VIETNAM
Summary
Dr. Nguyen Tat Canh, a professor at Hanoi Agricultural University, began working with SRI methods in 2002, having learned about it at a workshop organized by the Institute for Development Enterprise (IDE). He focused on districts that have high rates of poverty in the middle of Vietnam (Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Thu Thien Hue, Thanh Hoa). Vietnam's Plant Protection Department (PPD) began conducting SRI training through Farmer Field Schools the next year as part of its FAO-funded integrated pest management (IPM) program. That same year, Dr. Hoang Van Phu at Thai Nguyen University began working on SRI after learning about it from Klaus Prinz in Thailand. Phu reported on results of replicated factorial trials in 2006, with SRI yields of 8.8 t/ha and a calculated reduction of 62% in water use and 85% in seed rate.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued a formal decision October 15, 2007, acknowledging SRI as "a technical advance," and directing government agencies to "guide and disseminate " this innovation. In 2007, PPD with support from Oxfam America launched an SRI dissemination effort in Ha Tay province, and use of SRI methods went from 3,000 ha that year to 33,000 ha the next year. In 2008, there was expansion into other provinces, and in 2009, PPD with support from Oxfam America and Oxfam Quebec, assisted by the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), began a SRI project in 12 communes in six provinces: Ha Tay, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.
In early 2009, it was estimated that SRI was being fully applied in 14 provinces in northern and central Vietnam (see list in 2009 Gorman report), though evaluations have been undertaken in at least 17 provinces by researchers from Thai Nguyen University, Hanoi Agricultural University, the IPM program, and several other government agencies and NGOs. According to reports at a 2010 National SRI Workshop, in 2009, 440,833 farmers in 21 provinces used SRI methods on 232,365 ha (85,422 in the winter-spring season, and 146,943 in the summer season (see Dung ppt). Workshop reports noted that 20% of the farmers were using the full set of SRI practices, and the rest were using most if not all, but still getting benefits of higher yields with lower cost and less water usage. The application of SRI has helped farmers earn 1.8-3.5 million VND ($100-200) more per hectare as of 2010.
In an October 2011 event, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that there are now over a million farmers (1,070,384, about 70 percent of them women) applying SRI methods on 185,065 hectares (457,110 acres). SRI farmers reportedly represented about 10% of all rice growers in Vietnam as of 2011. Publications from the event in both English (left) and Vietnamese are now available online. For more on the Oxfam/Plant Protection Department (PPD) experience with SRI in Vietnam, see IFPRI's 2012 policy brief no. 15, which also outlines benefits to farmers in the 22 provinces that are applying SRI methods as of 2012. PPD subsequently won the National Golden Rice Award for its work with SRI on November 14, 2012.
During 2013, articles on SRI in Vietnam appeared in two publications: Climate-smart agriculture success stories from farming communities around the world and Large-scale implementation of adaptation and mitigation actions in agriculture (Working Paper no. 50 of the CGIAR's CCAFS Research Program.) In addition GTZ put out a publication on their work promoting SRI in Trà Vinh Province. A grant by the European Union for the implementation of a project titled “Sustaining and Enhancing the Momentum for Innovation and Learning around the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the Lower Mekong River Basin” began January 1, 2013, and will end December 31, 2017. The main objective of the project, which is being implemented in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, is to contribute to enhance resilience of rainfed small-scale farmers of the Lower Mekong Region confronting climate change. The primary partners are Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), the FAO Regional IPM Programme in South and Southeast Asia, Oxfam America, and Institute of Development Studies University of Sussex in UK. During 2014, SRI was included in a World Bank-funded Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project undertaken in the Central Coast Region and selected provinces in the Northern Mountainous Region.
Hoang Van Phu, who led the Vietnam delegation at the 2015 Southeast Asia Regional Conference on SRI in Alor Setar, Malaysia, presented the newly-founded Vietnam SRI Network (SRIViet) to the SE Asian SRI Community at the conference. During September 2016, a two-day event in Thai Nguyen brought together SRI stakeholders to appreciate ten years of SRI success in Vietnam and share their stories. The event highlighted perspectives and activities of SRI in Vietnam, and helped to better link the SRI-Viet network into the global SRI community. The SRIViet network's continued progress was outlined in an October 2017 meeting which outlined outreach plans and the partner's SRI activities.
During 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Institute for Agricultural Environment will use SRI as part of a plan to to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in wet rice production by 15 to 20 percent by 2020, and to help farmers will increase productivity, quality and economic effectiveness, reduce pesticides and nitrogenous fertilizers, and to encourage farmers to use green production methods. A Regional Review and Planning Workshop of the SRI-LMB Project organized in Hanoi, Vietnam on April 24-25, 2017. The results were reported from 172 action research sites spread over 33 districts in 11 provinces in four countries. In Thailand, SRI-LMB activities are in Bac Giang and Ha Tinh provinces. During October 2017, a Paddy and Water Environment article by Tuyet Thi Anh Truong et al showed that applying SRI methods in Thai Nguyen Province can save around 23% of energy inputs, while increasing energy outputs by 11%; economic benefits per hectare also rise by more than 8 million dong (USD 364) compared to those under the conventional cultivation system.
During 2019, a field study reported in the Scientific Reports of the Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama Universityin Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province showed that the yield and yield potential of rice were greater in SRI than that in non-SRI methods. A 2020 article describes two SNV-supported projects that operated for over a decade in Bihn Dinh since 2009 and successfully promoted SRI to over 3,000 (primarily women) farmers on 1,500 hectares. During 2021,SRI was named a 2020 climate policy "breakthrough" for government initiatives in Vietnam to increase agricultural production there while reducing methane emissions from rice paddies. Later that year, studies on a rice/potato rotation model in Thai Nguyen province using SRI and minimum tillage showed substantial yield and profit increases.
Progress and Activities
2022 Updates
- Determinants of SRI Adoption and its Impacts on Rice Yield in the Upland Region of Central Vietnam
[December 23, 2022] An article by Nguyen and Hung in the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Developmentinvestigates the factors that influence the adoption of the SRI practice in rice production and the impact of the SRI adoption on rice yields in the upland region of Central Vietnam. The study, which involved 239 rice farmers in Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces, found that the age of respondents had a significant and negative effect on the adoption of SRI. In contrast, the amount of family labor, number of plots, and access to credit had significant positive effects on farmers’ decision to adopt SRI. In addition, the results showed that when rice farmers adopted SRI, their yields increased by 15.1% on average. Regarding the policy implications, the results suggest a need for a coordinated policy between the Vietnamese government and farmers to support the implementation of the SRI method in mountainous areas, especially to train farmers to use the SRI technique. [See full journal article for details.]
