kien Giang province is

expanding technical applications and agricultural development policies towards commercial

rice production, establishing raw material areas to ensure the sustainable agricultural

development for improving the value of agricultural products and increasing economic

efficiency, livelihoods and environmental protection.

The “Vietnam low carbon rice production” project referred as VLCRP has been implemented

at Kenh 7B, Tan Hiep, and Kien Giang province since July 2012 with the fund supported by

Australian Government. The VLCRP-EDF has worked with Can Tho university (MDI and

Advanced Laboratory) and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang

province designing and standardizing the process of “1 Must - 6 Reductions” model in order

to: (1) reduce production costs and GHG emissions, maintain and increase rice yield, improve

livelihood; (2) organize demonstration plot in community, training farmers on recording and

documenting changes in farming practice, capacity building for local technicians in low

carbon rice production; and (3) enhance partner’s capacity in expanding the project and

finding for financial supports including sharing project experiences.

Based on the memorandum between the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF Ha Noi) and

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang province; the Department

established the Project management unit ensuring the implementation of the required

activities, financial management and progress report:

- Project manager – Officers from DARD: deploys and directs the project activities in

community; cooperates with EDF and partners ensuring achievement of targets; and reports

the project results to EDF and senior officers.

- Extension center: plans and assists the manager in implementation, directing the activities in

community, technical support for farmers, etc; cooperates with specialized agencies, local

authority and partners to monitor the activities; periodic report.

- Local authority in Kenh 7B: participates in directing and mobilizing farmers applying “low

carbon rice production” process; expanding project area;directing the application of

alternative wetting and drying;cooperates to organize activities raising awareness on farming

practices and improving livelihoods.

2.2. Results of cooperation with VLCRP-EDF in Kien Giang province

Economic efficiency

The implementation of research models (AWD, AWD + Trichoderma, and Control) shows a

high potential of the model AWD. The model of AWD always achieves higher efficiency than

traditional practices such as 10% higher in rice yield (0.6 t/ha), 48% higher in profit (7.3

VND/ha) and saving about 43% of water.

Impacts on environment

Thanks to the project, farmers’ awareness have been raised and trained; they have reduced the

amount of fertilizers, pesticides and water significantly comparing to traditional practice

about 30% – 40%. Aside from reducing production costs, decreasing uses of fertilizer and

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chemicals also improves the quality of rice, reduces impacts on environment and bad effects

on human health. Measuring GHG in the models were designed and conducted by experts of

EDF and Advanced laboratory of Can Tho University; the results show that the GHG

emissions in AWD model is lower than those in Control model.

Impacts on social aspects including women empowerment in agricultural production

Impacts on social aspect: The farmer community is more active in participation in the project,

sharing of experiences for livelihood development and raising awareness in environmental

protection with the more participation of poor households and women. The project has

established 5 farmer groups with 133 farm households; in which, 26% are poor households

and women (35 households). In 2015, five new women groups are established with the

participation of 58 farm households in which 20% are poor households (12 households).

After two years of implementation, farmers are more aware about economic and

environmental values of the 1 Must 6 Reductions model. There are more households willing

to apply the new model of the project; there had been more than 95% of farm households

applied the technique since the third rice crop of the project. The project also plays a part in

organizing and linking farmer groups to activities of local authority for improving

cooperative’s activity and management capacity of local authority towards the establishment

of large field model and new style of rural area.

In order to ensure the complete application of farmers, the project also links capacity building

(especially women farmers) and conducting on-farm research. There are several trainings and

meetings during one season for ensuring the production plan, recording “farm diary”,

calculating of economic efficiency as well as the complete process of 1M6R. After 6 rice

crops of the project, there are 3,915 participations of farmer in which, there are 618

participations of women.Besides from periodic meeting of the group, the Women Union in the

community also cooperates with the project organizing training for women-farmers about

1M6R process, household management, role of women in agricultural production.

