Vietnamese Rice Farmer Adopts Drone Technology and Sustainable Farming Practices

Vietnam innovates rice farming with drones, alternate wetting and drying, and organic fertilizer to reduce methane emissions and combat climate change.

In Long An province in southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta, 60-year-old Vo Van Van is revolutionizing rice farming with innovative techniques. Van's rice fields are different from the rest as he has incorporated modern methods to address the challenges faced by traditional rice farming.

Rice cultivation is not only affected by climate change but also significantly contributes to it. Traditional rice farming methods involve flooded fields that generate substantial amounts of methane, a potent heat-trapping gas. According to a 2023 Food and Agriculture Organization report, rice paddies contribute roughly 8% of all human-made methane in the atmosphere.

Implementing Sustainable Practices

Van is working with the Loc Troi Group, one of Vietnam's largest rice exporters, to adopt new techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) for irrigation. This method not only reduces water usage but also minimizes methane production.

Furthermore, using drones for fertilization has improved efficiency and reduced labor costs, which is particularly beneficial as migration to cities has led to a shortage of farm workers.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

By not burning the rice stubble, Van contributes to reducing air pollution and provides valuable resources for other industries. These sustainable practices have brought multiple benefits to Van, including lower production costs, increased yields, and access to premium markets for organic rice.

Vietnam has set ambitious targets to promote "high quality, low emission rice" farming practices on a large scale. By 2030, the goal is to implement these methods on over 1 million hectares of farmland, significantly reducing production costs and boosting farmers' profits.

Recognizing the urgency to address the environmental impact of rice farming, Vietnam has committed to reducing methane emissions, which contribute to substantial economic losses and pose a threat to the Mekong Delta, a crucial region for rice cultivation.

International Support and Future Outlook

The World Bank is actively supporting Vietnam and other countries in their efforts to combat methane emissions and promote sustainable rice farming. The hope is that these initiatives will inspire other nations to adopt similar practices tailored to their specific agricultural needs.

Rice farming practices are constantly evolving to adapt to changing climatic conditions and market demands. This includes developing rice varieties that can thrive in briny water and extreme heat, as well as implementing new drying facilities to address unseasonal rains.

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