- Sticky Rice Farmers in Lai Chau Province Find Success with SRI through Climate Change Project
[September 23, 2022] The project "Enhancing the voice and capacity of ethnic minority farmers groups vulnerable to climate change in Northwest Vietnam (VOF)" was implemented to support ethnic minority communities to enhance their ability to cope with climate change. The project, which just concluded, was funded by the Danish Civil Society Organizations Association (CISU). The Asian Danish Agricultural Development Organization (ADDA), PanNature, and the Farmers' Association of Son La and Lai Chau provinces cooperated to implement the implementation in the period of 2019-2022.
For Lai Chau province, the project focused on changing people's perception abusing pesticides. One of the successes of the project was disseminating SRI methods in Ban Lang commune. In Phong Tho district (Lai Chau) - the first five hectares of tan sticky rice grown with SRI were harvested with high yield, good grain quality, and significantly reduced negative impacts on the environment. The positive results from the model of the original farmer group have attracted many other farmers in the village to participate, bringing the total area of sticky rice applying the new method to 30 hectares and the number of group members to 38 households. The group also successfully signed a cooperation agreement with Northwest Agricultural Seeds and Materials One Member Company Limited to promote products to market. [See Vietnamese article in Khoa Học Phát Triển website for details.]
2021
- More Rice with Less Water: Article Covers SRI and Rice Productivity in Vietnam
[July 2, 2021] A study by Cahit et al published in the Munich Personal RePEc Archive reports on the effects of a large-scale System of Rice Intensification (SRI) program on the water productivity of rice in Vietnam during 2000-2012; the work focused on provincial and time variations in SRI uptake and irrigation water supply. The findings suggest that the world’s second-largest rice exporter could produce four million tons of more rice with same water supply in the reasonably achievable case of 20% SRI uptake across its provinces. In addition, the authors find that SRI increases the output of other crops too, which they beleive is due at least partly to its possible water savings and soil nutrition preservation in rice production. The data further indicate that SRI is more likely to be adopted in provinces with stronger quality of provincial institutions and weaker agricultural capital base. Numerous selectivity and randomization tests affirm that the water productivity effect of SRI is important in selection in SRI uptake at province and district levels. [See full document for details. A version of this study is also published in 2022 in the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics.]
- Rice/Potato Rotation using SRI and Minimum Tillage Show Promise in Thai Nguyen Province
[June 1, 2021] A rice/potato rotational model (SRI-GMP model) was tested in Phu Binh district, Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam during 2018-2019. The study, which was reported in the TNU Journal of Science and Technology compared conventional rice farming (rice monoculture does not apply SRI – control); monoculture of rice with SRI application; and SRI-GMP practice. Applying SRI-GPM created an ecological balance, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping people raise awareness about environmental protection and responding to climate change. The yield of potatoes, which reached 25 tons/ha, resulted in an increase in income from 4.9 million VND/ha, 210.5 thousand VND/labor-day and 1.09 VND/VND for the investment capital in conventional cultivation of monoculture of rice to 141.3 million VND/ha, 644.4 thousand VND/ labor-day and 2.75 VND/VND for the investment capital in SRI-GPM cultivation. SRI-GPM also created a cooperative connection between farmers, companies, scientists and government, providing opportunities for farmers to participate in the value chain. [See article by Hoàng Văn Phụ et al.]
- Review of SRI Advantages for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Mitigation in Vietnam and Elsewhere
[May 30, 2021] An article by Hoàng Văn et al in the TNU Journal of Science and Technology reviews the advantages of SRI regarding environmental protection and climate change mitigation in Vietnam and globally. The authors note that the large area cultivated under flooded conditions with high use of chemical inputs, conventional rice cultivation is a major source of GHGs, environmental pollution, and climate change. To help solve this problem, SRI has been researched over the past several decades and been applied by about 15 million smallholder farmers in more than 60 countries. Much research shows that SRI helps save energy and water; SRI also protects the environment by keeping fertilizer residue from being discharged into the environment. The reduction in stand density helps improve ventilation, limit pests and diseases, and increases biodiversity and natural enemies in rice fields. The GHG emission reduction (CH4, CO2, N2O) is based on SRI's principle of alternate wetting and drying, which converts fields from anaerobic to aerobic. Furthermore, the yield of SRI is higher and the inputs lower than those of conventional cultivation. Read more about how the authors synthesize SRI research results in Vietnam and around the world to provide evidence that the SRI contributes to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
- System of Rice Intensification in Vietnam Recognized for Climate Policy Impact
[January 27, 2021] The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has been named as a 2020 climate policy "breakthrough" for government initiatives in Vietnam to increase agricultural production there while reducing methane emissions from rice paddies. SRI was recognized by Apolitical, a peer-to-peer learning platform for sharing government policy ideas, as one of the most beneficial climate policies that can mitigate climate change or enable people to adapt to it successfully. The recognition is for projects worldwide that have demonstrated their potential for scalable, effective change.
The Apolitical article "100 climate policy breakthroughs" notes that, as of 2015, SRI had already reached over 1.8 million people covering at least 400,000 hectares. While rice production is responsible for between 9 and 19% of global methane emissions, studies have shown that efficient systems can reduce emissions by 20% to 60%. The graphic at right shows Project Drawdown's estimates that total CO2-eq (Gt) that could be avoided by 2050 if SRI were scaled up worldwide. In 2007, Vietnam’s central government recognized SRI as a certified method of production, setting a precedent and increasing trust in the system. By 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture reported more than a million farmers across 22 provinces were adopting the system. The government recognized SRI as part of its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wet rice production by 20% by 2020. The SRI-Vietnam network helps spread SRI methods, which continue to spread across Vietnam and has particularly impacted women farmers. In 2019, news came back from the Binh Dinh province that over 3,200 people (79% of whom were women) were now implementing SRI. Aided by the Netherlands Development Organization, the project hopes it has reduced emissions by 22%. [For more information, see Apolitical's article on "100 climate policy breakthroughs" and Cornell University article.]