Large scale application of 1M6R:

In order to apply the process of 1M6R on a large scale, the provincial authority integrates the

“large field model” into the project areas applying on 270 ha with the requirements of using

certified seed, reducing sowing rate, applying appropriate nitrogen fertilizer and IPM,

applying alternative wetting and drying technique, decreasing CH4 emission and post harvest

losses. After 6 rice crops, the total area of application are 1,479.55 ha; in which, 923.18 ha are

from provincial budget and 556.37 ha are funded by DFAT. After the accomplishment of the

project in winter-spring crop 2015, the process of 1M6R has been applied in Kenh 7B with

the total area increased by 200% (from 270 ha/crop to 525 ha/crop). Particularly, in Tan Hiep

district, 36,000 ha are applied the new technique of 1M6R along with investments for

upgrading irrigation system by the decision of local authority to ensure complete application

of alternative wetting and drying method.

The technique of 1M6R has been extended into the agricultural development program of the

province for improving economic efficiency and protecting environment as following:

- At commune level: Applying the technique of 1M6R on rice production area contributing to

the development of 4 criteria of new rural area and integration of community participation

(women, farmers, and groups).

- District and provincial level: Linking and developing sustainable large field production

promoting Green agriculture program with green products, less impacts on environment,

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reducing GHG emissions and improving farmers’ income towards sustainable development in

the future.

2.3. Advantages and disadvantages

With potentials, Kien Giang province could develop in a new direction of green agriculture

with high productivity for exportation, increasing product value and economic efficiency,

reducing GHG emissions, etc. Thus, the application of 1 Must 6 Reductions technique is a

long-term vision with high attention by the authority and sectors.

In order to manage and ensure the project’s progress; Department of Agriculture and Rural

Development assigned officer to work and coordinate with EDF, partners and local authorities

including Party, People Committee of Thanh Dong A commune and Kenh 7B cooperative

engaging in directing and encouraging farmers to apply new technique, expanding project

area; directing the application of AWD, following sowing calendar of the community;

The collaboration with local organizations (Farmer Association, Women Union, etc.) is

concerned and prioritized by the local authority for raising awareness on farming practices

and improving households’ livelihood.

The consensus of the farmers in the application of new techniques has contributed

significantly to the expansion and maintaining the activities towards project objectives. After

the first two rice crops, farmers in the community were willing to participate in the project

and apply the techniques of 1 Must 6 Reductions; they also completed the requirements of the

project as recording production notes, applying AWD, reducing seed rate and fertilizers,

recording agronomic characteristics and participating meetings for taking good care of the

crop.

Application of 1 Must 6 Reductions technique is necessary and urgent for agricultural linkage

for increasing value added and sustainable development towards climate change. However, in

order to apply the technique of 1 Must 6 Reductions, the following issues should be

considered as follows:

Firstly: uncompleted irrigation system and difference in field level affecting the application of

1M6R-AWD method.

Secondly: difficulty in electric system affecting to irrigation and mechanization in production.

Thirdly: Problem in recording by farmers causing difficulty in confirming the process,

effecting product value due to barriers in traceability and certification procedures.

Fourthly: Products from the process are not certified yet which could not attract farmers

applying new technique;

Fifthly: Weak connection between producers and local traders (food companies) in rice

buying contract with farmers.

3. Future plan of Kien Giang province

After reviewing and evaluating the results of the project, the provincial authority will develop

and expand the model in Tan Hiep district and whole province under the Government

program on joint large field production associating with environmental protection - reducing

greenhouse gas emissions to cope with climate change in agricultural production.

From 2015 onwards, Kien Giang province will continue to implement and integrate the

project into “large field model”, demonstration of 1M6R-AWD to improve rice production,

increase farmers' income and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to climate change adaptation.

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Based on the results of the demonstration, the provincial authority will coordinate with local

authority to expand the 1M6R-AWD model for developing high quality rice production area;

enhance rice value chain for competition and integration of Kien Giang province, and to meet

the criteria for building “new rural model”.

