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
83 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
84 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.
85 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
87 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
88 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.
89 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
Preliminary Results of GHG emissions Preliminary Results of Profit in terms of reductions Yield and Net Profit for farmers Location/Season (Kien Giang GHG province = KG; Model CH N O 4 2 Combined emissions Yield % Profit % An Giang province emissions emissions CO e Reduction (ton/ha) - Increase (million Increase = AG (CO e (CO e 2 2 2 ton/ha (CO e Dry in Yield VND/ha) in Profit ton/ha) ton/ha) 2 ton/ha)
Control 6.2 31.4 AG (Crop 1: Dec 12- Mar 13) AWD 6.6 7 36.4 16
Control 3.5 0.1 3.7 5.9 26.1 AG (Crop 2: April - July 13) AWD 1.1 0.5 1.6 2.1* 6.7 14 37.1 42
Control 2.2 0.5 2.7 6 20.7
AG (Crop 3: Aug- No Nov 13) AWD 1.2 1.1 2.6 reduction 6.5 8 27.3 32
Control 5.3 0.11 5.4 8.2 17.9 AG (Crop 4: Dec 13-Apr 14) 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
Control 6.7 15.9 KG (Crop 1: Nov 12- Feb 13) AWD 7.2 8 20.8 31
Control 1 0.15 1.1 5.9 12.9 KG (Crop 2: Mar- Jun 13) AWD 0.2 0.18 0.4 0.7** 6.3 7 20.4 58
Control 22.4 0.4 25.5 4.8 11.1 KG (Crop 3: Jul- Oct 13) AWD 7.2 0.2 8.2 17.3*** 5.3 10 17.3 56
Control 26.8 0.11 26.9 8.2 34 KG (Crop 4: Nov 13 - Mar 14) 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 Upon joining VLCRP (Data source: (baseline data) Farmer Diary Records) Winter-Spring crop 2013-2014 Winter-Spring crop 2010-2011 Seed (kg/ha) 120.0 Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 80.0
Seed (kg/ha) 210.0 P2O5 (kg/ha) 61.0
Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 120.0 K2O (kg/ha) 50.0
P2O5 (kg/ha) 76.0 Yield (ton/ha) 10.4
K2O (kg/ha) 65.0 Yield (ton/ha) 8.15 Summer-Autumn Crop 2011 Summer-Autumn Crop 2013 Seed (kg/ha) 230.0 Seed (kg/ha) 120.00 Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 110.0 Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 78.00
P2O5 (kg/ha) 75.0 P2O5 (kg/ha) 65.00
K2O (kg/ha) 62.0 K2O (kg/ha) 50.00 Yield (ton/ha) 5.53 Yield (t/ha) 7.15 Autumn-Winter crop 2011 Autumn-Winter crop 2013 Seed (kg/ha) 120.00 The Co-op and farmers only do two crops Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 79.00
per year before the Vietnam Low Carbon P2O5 (kg/ha) 62.00 Rice Project arrives; thus there was no K2O (kg/ha) 50.00 Autumn-Winter crop data. Yield (ton/ha) 6.91
Summer-Autumn Crop 2014 Seed (kg/ha) 120.00 Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 85.00
P2O5 (kg/ha) 46.00
K2O (kg/ha) 46.00 Yield (t/ha) 6.40 Autumn-Winter crop 2014 Seed (kg/ha) 120.00 Net Nitrogen (kg/ha) 77.80
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 Input costs VND/ha (thousand) (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) Land preparation 1,650 Land preparation 1,800 Seed 1,800 Seed 1,320 Fertilizer 5,320 Fertilizer 3,890 Pesticide/herbicide 3,600 Pesticide/herbicide 2,322 Water 560 Water 368 Harvest cost 2,200 Harvest cost 2,500 Labor cost 3,200 Labor cost 2,733 Total input cost 18,330 Total input cost 14,934 Total Revenue 29,110 Total Revenue 34,335 Net Income 10,780 Net Income 19,401 4. The economic effectiveness of the 2 Autumn-Winter crops upon joining the VLCRP Upon joining VLCRP Upon joining VLCRP Autumn-Winter crop 2013 Autumn-Winter crop 2014 VND/ha Input costs Input costs VND/ha (thousand) (thousand) Land preparation 1,540 Land preparation 1,370 Seed 1,230 Seed 1,440 Fertilizer 3,928 Fertilizer 2,785 Pesticide/herbicide 2,468 Pesticide/herbicide 1,596 Water 560 Water 566 Harvest cost 2,800 Harvest cost 1,800 Labor cost 2,216 Labor cost 1,474 Total input cost 14,742 Total input cost 11,031 Total Revenue 30,225 Total Revenue 28,800
94 Net Income 15,483 Net Income 17,768 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 VND/ha Input costs VND/ha (thousand) Input costs (thousand) Land preparation 1,440 Land preparation 940 Seed 2,625 Seed 1,416 Fertilizer 4,950 Fertilizer 3,99 Pesticide/herbicid 3,100 Pesticide/herbicide 2,850 e Water 1,215 Water 633 Harvest cost 1,590 Harvest cost 1,340 Labor cost 3,200 Labor cost 2,218 Total input cost 18,120 Total input cost 13,392 Total Revenue 45,640 Total Revenue 54,600 Net Income 27,520 Net Income 41,207
6. The economic effectiveness of the Summer-Autumn crop before and after joining the VLCRP
Upon joining VLCRP Upon joining VLCRP Summer-Autumn crop 2011 Summer-Autumn crop 2014 VND/ha Input costs Input costs VND/ha (thousand) (thousand) Land preparation 1,650 Land preparation 2,040 Seed 1,800 Seed 1,440 Fertilizer 5,320 Fertilizer 3,460 Pesticide/herbicide 3,600 Pesticide/herbicide 1,875 Water 560 Water 153 Harvest cost 2,200 Harvest cost 2,000 Labor cost 3,200 Labor cost 2,090 Total input cost 18,330 Total input cost 13,058 Total Revenue 29,110 Total Revenue 30,080 Net Income 10,780 Net Income 17,022
95 STUDY ON AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF 1 MUST – 6 REDUCTIONS MODEL IN AN GIANG AND KIEN GIANG PROVINCES 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)
96 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.