2020
- SRI Implemented by 3,200 (Primarily Women) Farmers on over 1,500 hectares in Binh Dinh
[February 18, 2020] With the support of the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development deployed specialized units to Binh Dinh from 2009 to the present to work on two projects: 2009 - 2014: "Sowing seeds for community-based climate change adaptation through sustainable rice production", funded by the Australian Government; and 2016-2021: "Enhancing women's rights in agricultural production", funded by the Dutch Government. In the framework of the latter project, the Center for Agricultural Extension, in collaboration with the Women's Union of Binh Dinh province, promoted SRI to improve the capacity of women farmers in 11 agricultural cooperatives in the districts of Tuy Phuoc, Tay Son, and Hoai Nhon. About 3,200 people (79% were woman farmers) implemented the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) on over 1,500 hectares.
The SRI model has reportedly brought about significant efficiency, reduced input costs, achieved high productivity, increased profits, and also contributed to improving women's capacity with regard to learn cultivation techniques, acquire agricultural knowledge and work towards gender equality. Participating in building models with training courses and group meetings has helped women feel more confident in the family as well as participating in community activities. The process involves: seeding with density of 4 kg / sao; AWD irrigation, soil aeration through weeding; conservation of the soil ecosystem (using organic fertilizers and micro-biological fertilizers, reducing the use of pesticides); and IPM -- according to the principle of "4 right" (right medicine, right dose, right time, right technique). Fields that applied SRI all produced 3 to 5 quintals / ha or higher rice yields compared to non-SRI fields. The total investment cost is low, about VND 1.5 million / ha, the profit of the SRI model increases on average by 20-30% compared with the with those not following the model. [This information is from an article in Vietnamese that also has a number of farmer interviews on how SRI and the wider project objectives of women's empowerment changed their lives.]
- Research Shows Positive Effect of SRI on Growth and Yield Performance in Nam Dong District, Thua Thien Hue Province
[February 12, 2020] An article by Nguyen Quang Co et al in the Scientific Reports of the Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University concludes that the yield and yield potential of rice were greater in SRI than that in non-SRI methods. The field study was conducted in Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam, during May 2019 to observe the effects of SRI method on the rice yield and eradicate the factor affecting the yield. It was carried out to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of rice, fresh and dry matter production, soil characteristics with a focus group discussion regarding cultivation by SRI and non-SRI methods. The soil analyses using standard measurements showed quite similar soil fertility in both SRI and non-SRI methods, while rice plants showed good agronomic performances and fresh and dry matter production in SRI method. At harvesting time, the yield and yield potentials of rice were greater in SRI than that in non-SRI methods. Focus group discussion found some factors that limited SRI development in Nam Dong district. [See full article for details.]
2019
- Farmers in Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đức District
Reduce Agrochemical Use with SRI
[June 29, 2019] An article on agrochemical pollution in the Vietnam's northern provinces points out the dangerous situation facing not only consumers but also farmers engaged in manual labor and the environment. Despite widespread agrochemical abuse, the Phú Xuyên District's Vân Từ Commune has witnessed a totally different situation. “Local farmers stopped using pesticides seven years ago,” said communal head Nguyễn Ngọc Vương. “They prefer catching pests and golden apple snails by hand to using chemical solutions.” Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đức District is a pioneer in applying the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) which allows an 80 per cent reduction in the use of agrochemicals. At first, the system was reportedly opposed by local farmers afraid of poor crops. However, thanks to the high productivity the method has brought, its application has been expanded over the past ten years. Nguyễn Mạnh Phương, deputy head of Hà Nội's Plant Protection Department, said 5,000 training courses on SRI and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have been offered to more than 120,000 farmers with the expectation of bringing agrochemical use under control. [See full article in Viet Nam News.]
- SRI Reduces Investment Costs, Saves Water
in Bình Thuận
Province
[April 11, 2019] An article on the Bình Thuận website reports that from the winter-spring season 2016 - 2017 until the present, the projects "Testing the sowing density applying water-saving irrigation method" and "Intensifying rice cultivation by SRI method" have been continuously implemented in the Ham Thuan Bac, Tuy Phong and Tanh Linh districts of Bình Thuận province. In the winter-spring season of 2018 - 2019, the model was implemented in Duc Binh Agricultural Service Cooperative (Duc Binh cooperative), Tanh Linh, and showed that rice production by SRI method was highly efficient. The projects were in response to a program launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to reduce seed sowing to save production costs and restructure crops and to apply water-saving farming techniques to cope with drought, lack of water for production.
Together with the NGO SNV (a Dutch development organization), the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center has supported the cooperative Duc Binh in conducting trials with AWD and SRI, during the winter-spring crop 2018 - 2019. In addition to trials with seeding rates, the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center selected 57 households from Duc Binh cooperative to implement SRI model with 25.4 ha. Results showed that while sowing density does not significantly affect the growth time of rice, it does influence to the height of rice. The density of sowing 8 kg / rod and 10 kg / rod has the highest number of effective branches, sowing 16 kg / sao resulted in poor tillering ability, and a seeding density of 12 kg / rod reaches the highest yield. For water regulation, 4 wet cycles and 4 times drying the field were tested. The withdrawal of water reportedly helps the roots grow better and the plants are tougher, limiting pests and diseases, especially brown backed rice plant hoppers, which are more harmful than the previous water retention fields.
Through the model, the total cost for 1 ha of rice in SRI model is about 27,350 million VND, 2 million VND / ha lower than the model. Rice production by method of sparse planting 12 kg / rod is better than traditional production (20 kg / rod). Accordingly, it is estimated that if a large-scale sowing method is applied with 12 kg / sao, farmers in Duc Binh cooperative can save 4.8 to 9.6 tons of seed each year, equivalent to 64.8 to 129 , VND 6 million (cultivated area of 40 ha, producing 3 crops per year). At the same time, if applying water-saving irrigation method on a large scale (8 times irrigating / crop), farmers in Duc Binh Cooperative can save 514,320 m3 of water per year compared to traditional irrigation. The results of the model show that SRI households have reduced the number of seed sown from 40 to 60 kg / ha compared to normal fields. The actual rice yield of the model is about 70 quintals / ha. According to Mr. Nguyen Tam, Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, the solution to improving rice production SRI implemented in the past has proved the suitability and effectiveness with the natural conditions of the province. Therefore, the Center is requesting the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to consider and plan to integrate SRI solutions into programs and projects to expand the scale and focus on sustainable agricultural production. SNV continues to implement the project, aiming at bringing SRI's method of intensive rice cultivation to a large scale, improving efficiency for rice farmers. (See Bình Thuận article for details.)