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AN GIANG RICE CULTIVATION MODEL TOWARD

ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

An Giang Department of Agriculture Development (DARD)

1. Background

An Giang province is located in Southern part of Mekong Delta and upper part of Mekong

River, combined by delta and mountain with total natural area about over 353 thousand

hectare, in which agriculture land more than 297 thousand ha, forestry land approximately 14

thousand ha. An Giang province has 8 districts, 01 town, 2 cities with total 156 villages,

wards and towns. Total population is 2.15 million in 2014.

In whole province, more than 80% population with their livelihood belong to agriculture, rice

is the main farming and contributes to national food security and total export quantity of

province. In recent, An Giang has been improved soil fertility, irrigation systems and train to

farmers on rice farming techniques packages, intensive rice farming and enhancing rice

production area. From 2001, total paddy rice sowing area is 459.051 hectare, average rice

yield reaches to 4,6 tons per hectare to 2014, total rice area increases up to 625.918 hectare,

average rice yield reaches to 6.46 tons per ha. Total production in whole province has

increased from 2,1million tons in 2001 to 4,04 million tons in 2014. Under total production,

An Giang is the second province for rice production in whole country.

Table 7.1: Rice area, yield, and production from 2001 to 2014 in An Giang

Year Rice sowing area

(ha)

Average yield

(tons/ha)

Production

(thousand tons)

2001 459.051 4,60 2.113,3

2005 529.698 5,93 3.141,5

2010 589.253 6,21 3.659,0

2012 625.186 6,32 3.956,9

2013 641.340 6,27 4.021,4

2014 625.918 6,46 4.048,4

Source: An Giang GSO and DARD’s An Giang agriculture report

However, rice production and its business is facing with the difficulties: farmer’s low net

income because of high production cost, individual production and market connection

network. Moreover, rice production and farmers cope to many risks from disease outbreak,

environmental pollution, flooding and water source scarcity,changing climate,…

Consequence, rice farmer’s income is unstable.

2. The achievements of high techniques and scientific applications in rice production, An

Giang province

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An Giang province and some provinces as Dong Thap, Can Tho, Kien Gang, Tien Gang and

Long An are famous places for flooding rice production. After 1975, with many

improvements of high techniques and scientific applications in rice cultivation, the

development of irrigation system for drainage and irrigated water in rice field, high

mechanism development, and the diversity of modern rice varieties, as result, increased crops

per year, intensive rice farming, therefore, rice yield and production increases dramatically.

Beside on increased rice yield, rice productions are focused on good quality, highly efficient,

increasing completion and sustainability in An Giang. The consideration of high techniques

and scientific application in rice production is always invested by An Gang’s government;

some achievements have been indicated from this investment such as

- For rice varieties: selected high quality varieties, high yield, high adaption to topography

and soil types in whold province, the stability of all phenotypes have been maintained in long

time: AS996, OM4900, OM2517, OM4218, OM2514, OM6976, CK92 (sticky rice),…

- The socialization of seed production has good results thoughout the training program “See

selection-cross-breeding skill” from Mekond Delta Develoment Research Institute (MDI). Up

to 2014, there were 187 seed production groups, 31 enterprises in seed business sector, seed

source from farmer’s produce and these enterprises have been supplied to the farmer’s need of

production about more than 90%.

- Paddy rice production applied to the techniques packages as IPM, FPR, 3G-3T (3 reduction-

3 increasing), helping farmers to reduce production cost, increase net income, currently, total

rice production area with applied 3 G3 T program is 93,8% of sowing area.

- 1P-5G (1 Must-5 Reduction) program: conducted in An Giang from 2009, Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) was certified as a new high technique in paddy

rice farming until 2014. The percentage of rice area applied 1P5G per total rice sowing area

was 38,5%.

For good 1P5G techniques applied (wáter reduction), the cooperation of IRR, Center for

Energy-Agriculture Machinary (Nong Lam University-Ho Chi Minh City), Plant Protection

Department, An Giang DARD have presented the new tractor for the leveling the surface of

rice field by laser beam, combining to 1P5G program. The leveling rice field method by laser

beam supported farmer useful water management, water use and other agro-techniques with

high efficient. From finance investment of VCRLP Project, 2012-2014, An Giang DARD

have been invested to some farmer’s groups and cooperative, 6 new tractors with laser beam

equipment. Utill the end of 2014, there was 165 hecta of rice field leveling by laser beam.

