Tiêu điểm: ‘Tô xanh’ ngành trồng trọt | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Nông nghiệp nâu (Brown Agriculture): A term describing agricultural practices that exploit land, water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
• Nông nghiệp xanh (Green Agriculture): The goal of transforming agriculture towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
• Đề án sản xuất giảm phát thải trong lĩnh vực trồng trọt giai đoạn 2025-2035, tầm nhìn đến năm 2050: A national initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the crop production sector.
• Phát thải khí nhà kính (Greenhouse Gas Emissions): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
• CO2 tương đương (CO2 equivalent): A unit of measurement for greenhouse gas emissions, allowing different gases to be compared based on their global warming potential.
• CH4 (Methane): A potent greenhouse gas emitted from flooded rice paddies and untreated straw.
• N2O (Nitrous Oxide): A greenhouse gas emitted from the overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
• Tín chỉ carbon (Carbon Credits): Tradable permits representing the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. Projects that reduce emissions can generate carbon credits.
• Nhãn hiệu phát thải thấp (Low-Emission Label): A national label for agricultural products that meet specific low-emission standards, enhancing competitiveness and consumer trust.
• Nhãn gạo xanh phát thải thấp (Low-Emission Green Rice Label): A collective trademark developed by the Vietnam Rice Industry Association for rice produced with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary

The Paradox of "Green" Agriculture and the Emergence of "Brown Agriculture"

The Vietnamese agricultural sector, often symbolized by the vibrant green of rice paddies, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, is facing a critical challenge. While visually representing prosperity, a closer examination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reveals a less idyllic picture, characterized by "brown agriculture." According to the national GHG inventory for 2020, Vietnam emitted approximately 454.6 million tons of CO2 equivalent, with the agricultural sector accounting for a significant 116.51 million tons. Within agriculture, crop production is the largest contributor, responsible for about 80% of the sector's total emissions.

Key Sources of Emissions in Crop Production

The primary sources of GHG emissions in crop production are identified as:

• Flooded Rice Paddies and Untreated Straw: These contribute approximately 56.9% of emissions in crop production, primarily through the release of methane (CH4).
• Inorganic Fertilizers: The overuse and uncontrolled application of nitrogen fertilizers lead to the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) from the soil.
• Burning of Straw and Crop Residues: This practice releases CO2 and other harmful gases.

This paradox highlights that while agriculture appears "green," it is a significant source of emissions, with increased production often leading to increased pollution. Experts refer to this as "brown agriculture," characterized by the exploitation of land, water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

The "Green Up" Initiative: A National Strategy for Emission Reduction

To address this issue, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a comprehensive initiative: the "Project on Emission Reduction in Crop Production for the period 2025-2035, with a vision towards 2050." This project marks the beginning of a necessary journey to make Vietnamese agriculture truly green from root to branch.

Objectives and Targets of the Project:

• Overall Emission Reduction: By 2035, the crop production sector aims to contribute to a reduction of at least 15% in GHG emissions compared to 2020 levels.
• Local Implementation: Each province and city will implement at least one to two scalable models of emission-reducing crop production.
• Carbon Credit Development: A minimum of 15 cultivation models will be piloted to qualify for carbon credit development.
• Data Synchronization: Emission data systems will be synchronized with the national registration system.

The Ministry has directed the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection to develop detailed implementation plans. The project is designed to be inclusive, not limiting the scope to specific crops, allowing localities to tailor their approaches based on their specific production capabilities and characteristics.

Case Study: Emission Reduction in Hai Phong

The city of Hai Phong serves as a practical example of implementing emission reduction strategies. With over 8,000 hectares dedicated to key winter crops like onions and garlic, Hai Phong is a major producer, supplying around 100,000 tons annually.

Key Practices in Hai Phong:

• Straw Utilization: Instead of burning or burying straw, it is collected and used as a valuable input for growing onions and garlic. After harvest, the straw is used as a soil amendment to retain moisture and suppress weeds, improving soil structure. This transforms straw from a waste product into a resource.
• Organic Fertilizers: Increased use of organic fertilizers is being promoted.
• Water Conservation: Efficient water usage techniques are being adopted.
• Integrated Solutions: A synchronized approach combining straw management, organic fertilizers, and other technical solutions like water and seed saving, and rational cultivation practices is being implemented.

If these emission reduction solutions are applied across the entire onion and garlic cultivation area in Hai Phong, it will facilitate the development of carbon credits, enhance product competitiveness, and increase farmer incomes.

The "Low-Emission" Label: A National Brand for Sustainable Agriculture

A significant aspect of the project is the development of a national brand for low-emission agricultural products. This "green certification" will enable consumers to easily identify and trust products that meet sustainability standards.

• Enhanced Competitiveness: The low-emission label will differentiate products, increase their competitiveness, and motivate farmers to participate in emission-reduction models.

The "Low-Emission Green Rice" Label: A Collective Commitment

The Vietnam Rice Industry Association has developed a collective trademark: the "Low-Emission Green Rice" label. This is not a commercial brand but a commitment to producing rice through smart and responsible processes that reduce GHG emissions.

• Benefits of the Label:
  • Reduces production costs for farmers.
  • Decreases GHG emissions.
  • Encourages organizations, individuals, businesses, and cooperatives to participate in emission reduction initiatives.
  • Ensures food safety and quality of rice.

As of now, the association has awarded the "Low-Emission Green Rice" label to nearly 20,000 tons of rice from eight businesses. This figure is expected to double in the upcoming season.

Requirements for the Label:

Businesses and cooperatives must ensure transparency in their rice production, including:

• Cultivation location.
• Rice variety.
• Harvest season.
• Strict adherence to technical procedures issued by the Department of Crop Production and the Department of Plant Protection.

Global Recognition and Future Prospects

The focus on clean, low-emission rice production is highly valued by international importers. The development of these clean, low-emission rice regions and products will elevate Vietnam's rice brand on the global stage, allowing it to compete with agricultural powerhouses like Thailand and Japan.

In the future, rice bearing the "Low-Emission Green Rice" label will be distributed domestically and exported to high-standard markets such as the European Union. Receiving this certification signifies not only product recognition but also the commitment of businesses to the environment, community, and the future of the national rice industry.

Conclusion: A New Era for Vietnamese Agricultural Products

The emergence of "green" products from Vietnam's crop production sector, including rice, fruits, and vegetables, signifies a shift. Products are now not only expected to be delicious but also "green" and meet low-emission standards. As both domestic and international consumers increasingly prioritize carbon emission reduction, the "green label" will become a crucial passport for Vietnamese agricultural products to enter global markets.