2018
- SRI-Viet Represented at SRI Events in Southeast Asia
[October 20, 2018] Hoang Van Phu made a presentation on the Vietnam SRI Network at the Workshop to Enhance Cooperation and Sharing among SRI National Networks in Asia, held October 18-19, 2018, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The event, which was attended by 50 participants from 17 countries, was organized by the Malaysian Agroecology Society (SRI-Mas), the Asian Centre of Innovation for ACISAI Centre at the Asian Institute of Technology, and SRI-Rice. The workshop mapped out the possibilities for forming an Asia Regional SRI Network from the ten Asian SRI networks that operating the region. Prior to the participating in the SRI Networks Workshop in Malaysia, Dr. Phu made a presentation on the Effects of SRI in Limiting Negative Impacts of Adverse Weather Conditions at an SRI research side event during the 5th International Rice Congress (IRC) in Singapore, held October 15-17, 2018. During the Congress, he also helped provide SRI information to the event participants from the SRI-Rice/Oxfam booth.
- Tan Son District Farmers Increase Rice Production in North Central Vietnam
through Using SRI and Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Use
[November 28, 2018] Land is scarce in Tan Son district in North Central Vietnam, and growing enough food to last throughout the year is a challenge. These challenges are being addressed by the Vietnam Tan Son program, which involved 6 communities and is being led by Mennonite Central Committee and People’s Committee of Tan Son District. According to a blog post on the Growing Hope Globally website, one of the major changes that is already being seen across the area is the use of the SRI. Farmers who are using it seem convinced that the wider spacing and use of a single seedling per hill are making a difference and increasing their yields. The main question most farmers still struggle with is about the amount and type of fertilizer they should use. Fertilizer helps plants to grow well, so many farmers figure that more fertilizer is better, and use as much as they can afford. The Tan Son program is encouraging farmers to experiment with three different approaches. The first is to use as much as the farmer can afford. The second is the amount recommended by the local extension agent, applied at three different times during the growing season. The third is one application of slow-release fertilizer at a low dosage. Each approach was modeled across several villages, allowing farmers to observe the resulting yields and decide for themselves which method works best. Cuong experimented with a single application of slow-release fertilizer and that led to a 70% yield increase and enough rice to last her family throughout the year. Uyen followed the advice of the district agriculture consultant and used three applications of fertilizer. While she saw a 29% increase in production, she suspects it is from her switch to SRI, since she used the same fertilization method as before. She plans to experiment with several types of fertilizer during the next growing season to determine which works best. Tim used both slow release fertilizer and compost. Her yield has doubled thanks to the use of SRI. One of her fields did not do well since fertilizer runoff from a neighbor’s overuse affected her field. This helped her to conclude that it is very important not to overuse fertilizer. A member of the Kim Thuong Commune Project Management Committee noted that the program has been instrumental in helping people learn to use fertilizer appropriately and enabling them to grow enough rice through SRI to meet their food security needs. [See article for more information.]
- SRI Makes Headway in Hai Lang District in Quang Tri Province
[June 4, 2018] High productivity, seed amount decreased by 2.5 kg / sao, nitrogen fertilizer reduced by 20-25%, water saving, and especially, not using plant protection chemicals (but having less rice pests!): According to an article in Quảng Trị, Online, these are the advantages that explain why SRI which is currently being implemented in Hai Lang district. Supported by Hai Lang District Development Program (World Vision), during winter 2017 - 2018, Hai Lang Agricultural Extension Station implemented SRI in 6 communes: Hai Thuan, Hai Thien, Hai Truong, Hai Quy, Hai Xuan and Hai Hoa on an area of over 2.4 hectares with 37 households involved, using the seeds Hybrid 8 and Ma Lam 48. Bui Truong, Director of Thien Tay cooperative (Hai Thien commune) said that Thien Tay co-operative had 14 households participating in SRI cultivation on 0.9 ha area. According to Truong, households using SRI methods will be supported with new high-quality rice varieties (Thien Uu 8); guided toward organic agriculture, (organic inputs and, rather than insecticides, using preparations made from garlic, chili and ginger); and encouraged to use smallscale equipment and manage water. While farmers were skeptical, especially about seed and pesticide reduction, the harvest was over 60 quintals per hectare, and the rice had less shattering and was resistant to pests. Reduced density with SRI increases photosynthesis, limits pests and diseases by better airflow and microclimate, and enables rice paddies to develop more effectively. Soil conditions are improved by keeping soil moist; weeding the field to aerate soil; and using manure and other organic fertilizer to increase soil fertility. Specifically, with the SRI model, farmers use only 2 kg of rice / sao compared to 5-6 kg / sao. Compost from manure and agricultural by-products reduced the amount of chemical fertilizers by 30%. Herbicides are being reduced in favor of improved weeding tools and hand weeding.
Beside the demonstration on an area of nearly 2.5 hectares with 37 households participating directly, the model involves 180 students who are in households with children under 16, children with disabilities, poor and near-poor families. They study throughout the winter in Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Evaluation of the effectiveness of these models, Vo Thi Hue in Hai Quy Commune said: "Rice production under the model SRI farmers saves a lot. The first is the seed, previously sowing 1 sao of 5 - 6 kg rice seeds, now only 2 kg. The second is reduction of the amount of fertilizer, especially nitrogenous fertilizer, from 6 - 8 kg / sao down to 4 kg / sao. Also, despite reduction in pesticides, because of the plant spacing, rice fields are open, and have less pests. According to Mr. Duong Viet Hai, Head of Hai Lang District's Agriculture Department, despite the higher profit margin with SRI, only about 10% of the total area of more than 6,800 hectares of the district follow SRI methods. Some of the constraints are irrigation access, long-term heavy use of herbicides which make pulling weeds difficult, and uneven terrain, making transport of organic fertilizer to the field difficult. The district Agriculture Department will advise the district People's Committee to direct the localities to continue implementing SRI in the following years. At the same time, training courses, in combination with strengthening of advocacy, synchronizing production in larger fields, regulating water, controlling pest outbreaks, will contribute to a safe, effective and sustainable agriculture.