- Machinalization program in rice cultivation was conducted in 2008. Up to 2014, there were

2.229 combine machines in An Giang province, therefore, it can be guaranteed 98% of

harvested rice area by combining machine. There were 2.544 dry machines and more than

75% rice quanlity can be dried out by these machines.

- Rice farming “Large Scale Field”: An Giang DARD has supported to many enterprises for

the development of conected production program as value chain program and others. As a

result, the rice area under this program has been increased sharply, 34.200 ha in 2014,

increased about 200 ha in 2013 (in 2012, 22.950ha). The farmers with large rice field area

usually is main core of this “Large Scale Field” program. The dominant farmers have more

than 1 hecta. Almost farmers involed in value production chain program must apply 1P5G and

removal of unequal rice plant on the rice field.

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Nevertheless, the development of farming model must be considered from many solutions as

techniques, infrastructure, production, market connection toward on fresh rice quality,

however, the orientation of green agriculture development under restructuring agricultural

sector is limited in An Giang.

3. The development of GHG reduction-rice cultivation program under 1P6G (1 Must 6

Reduction) towards on sustainable agriculture development

3.1. Participating in project and implementation

Field trial experiment conducted to training, feedback, and spread out new techniques to large

rice production zones toward on sustainable agriculture production, restructuring agricultural

sector in An Giang province; Center for Agriculture Extension-An Giang DARD and Mekong

Delta Development Research Institute have carried out the project “ Vietnam low carbon rice

program” funded by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) at Binh Hoa Village, Chau Thanh

district, An Giang province from 2010-2012 (4 rice crops).

From 2012-2014, Australia Government, EDF, MDI, Advance Laboratory-Can Tho

University and An Giang DARD continuously perform this project throughout 5 rice crops at

Phu Thuong Cooperative, Phu Thanh Village, Phu Tan district.

The VLCRP project based on 1P5G technique and alternative wet and dry technique (AWD),

fertilizer management to develop the 1P6G standard for good rice cultivation in order to

reduce production cost, high yield, good rice quality (fresh rice) and market connection

throughout “Large Scale Field” program. Moreover, the VLCRP project helped capacity

building for local commune, authorities, and mainstreaming gender, emphasized on enhancing

farmer’s awareness and cooperative’s operation orient to green agriculture development with

social-economic efficiency and environmental protection. The project orientations and

activities were scientific basis and experiences for green agriculture development, in

particular, rice farming development. In addition, it could be contributed to restructuring

agricultural sector in the future in An Giang province.

3.2. The achievements of VLCRP project affects on green agriculture development

Over 5 crops for implementation (from Winter Spring 2012-2013 to Summer Autunm 2014),

field trial experiments included: (1) 1P5G and AWD; (2) 1P5G and Trico treatment + rice

straw ploughing + AWD; (3) Control: farmer’s traditional practice. As a result, the VLCRP

has selected “1P6G” rice farming-this model has different to traditional farming model

follows:

For economy:

To help farmers increase net income about 9 million VND per ha per crop (40%) because of

seed reduction 43%, 23% Pure-nitrogen fertilizer, 48% water amount irrigation, 2-3 time

reduction for pesticide praying, sticky rice yield increase about 0,8 ton per ha per crop

(approximately 11%).

For environmental impacts:

Because of fertilizer, pesticide praying, water reduction, it’s leading to mitigate environmental

impact in canal and health communities. In addition, the good impact is saving water

irrigation and reduce GHG about 8,1 tons CO2 per ha per year. The good environmental

impact has been discussed by each crop. Therefore, communities, local government and

women were increased their awareness in rice cultivation at project zones and other rice zones

in An Giang.

