In Vietnam rice is grown on 85% of cultivated land. Annual paddy (unmilled) rice production grew from 19.2 million metric tons in 1990 to 42.4 million metric tons by 2011, and in 2012, Vietnam exported eight million metric tons of rice. These yield increases were achieved through improved seeds, but also through increased use of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, with corresponding negative effects on the health of environments and communities.
With support from FAO, The Plant Protection Department (PPD) of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development began conducting SRI training in three provinces in 2003. PPD promoted SRI in Vietnam as a set of five technical principles: 1) Use healthy young seedlings, 2) Transplant single seedlings, 3) Weed early, 4) Manage water and aerate soil and 5) Apply manure and compost. On average, farmers using SRI methods increase their income by $200 per hectare compared to conventional rice.
Author: Sarah K. Belfort