- "Adaptation in the Mekong Delta" (AMD) Project in Tra Vinh Helps Farmers Adapt to Climate Change
[March 10, 2018] According to an article in Vietnam+, the “Adaptation in the Mekong Delta” (AMD) project will target 35 billion VND (1.54 million USD) from the climate change adaptation co-sponsoring fund (CCA) to support 1,400 households and 168 cooperative groups in Tra Vinh province in climate change adaptation during 2018. The fund is intended to encourage local farmers to apply rational production models to create sustainable income. Poor and near-poor households as well as cooperative groups in the 30 targeted communes will be given non-refundable aid equivalent to 50 percent of total planned production and business costs. Priority has been given to rice farming under the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), as well as clean and water-saving vegetable cultivation, and extensive aquaculture farming. The AMD project in Tra Vinh has been implemented in 30 communes of seven districts during 2014-2020, benefiting around 15,000 poor and near-poor households. The overall goal of the project is to develop sustainable livelihoods for rural residents in a changing climate and enhance the public’s capacity to adapt to climate change.
2017
- Comparative Energy and Economic Analyses of Rice Production with Conventional and SRI Methods Undertaken in Thai Nguyen Province
[October 1, 2017] An article by Tuyet Thi Anh Truong et al comparing various aspects of SRI and conventional rice has been published in the October 2017 issue of the journal Paddy and Water Environment. A survey of 90 farming households in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, was undertaken to find out how energy is being used in agriculture and, specifically, in their rice production. Through analysis of energy input–output balances, combined with economic efficiency analysis, a comparison was made of conventional and SRI methods of rice production. The study found that applying SRI methods can save around 23% of energy inputs, while increasing energy outputs by 11%. Economic benefits per hectare also rise by more than 8 million dong (USD 364) compared to those under the conventional cultivation system. The study also showed conflicts between the energy and economic balances for manual compared with machine plowing operations. The article's findings can help stakeholders to assess current policies and make better decisions on the uses of energy in agricultural production. In addition, the comprehensive approach taken here to analyzing energy use and efficiency could expand the analysis and comparison of energy uses at sectoral or activity level—still a new field in Vietnam and many other countries. [See full article, entitled Comparative energy and economic analyses of conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods of rice production in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, for details.]
- Vietnam SRI Network (SNV) Meets to Share Progress and Plan for Future
[August 20, 2017] The Vietnam SRI Network met on August 8, 2017, to share updates by participants and representatives on various field and research projects, and to establish enhanced media channels for the network. A Coordinating Committee was elected, with Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Phu (ICC) and Bui Van Minh (SNV) selected as coordinators; Maeda Keiko (FIDR), Ngo Tien Dung, and Le Nguyet Minh as commissioners; and Nguyen Trong Hung as secretary. Results of 2016-2017 network activities were presented. Various SRI-related projects were undertaken during 2016-2017 by ICC, the Plant Protection Department of Bac Kan, SNV, the Planting & Plant Protection Department of Quang Binh Province, and FIDR. SRI-related projects ranged from SRI promotion and adaptive research to emissions reductions, bio-waste minimization, and women's enterprises. (See network activity document for details).
It was decided that the network will organize two meetings per year and participants/organizations would write case studies. Plans were also made to refresh the old logo, upgrade the website, and put together kits of documents that could be shared among members and on the website/social media.
SRI Featured in Training for Project "Non-toxic environment" Project in Thai Nguyen Province
- SRI-LMB Project Findings Shared at Workshop
in Vietnam
[May 19, 2017] Farmers from 11 provinces of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam have reported near doubling of profit for paddy grown with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) management practices. This was a result of higher yield coupled with reduced cost of seed, seedlings, and pesticides; along with better quality of food-grains, thereby commanding a higher market price. These results and other project details were shared at Regional Review and Planning Workshop of the SRI-LMB Project organized in Hanoi, Vietnam on 24-25 April 2017. The results were reported from 172 action research sites spread over 33 districts in 11 provinces — three in Cambodia (Kampot, Kampong Speu and Takeo); three in Thailand (Uttaradit, Sisaket and Surin); two in Vietnam (Bac Giang and Ha Tinh); and three in Laos (Khammouan, Savannakhet and Vientiane).
Presentations entitled Results of the SRI-LMB Project in Vietnam and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Vietnam highlighted the progress and lessons learned over the past several years. Key learnings in Vietnam were that 1) experiments should solve local problems in relevant fields, and 2) almost all experiments/demonstration fields give high yields and reduced expense so the farmers and local leaders are interested in supporting the project. The event, was organized by the Asian Institute of Technology in collaboration with FAO and Oxfam and hosted by the Plant Protection Department, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam. For more, information, contact SRI-LMB and the workshop report. See also the event concept note. [See ThaiPR article, workshop powerpoints and the SRI-LMB website for details.]
- SRI Part of Plan to Curb Emissions From Rice Fields in Vietnam
[March 23, 2017] According to an article in CUBIRD.com, Mai Van Trinh, Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Institute for Agricultural Environment, reported that that new water- and cost-efficient farming techniques will allow Vietnam to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in wet rice production by 15 to 20 percent by 2020. Trinh was speaking at a recent conference on the first phase of the Project on Reduced CH4 Emissions in Wet Rice Cultivation in Vietnam, jointly held by his institute and the Manila-based International Rice Research Institute in Hanoi. To achieve the target, the ministry will use the SRI to help farmers increase productivity, quality and economic effectiveness, while reducing pesticides and nitrogenous fertilizers, he said. In addition to these measures, the ministry will also encourage farmers to use green production methods. The sector will also apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in cultivation, which means using techniques that consume less fertilizers and water, employing better land preparation techniques and reducing methane emissions.