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For social impacts, community’s organization:

Community’s capacity building: the changing from traditional rice farming practice to new

practice (1P6G) for high economical efficiency and low environmental impacts are so

difficult. For this reason, the operation of farmer’s groups in cooperative, mainstreaming

gender (women) and poor farmers participatory was specially prioritized. Thereby, training to

1P6G technique, trial experiment performance, farmer’s group operation and organizing

meeting about sticky rice farming process and connecting to rice selling enterprises was very

important during the project’s activities.

From the achievement of sticky rice yield and high net profit enhancing, the VCLRP project

have participated by other farmers with high attractive impacts: from 20 farmers at the

beginning, 15 hectare (crop 2) to 155 farmers, 282 hectare (crop 5) at the end of project’s

fund. Project was established 5 farmer’s groups with the same profile (similar to irrigation

system and management, sowing time, agreement, high awareness approach to new

knowledge and new farming techniques). With the development and farmer’s group meeting

(7 times per each crop according to rice vegetable period) in farming techniques applied,

household’ account by HH’s diary recording, market connection pathways…have been helped

the rice community, poor farmer, women were equitized to participate new rice farming and

less production cost and access to market connection.

For integrating gender and local government in the development of new rural village

Though project activities, An Giang VLCRP Project’s Board has integrated some activities in

local development program:

- The development of new rural village: based on the activities of local village under new

standard criterions, project have been integrated the rice activities towards on high profit, poor

mitigation, environmental protection, farming operation which involved in the village’s plan

and program.

- Integrating the women roles and gender equity though training course and develop women’s

group: organized 13 training courses, 445 women were trained to rice farming technique

“1P6G” in village and district.

Furthermore, the activities of project’s framework have been trained the 1P6G technique for:

26 staffs of Women Association and Farmer Association, 50 local staffs of local institutions

of Phu Tan district.

- Though project’s activities, extension stations have improved about organization skills,

extension methods and transferred new techniques to farmer’s groups/communities’ groups.

3.3. Upgrading the rice production chain in “Large Scale Field” program

For the achievements of project have created the connecting pathways to actors who

participating in rice production chain and completion:

- Input actors consist of enterprises for seed supply, fertilizer and pesticide must be followed

the criteria of 1P5G and regulations of agricultural institution and management.

- Horizontal connection of product chain must be though organizations and capacity building

for farmers by the development of farmer’s group and applied 1P6G technique.

- Vertical connection: the connecting of product of farmer’s group to enterprises must be

interested. Thereby, enterprise’s network of Vinafood II will be involved by general director

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boar in the action plan and business activities under the strategy of fresh rice development and

high market competition at Mekong Delta.

- Established rice production chain under “Large Scale Field”: Agriculture institutions have

more active for supporting enterprise developed connecting farming models based on value

chain and large scale field program.

Though creation and upgrading rice value chain under large scale field program was based for

development of fresh rice, low environmental impacts and low GHG emission. These were

foundation for restructuring agricultural sector according to national government orientation

with more achievements.

On the other hand, the program of USDA for the capacity of national extension have visited,

training, exchange experience at project area (Phu Thuong Cooperative).

Some lessons learned during the project implementation

For implementation, applied to new improved agro-techniques in general, especially, low

GHG emission in rice production need to be considered:

- The attention, supporting from institutions and local governments;

- Farmer’s participation: high awareness, voluntarily;

- Techniques supporting and capacity building for local institutions;

- Farmer and technique staffs must be made the same agreement about the technique process

though farmer’s group meeting, community capacity building

- Because of different farmer’s ability (skills and education), for acceptation of new

techniques by farmers, it need to be implemented step by step and based on the agreement of

farmer’s community;

- The coordination: Local staffs, core farmers and organizations (farmers, women) must be

coordinated in the propaganda and mobilization;

- Improving professional qualification and knowledge (method, contents) for technique staffs

and extension staff in the activities of technique transformation at communities with more

farmer’s attractive;

- Applying appraisal policy for the good performance farmers (following the procedures and

advanced technology) to encourage their participation;

- Integrating the local policy and action programs, in particular environment, gender and

building new rural village.