97 - 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 Kenh 7B Phu Thuong Crop 1M6R- 1M6R- 1M6R- 1M6R- Control Control AWD AWD+TRI* AWD AWD+TRI* 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:
98 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/m2. 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.
100 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 2 In which: Wo: weight of grains (harvesting 5 frames or 10m )
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
101 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 Figure 2.4: Length of panicle between 2 plant throughout 11 crops at K7B and PT 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
102 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
104 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 Figure 2.9: Average of amount of water used times in each rice crop at K7B and PT 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 25 23 24
P2O5 37 19 28
K2O 28 -27 0 Reduction 3 – Chemical applications 37 27 32 Reduction 4 - Water 43 48 45 Time of pumping 37 16 27 Reduction 5 – Losses 30 30 30
105 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.
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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 2nd 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
107 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:
108 - 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.
109 - 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 và 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 Toàn, 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.
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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)
111 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); 2nd 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.
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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
113 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.
114 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.
115 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)
120 160 200 240 Kenh 7B 80 kg/ha F Sig. kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha Total 28,502b 27,401ab 24,988a 24,988a 25,145a 3,296ns 0,027 income Total costs 9,887a 10,367b 11,140c 11,620d 12,100e 0,000** 0,000 Profit 18,615b 17,034b 13,848a 13,368a 13,045a 7,589** 0,000 P/C 1,88b 1,63b 1,27a 1,17a 1,10a 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 90-70-70 00-00-00 30-35-45 45-35-45 65-35-45 80-35-45 F Sig. 7B (CON) Total 23,936a 25,472ab 24,800ab 26,240ab 28,560bc 30,960c 3,839** 0,008 income Total 20,039a 22,066b 22,765c 24,821d 25,801e 27,114f 0,000** 0,000 costs Profit 3,897 3,406 2,035 1,419 2,759 3,846 0,567ns 0,724
116 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) 00-00-40 08-00-00 00-20-40 08-00-40 08-20-00 08-20-40 00-00-00 F Sig. (21-00-30) (23-17-00) (42-17-45) (44-17-30) (45-35-15) (65-35-45) Total 22,051a 24,558ab 24,816ab 24,831ab 24,988ab 22,403a 27,417b 2,352* 0,052 income
Total 6,607a 7,528c 7,433b 10,821f 10,595d 10,732e 11,708g - - costs
Profit 15,443b 17,030b 17,383b 14,011ab 14,393ab 11,671a 15,709b 2,783* 0,026
P/C 2,34b 2,26b 2,34b 1,29a 1,36a 1,09a 1,34a 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
117 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 Đào 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 và Trần Thị Thu Duyên. 2010. So sánh hiệu quả kinh tế của vụ lúa Hè Thu và Thu Đông ở ĐBSCL. Tạp chí Khoa học 2011:18a 267-276. Trường Đại học Cần Thơ.
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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
119 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
120 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.
121 − 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
122
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).
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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.
124 254 Whole project areas 275
130 HT-14 (4) 159
104 ĐX13-14 (3) 121
84 Households Areas (ha) TĐ-13 (2) 76
16 HT-13 (1) 14
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
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
125 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 Average ratio Average ratio Households (%) Households (%) 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
126 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 Early Before Techniques (kg/ha) Pilot adopters 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 Early Before Techniques (kg/ha) Pilot adopter 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
127 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.
128 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
129
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 *
130 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 2695.78 3401.69 (VND/kg) *
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 77 76 94 75 139 (times) Participation ratio(%) 23 18 19 17 26 Involving 1M6Rstopic in other women 0 3 2 3 3 meetings (times/crop) 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 1 1 4 4 meetings (times/crop) Total times of participants (times) 28 33 135 142
131 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.
120 Before project After project intervention 100 100 87.5 79.8 80
60
40 21.2 20 11.7 12.1
0 Be trained on rice Participation in rice Association members production production
Figure 4.7: Women participation ratio in project activities in Kien Giang
120 Before project After project intervention 100 100 85.7 87.6 80
60
40
20 10 3.3 3.3 0 Be trained on rice Participation in rice Association members production production
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.
132 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
133
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).
134
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.
135 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 Huyên6, Nguyễn Xuân Hương7, Nguyễn Ngọc Huyền6, Huỳnh Hiệp Thành5 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)
TCtt Ztt = 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
136
FINAL PROJECT REPORT ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT IN AN GIANG AND KIEN GIANG PROVINCES
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
137 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
138 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.
139
a
b
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.
140
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
141 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
142 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
143 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,
144 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.
145 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 Average yield Production (ha) (tons/ha) (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
147 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.
148 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.
149 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
150 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.
151 - 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
153 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
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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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