Another technology mentioned at the conference was Alternative Wetting Drying (AWD). To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice growing, the institute has tried AWD while implementing a project on reducing CH4 emissions in wet rice cultivation. Trinh said that AWD is already known to rice growers in Vietnam, as it has already been incorporated in several other programmes, including SRI. Vu Duong Quynh, the project coordinator, said a major challenge with SRI is water management primarily due to the unfavorable terrain in many areas, fragmented rice fields and a lack of cooperation between irrigation staff and farmers. This is problematic as efficient irrigation is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To overcome these difficulties, Quynh said that in its first phase, from October 2014 to June 2016, the project would collect lessons learned from efficient irrigation models and to gather data on land and infrastructure in each province, to make a water-efficient irrigation map. On the map, one can see which province can apply AWD, since not all land is suitable for this technology. [See CUBIRD article for details.]
- Speech by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development at COP21 Highlights SRI
[March 5, 2017] According to a recent article on the Talk Vietnam website, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat, made a speech as a special guest at the invitation of US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during a recent side event for the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) with participants from the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture. Sharing Vietnam’s agriculture experience in coping with climate change, Minister Phat said that in regards to rice production, the country has encouraged farmers to apply advanced techniques through System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which helps reduce 30% of fertilizer and pesticides, increases yields by 10-20% and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.
[June 12, 2017] On June 5-6, 2017, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) and related government departments in Thai Nguyen Province organized two field-based training sessions on SRI practices for the spring 2017 cropping season at Na Pang village of On Luong commune and Ngoi village of Dong Dat commune, Phu Luong district. This is one activity among a series of interventions promoting for the application of eco-agriculture in the one km pesticides free buffer zone around schools which SRD and PAN-AP have implemented under the project "Towards a Non-toxic environment in South East Asia". Farmer Field School (FFS) training was maintained during the period of growth of the rice from the time of rice sowing to harvesting and involved 50 participants. Farmers can see by themselves the benefits of applying SRI into the farming, such as: reduce seeds for the paddy fields, reduce the use of chemicals, thus growing healthier food, improving soil quality, and protecting farm biodiversity. "After a period of time piloting SRD approach in my rice field, my family members and I can see a big difference with positive results. No more diseases, higher quality rice seeds after harvest on my SRI-rice paddies while the samples with traditional method suffered from sheath blight and some other diseases. More importantly, no more pesticides are used in my rice paddies from early of the season till the harvest time", shared Mr Vi Van Thai, a local farmer at Ngoi village. [See SRD article for details]
2016
- SRI Project Improves Rice-Growing in Mountainous Areas in Quang Nam
[December 4, 2016] An article in Vietnam+ website reviews a project to help increase the productivity of rice growing in mountainous areas in the central province of Quang Nam (right), raising rice yields by 0.2 - 1.5 tons/ha. The project was reviewed at an event organized by the Foundation for International Development/Relief and the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. In 2016, the project was carried out in six mountainous districts spanning over 150,000 m2 of Quang Nam, including Dong Giang, Tay Giang, Nam Giang, Nam Tra My, Bac Tra My, and Hiep Duc. It aims to promote and train farmers in SRI, as way to achieve high yield without relying on improved varieities or chemical fertilizers. Ho Thanh Tung from Tra Tan commune in the northern Tra My district said SRI helped improve the effectiveness of rice growing in the mountainous areas and that localities will invest more in applying the technique in local rice growing, thus ensuring the continuity of the project’s outcomes. [For details see the item on the Quang Nam project in the middle of the "social news 4/12" article on Vietnamnet Bridge.]
- National Review and
Planning Workshop in
Vietnam
[November 20, 2016] The National Review and Planning Workshop in Vietnam was held in Bac Giang province on November 18, 2016. The event was organized by the Plant Protection Department (PPD), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Crop Production & Plant Protection Sub- Department (PPSD Bac Giang and Nghe An) in partnership with AIT, FAO and Oxfam. The objectives of the workshop were to share key learnings from previous years’ SRI-LMB Farmer's Participatory Action Research (FPAR) implementation by trainers and farmers and review the overall process of FPAR to identify and establish research oriented learnings.
Nguyen Tuan Loc, National Training Expert, SRI-LMB project in Vietnam, indicated that 20% of the SRI-LMB area is under SRI now in both provinces, with 18% applying partial SRI and 2% following full SRI principles. The majority of FPAR participants are women (67%). Yen Nguyen, Hanoi University of Agriculture, presented information on the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Study that aims to evaluate the adaptation response for SRI practices. The MEL survey revealed that due to FPAR trainings the SRI, adoption has increased in the project area. On-farm net return reported by FPAR farmers was 1,399 US$ whereas the control group reported 1,148 $US. [See SRI-LMB December 2016 Newsletter for details.]
- Event Reviews a Decade of SRI Progress Vietnam
[October 9, 2016] An event entitled The SRI Journey in Vietnam: A Decade On was held September 27-28, 2016, in Thai Nguyen. The meeting brought together SRI stakeholders to appreciate ten years of SRI success in Vietnam and share their stories. The event highlighted perspectives and activities of SRI in Vietnam, and was also aimed at better linking the SRI-Viet network into the global SRI community. [See papers by Ngô Tiến Dũng and Hoàng Văn Phụ presented at the event. The English version of their talk, The 10 year journey of SRI in Vietnam, is also available on the SRI in Vietnam website as is the Vietnamese version, Hành trình 10 năm SRI tại Việt Nam.
2015
- Low-CO2 Rice Farming Foresees Future Expansion with SRI
[September 22, 2015] A three-day seminar on "greener rice cultivation" in Vietnam and across the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) opened in the northern Thai Nguyen province on September 21, 2025. Nearly twenty reports and studies were presented by representatives from Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Following presentations on sustainable farming presentations, which were primarily focused on organic SRI methods, participants made field trips to see rice paddies applying SRI methods in Thai Nguyen’s Phu Luong and Dinh Hoa districts.
According to reports at the event, more than 1.5 million farmers in 29 provinces and cities in Vietnam have applied the SRI on over 500,000 hectares. (See major SRI adoption areas at right). Hoang Van Dung, Deputy Head of the Thai Nguyen Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that SRI has generated positive outcomes in his province, which is reflected in crop health as well as up to 15 percent yield increases. Hoang Van Phu introduced participants to Vietnam's new SRI network, SRIViet (see PowerPoint presentation).