4. Planing for An Giang Province from experimental models at Phu Thuong

Copperative – Phu Tan district

- Planning for 2015 at Phu Thuong Cooperative: in spite of the first success of the project

mentioned above and the project ends at the end of 2014, the technical changing, production

organization, and market connection within farmers and the enlargement scale for whole Phu

Thuong Cooperative are limited. Though, during the meeting with Director of project

VLCRP-EDF, and CTU’s technical support and enhancing the capacity, An Giang

Agricultural Sector has planned and maintained the activities at Phu Thuong Cooperative in

2015. The activities include continuing the group activities, following and evaluation in order

to have the better planning for large field program and new rural communes and restructuring

the rice sector in the Province in future.

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- Large field program: An Giang Agricultural Sector is applying “Large field program” for

rice production, which applies technical procedure “1M5R” for area of 71.000 hectare in

2015. Agricultural Sector continuously prefects and implements large field planning for the

period of 2015-2020 and calls for participation from business.

- Development of the infrastructure for rice production area in An Giang: Province is

improving the system of irrigation canals, drains regulating infield, leveling the farm. These

will be the foundation for large field rice production following the process “1M5R” integrated

with water management, i.e. replicating application model for rice cultivation in greenhouse

gas emissions (1P6G).

- Enhancing the information and communication activities on rice cultivation in greenhouse

gas emissions by integrating agricultural extension training, cooperating with Women Union,

Farmer Union on communications programs (Department of Agriculture signs the integrated

calendar with Farmer Union).

- Integrating in the restructuring project of An Giang Agriculture: rice production from width

to depth, stabling the growth, producing the high quality goods through productivity,

effectiveness and competitiveness improvement Rice value chain is formed and developed

with the diversified associated production forms such as: horizontal link and vertical link.

Implementation of large field model comes to reality, and selects the good performance

enterprises. Research application and scientific - technical advances carry the investment

interest from rice seed production to production, harvesting, processing and preservation and

market.

Undertaking of the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture is greenhouse gas emissions.

For An Giang province, where agricultural production is a strength, application and

enlargement of the rice cultivation in greenhouse gas emission 1P6G is practical, towards to

stable production, environmental production, green agriculture and building the rice trade in

the economic integration and competition.

Obtaining this result and success, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in An

Giang province is grateful to the meaningful contribution from Australia Government;

Coordination, technical support and capacity improvement from EDF Project, CTU and

farmer community. Therefore, DARD will implement the effective cultivation model on rice

land and suggest the continuous cooperation on research and project implementation to

perfect the closed process from the clean and safe rice production, increase the value of

women in modern Agriculture to trade –mark rice processing and consumption which helps to

improve the quantity and quality of rice value chain.

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LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE VIETNAM LOW CARBON RICE PROJECT (VLCRP) MODEL FOR COMMUNITY-BASED LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE

RICE PRODUCTION

Ass. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sanh

Objectives:

1. Sharing lesson learnt and best practices including the technical approaches for

community development

2. Recommendations for the replication and scale up of the project’s introduced farming

technique of 1Must 6 Reductions for sustainable livelihood improvement for small and

poor farmer households in the Mekong Delta.

Throughout the project implementation process and its primary encouraging results and

achievements, the following lessons learnt were withdrawn and shared for the sake of

supporting the adoption and scale up of the low carbon rice farming as the community gender-

mainstream sustainable livelihood improvement model in the Mekong Delta.

1. Gender-mainstreaming Livelihood Improvements for the Community

o The community interests and priorities are driven objectives for designing and

implementing the community development activities. The baseline survey is key to

understand the community’s development priorities, their agricultural farming and its

special features/challenges, farming conditions and the community’s current social

economic situations.

o Rural women are one of the major workforces and play important roles in agriculture

production. The gender-mainstream community development approaches will

optimize the capacities and capabilities of the women whilst ensuring that their rights,

their needs for livelihood improvement and gender equity are improving.

o The community’s full participation and engagements are key during the entire

community process. Feedbacks on the results of their livelihoods/agriculture

production must be provided timely and periodically at the end of each crop for their

information and improvements as needed.

