Innovative Direct Seeded Rice Tech Debuts in Vietnam
IRRI and local partners in Dong Nai, Vietnam, debuted an innovative all-in-one machine for mechanized dry direct seeding and deep fertilizer placement that significantly reduces labor, water, and greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously boosting rice yields and profitability.
Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, December 4, 2025 — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment and the CGIAR Sustainable Farming Program, organized a field demonstration of mechanized dry direct seeding technology (mDSR) combined with fertilizer deep placement.
This event marks the official introduction by IRRI of the first technology in Vietnam to integrate mechanized dry direct seeding and deep fertilizer placement into a single machine for field testing. The technology addresses long-standing challenges in traditional dry seeding, such as high labor costs, uneven germination, and significant seed loss.
Dr. Hung, Senior Scientist at IRRI, shared that the dry direct seeding approach offers significant advantages across input efficiency, environmental sustainability, and overall productivity. By adopting this method, farmers can substantially reduce their operational costs, lowering seed rates to under 60 kg/ha and cutting nitrogen fertilizer use by approximately 20% through just two seasonal applications.
He added that environmentally, the impact is equally transformative, with scientific evidence showing up to a 50% reduction in water consumption and a 30% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional wet seeding. Furthermore, these efficiencies do not come at the cost of performance; early results indicate yield increases exceeding 5%, complemented by a 20–30% reduction in pesticide requirements and enhanced resistance to lodging.
Central to the demonstration was an innovative machine that integrates row seeding with deep fertilizer placement, developed by Tu Sang Company in collaboration with IRRI’s technology support. This versatile machine, available in 12-row and 16-row configurations, is designed for both wet and dry conditions. In its dry direct seeding mode, the machine is compact and robust, weighing approximately 619 kg and compatible with tractors of at least 25 horsepower. It offers a field capacity of 0.5-1.0 hectares per hour, making it an ideal solution for small- to medium-scale farmers and mechanized service providers.
Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Rice Sector Association (VIETRISA), emphasized that this demonstration is a critical starting point for evaluating new mechanization technologies in Vietnam. The technology is particularly well-suited for water-constrained regions like the South-Central Coast, the Central Highlands, and Southeast Vietnam.
During the event, local farmers also explored the machine’s versatility, with IRRI experts noting that while currently optimized for rice, minor modifications could allow the system to be used for other crops like maize and peanuts.