According to Tran Kim Long, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s International Cooperation Department, rice cultivation in Vietnam produces an average of 27.8 million tonnes of CO2, accounting for 67 percent of the total greenhouse gases emitted by the sector. This contributes to making Vietnam 31st worldwide in terms of emissions. To address the issue, Vietnam is improving its land and farming management, including the use of SRI, as well as boosting the spread of biomass energy. (See article in Vietnam+ for details).
- New Vietnam SRI Network Announced at SE Asia Regional Conference on SRI
[May 28, 2015] Hoang Van Phu led the Vietnam delegation at the Southeast Asia Regional Conference on SRI, which was organized by the SRI-Mas Network in Alor Setar, Malaysia, on May 26-28, 2015. Thirteen international participants, including the heads of the SRI national networks from Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, were sponsored by SRI-Rice to attend the conference. Dr. Phu presented the newly founded Vietnam SRI Network (SRIViet), which is a knowledge hub for SRI and sustainable rice interests to share information, research and resources in order to enhance voice of rice producers, advocacy of enabling policy and support. SRIViet founders include Oxfam, SNV, ICC - TNU, FCRI, CASRAD, IAE, Veco , FIDR, PPDs, SRD).
- SRI to Help Vietnam Reduce GHG Emissions from Rice Production by 15 to 20% by 2020
[January 25, 2015] According to Mai Van Trinh, director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Institute for Agricultural Environment, new water- and cost-efficient farming techniques will allow Vietnam to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in wet rice production by 15 to 20 per cent by 2020. Trinh spoke at a January 23 conference held by the Institute for Agricultural Environment and IRRI on the first phase of the Project on Reduced CH4 Emissions in Wet Rice Cultivation in Vietnam. To achieve the target, the ministry will use SRI-- a plan in which farmers will increase productivity, quality and economic effectiveness, while reducing pesticides and nitrogenous fertilizers. In addition to these measures, the ministry will also encourage farmers to use green production methods as well as applying Alternative Wetting Drying (AWD) and Good Agricultural Practices. (GAP means using techniques that consume less fertilizers and water, employ better land preparation techniques and reduce methane emissions).
Vu Duo ng Quynh, the project coordinator, said a major challenge with SRI is water management. Most problems are caused by the unfavorable terrain, fragmented rice fields and a lack of operation between irrigation staff and farmers. This is problematic because, according to Quynh, efficient irrigation is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To overcome these difficulties, Quynh said that in its first phase, from October 2014 to June 2016, the project intends to collect lessons learned from efficient irrigation models and to gather data on land and infrastructure in each province, to make a water-efficient irrigation map. (See article in VietnamNet Bridge.)
2003-2014 activities - SEE VIETNAM ARCHIVES
Reports, Articles and Related Information (chronological)
- Phu Hao, Dong, Nguyen Thanh Binh, and Le Hoang Anh. 2023. Current situation and solutions for methane (CH4) emission in paddy rice cultivation in Vietnam. VNU Journal of Science: Earth and Environmental Sciences 39(1): 28-41. doi:10.25073/2588-1094/vnuees.4909
- Nguyen, Hang Thi Thuy, and Pham Xuan Hung. 2022. Determinants of System of Rice Intensification adoption and its impacts on rice yield in the upland region of Central Vietnam. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 12(4): 306-315. doi:10.55493/5005.v12i4.4677
- Thư, Anh. 2022. Mô hình Làng nông nghiệp ứng phó với biến đổi khí hậu ở Tây Bắc.Khoa Học Phát Triển website, September 23.
- Thu, Tran. 2022. A systemic review of System of Rice Intensification journey and System of Crop Intensification development in the rice sector of Viet Nam. Journal of Rice Research 15 (Special Issue)
- 2022. 'Rice hometown' Thái Bình Province strives to enhance rice quality, branding. EIN NewsWires, June 29. [In 2020, the cultivated area of Thái Bình Province applying IPM and SRI reached nearly 45% of the total planting area, helping farmers reduce production costs and increase profits]
- Tong, Lan Anh, Mehmet Ali Ulubaşoğlu, and Cahit Guven. 2022. Growing more rice with less water: the System of Rice Intensification and water productivity in Vietnam. Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics 59: 1–31 (online early) doi:10.1111/1467-8489.12477
- Nelson, Katherine M., Reiner Wassmann, and Björn Ole Sander. 2022. Vietnam’s rice sector is the key to meeting methane reduction targets. East Asia Forum website. [accessed May 14, 2022]
- So, Kim, and Dinh Thung. 2022. Scaling up model of input cost reduction: SRI provides benefits and mitigates damage. Nong Nghiep (Vietnam Agriculture) website. April 19. [According to the Binh Thuan Agricultural Extension Center, the province has produced 1,100ha of rice using the SRI. In 2022, the Center will establish a model of intensive rice production using the SRI method, which is certified VietGAP and provides chain-link traceability, on size of around 20ha in the rice area of Tanh Linh district]
- 2021. ADDA is helping rural farmers to become self-sustainable in a changing world. ScanAsia. August 9. [Danish NGO ADDA includes SRI in Climate Smart project in North Vietnam]
- Ha, Tuan M., and Ho Van Bac. 2021. Effects of Climate-Smart Agriculture adoption on performance of rice farmers in northeast Vietnam. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 11(4): 291-301. doi:10.18488/journal.ajard.2021.114.291.301
- Phụ, Hoàng Văn, et al. 2021. Adaptive research on rice/potato rotation model (SRI for rice and minimum tillage method for potato) in paddy land of Phu Binh district, Thai Nguyen province. TNU Journal of Science and Technology 226(09): 240-249. doi:10.34238/tnu-jst.4422
- Phụ, Hoàng Văn, et al. 2021. The advantages of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in environmental protection and climate change mitigation in rice production - A review. TNU Journal of Science and Technology 226(9): 11-21. doi:10.34238/tnu-jst.4343.
- Fisher, Lucy. 2021. System of Rice Intensification recognized for climate policy impact. Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) website. January 30.
- 2021. 100 climate policy breakthroughs. Apolitical website. [Apolitical website recognizes 100 climate policies, one of which is efforts by Vietnamese Govt. to reduce GHGs by using SRI.]