2. The technical approach and philosophy for community development

o Application of the Participatory Technology Development (PTD) with the

engagements of the scientist, agricultural extension services, farmers and their local

authorities will optimize the core competencies and ensure the community’s

acceptance. With this approach, the development and further refinement of the

VLCRP’s introduced technique of 1Must 6 Reductions have been well-accepted for

self-application and replication by farmers and their communities.

o Application of the Farmer Field School methodology for building the capacity for the

communities; with the special focus to develop core farmers as community’s resources

o Mobilization and utilization relevant resources and matching fund to leverage the

community’s development

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o Effective coordination of the local social and economic development plan and the co-

management of the local authorities and mass organization including Women’s

Unions, Farmer’s Association, Veteran’s Association and Propaganda agency.

o Develop the Monitoring and Evaluation system for closely monitoring the project

outcomes/outputs and evaluate the project’s sustainability through major indicators on

economic, social and environment.

3. Integration of sustainable agriculture livelihoods to the local social economic

development plan

o Raising community’s awareness of the ultimate pathway for agriculture production in

sustainable way. From there, conduct the capacity building activities for the entire

community and the local authority system for their co-operation.

o The learning and experience sharing within the project management board and with

external stakeholders/other similar projects should be regular

o Sharing and disseminating the project/crop results with the communities, local

authorities and key stakeholders by each crops. Policy dialogue can be done through

this mechanism in order to integrate the sustainable agriculture livelihood

improvements to the community’s social economic development plan and investment

projects such as the Large Scale Production, New Rural Village, Sustainable Poverty

Reduction and Gender Equity

4. Feedback for Policy Recommendations

Documentation of project results and achievements for the evidence-based planning

and development of the relevant policy recommendations aiming at:

(i) Improve income and livelihood for farmers as part of the New Rural Village

program.

(ii) Increase the production profitability and the competitiveness of the rice.

(iii) Enhance the resources management capacity at community level for reducing

the greenhouse gas emissions and other negative impacts to the ecological system.

The policy recommendations must be evidence-based, practical and relevant and processed

bottom-up from the community to provincial, national and international as appropriate.

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HỘI THẢO

Tổng kết chia sẻ kết quả dự án và đối thoại

Chính sách Nông nghiệp carbon thấp

"Dự án canh tác lúa giảm phát thải khí nhà kính dựa vào cộng đồng”

Chòu traùch nhieäm xuaát baûn:

Giaùm ñoác – Toång Bieân taäp :TS. LEÂ QUANG KHOÂI

Bieân taäp – Söûa baûn in : Ñaëng Ngoïc Phan

Trình baøy – bìa : Traàn T.Baûo Ngoïc - Phaïm T. Anh Thö

NHAØ XUAÁT BAÛN NOÂNG NGHIEÄP

167/6 - Phöông Mai - Ñoáng Ña - Haø Noäi

ÑT: (04) 38523887 - 38521940

Fax: (04) 35760748. E-mail: [email protected]

Website : www.nxbnongnghiep.com.vn

CHI NHAÙNH NHAØ XUAÁT BAÛN NOÂNG NGHIEÄP

58 Nguyeãn Bænh Khieâm Q.1, TP. Hoà Chí Minh

ÑT: (08) 38297157 - 38299521

Fax: (08) 39101036. E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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In 400 bản khổ19 x 27 cm tại Cty CP in Bao bì và XNK Tổng hợp, Địa chỉ 1 bis Hoàng Diệu, quận 4, TP. HCM.

XNĐKXB số 610-2015/CXBIPH/1-31/NN ngày 24/3/2015. QĐXBsố08/QĐCNNXBNN ngày 2/4/2015.

Mã số ISBN: 978-604-60-1978-7 In xong và nộp lưu chiểu quý II/2015

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