GIZ and IRRI partnership demonstrates a future of sustainable agriculture in Vietnam

Can Tho City, Vietnam (March 10, 2025) – A closing conference for the “Green Innovation Centers” (GIC) project was held in Can Tho City, celebrating the successful collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

In Vietnam, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in close partnership with GIC and provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment, has been implementing innovative techniques to enhance the rice value chain. This includes promoting sustainable rice straw management and adhering to Sustainable Rice Platform standards.

By December 2024, the project had effectively engaged 24,062 farmers along with 294 cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the rice and mango value chains in six Mekong Delta provinces. A noteworthy aspect of the initiative was the targeted support provided to 91 rice cooperatives and the piloting of 43 innovative farming models, which have demonstrated enhanced economic efficiency and a reduction in emissions when compared to traditional methods.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, a scientist at IRRI, shared insights on the project’s impacts, stating, “Over the past four years, we have trained many cooperatives and officers in mechanized rice straw-based composting. This effort has fostered environmental responsibility and economic growth among Vietnamese rice farmers.” He emphasized that this initiative empowers cooperatives to become key producers of compost, diversifying their income streams and enriching soil fertility, showcasing the positive impact of cooperative-led sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam.

The innovations surrounding rice straw developed and advocated by IRRI have received widespread adoption and commendation from stakeholders. Mr. Dong Van Canh, Director of New Green Farm Cooperative in Thot Not district, Can Tho city, noted that cooperative farmers are now utilizing rice straw for cultivating straw mushrooms, thereby enhancing…