- Mishra, Abha, Jan Willem Ketelaar, Norman Uphoff and Max Whitten. 2021. Food security and climate-smart agriculture in the lower Mekong basin of Southeast Asia: evaluating impacts of system of rice intensification with special reference to rainfed agriculture. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability doi:10.1080/14735903.2020.1866852
- Hồ Vũ Khanh. 2020. Assessment of economic efficiency, soil characteristics and plankton on SRI model, and traditional intensive rice model in Tan Hiep, Kien Giang. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 17(12), 2130-2142.
- Hà Nội in the front line on curtailing the use of pesticide. Vietnam News, June 19. [According to the article, total area under SRI in Hà Nội is about 60%.]
- Thi, My Hoa Do, et al. 2020. Establishment of community- based dissemination model and its effective function for sustainable food security and poverty reduction. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology B 10: 83-88 doi: 10.17265/2161-6264/2020.02.003
- Inoue, Kako. 2019. Diffusion of innovation in fighting disparities among localities and ethnicities: A case Study of the project on food security improvement for small scale farmers in central Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development 10(1): 114-121. [accessed July 30, 2020]
- 2020. Hà Nội in the front line on curtailing the use of pesticide, Vietnam News, June 19. [According to the article, total area under SRI in Hà Nội is about 60%.]
- Phuong, D.T.L., N.T. Hoa, and N.T.H. Nga. 2020. Impact of irrigation techniques on rice yield and dynamics of zinc in plants and soil. Plant, Soil, and Environment 66: 135–142.
- Nguyen, Thi Ahn Tran. 2020. Farmers speak about the FLOW Project on improved rice models with SRI (Article is in Vietnamese). February 12, 2020, Hoi Phu Nu Binh Dinh website. [Describes how 2 projects in Binh Dinh supported by the NGO SNV promoted SRI and women's empowerment in Vietnam.]
- Nguyen, Quang Co, et al. 2020. Effect of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) on growth and yield performance in Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Scientific Reports of the Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University 109: 13-20.
- 2019. Northern provinces urged to bring pesticide use under control. Viet Nam News, June 29. [5,000 training courses on SRI and IPM were offered to 120,000+ farmers with the expectation of bringing agrochemical use under control.]
- Hằng, Kiều. 2019. Thâm canh lúa tiết kiệm nước (Water-saving rice cultivation). Bình Thuận website. April 11. [SRI trials focusing on seed reduction and AWD have shown reduced cost and improved productivity in Bình Thuận province in Vietnam. Provincial Agricultural Extension Center: The Provincial Agricultural Extension Center requests the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to consider and plan to integrate SRI solutions into programs and projects to expand the scale and focus on sustainable agricultural production. The NGO SNV continues to implement the project, aiming at bringing SRI to a large scale.
- Quynh, Vu Duong, and Mai Van Trinh. 2018. Assessment of economic, ecological efficiency and resistant ability to unforable climate condition of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in comparison with conventional rice cultivation in Bihn Dinh province. Journal of Vietnam Agricultural Science and Technology 6(91): 27-34.
- VNA/CVN. 2018. Binh Thuân développe des modèles d’agriculture intelligente face au climat. Le Courrier du Vietnam, December 28. [Update on the NGO SNV's SRI projects related to women and climate change in Vietnam.]
- 2018. Seeing is believing. Growing Hope Globally website.
- 2018. Phân bón cho lúa theo phương pháp canh tác lúa cải tiến (Fertilizer for rice under the method of improved rice cultivation). AgriVietnam.com. October.
- Lê An. 2018. Hiệu quả từ mô hình thâm canh lúa cải tiến (Efficiency from improved rice intensification model). Quảng Trị, June 4.
- 2018. SNV CEO Meike van Ginneken makes first country visit to Vietnam. SNV website. February 14. [New SNV CEO visits women's enterprise project using SRI in Quang Binh province and other projects in Vietnam.]
- 2017. The meeting on SRI VietNetwork. SRI in Vietnam website. September 27.
- Truong, Tuyet Thi Anh Truong, John Fry, Phu Van Hoang, and Hoang Huy Ha. 2017. Comparative energy and economic analyses of conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods of rice production in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Paddy and Water Environment (online first July 17, 2017) pp. 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10333-017-0603-1 [accessed July 17, 2017]
- Tu Anh, Tran. 2017. Women's economic empowerment in Quy Hau Agriculture Cooperative. SNV website. [Factsheet about Women's economic opportunities, including SRI, in Quang Binh Province for the Enhancing Opportunities for Women's Enterprises (FLO/EOWE) Project.]
- Truong, Tuyet Thi Anh Truong, John Fry, Phu Van Hoang, and Hoang Huy Ha. 2017. Comparative energy and economic analyses of conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methods of rice production in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Paddy and Water Environment (online first July 17, 2017) pp. 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10333-017-0603-1
- Bình, Thanh. 2017. Cấy thưa - phương pháp đã chứng minh hiệu quả tại nhiều nước. Khoa Học Phát Triển, July 11.
- 2017. Support local farmers with SRI practices. Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) website. June 12. [
- ACISAI. 2017. Second Regional Review and Planning Workshop - Hanoi, Vietnam. SRI-LMB website. [Report on the workshop of the SRI-LMB Project -- Sustaining and Enhancing the Momentum for Innovation and Learning around the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the Lower Mekong River Basin (SRI - LMB). Includes information from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam] [accessed July 2017]
- Brick, Tricia. 2017. Improving Crop Resilience and Income for Rice Farmers in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Buddhist Global Relief website. June 8. [Together with ICC at (ICC) of Thai Nguyen University, BGR funds supported 200 farmers in 9 villages to attend SRI Farmer Field Schools, trainings and conferences in Northern Vietnam].
- Dung, Ngo Tien, and Hoang Van Phu. 2017. The 10 year journey of SRI in Vietnam. SRI in Vietnam blog. [The report was presented at the event "The 10 years Journey of SRI in Vietnam", Thai Nguyen City, September 27 and 28, 2016] [accessed May 19, 2017] [The Vietnamese version of this report was online in 2016.]
- AIT. 2017. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) findings shared at Hanoi workshop. ThaiPR.net, May 19.
- VNA. 2017. Bản in: Tra Vinh province’s rice output hits all-time high. Talk Vietnam. March 23. [Some 57 training courses in Vietnam on various ag techniques, including SRI, to produce VietGap standard rice were organized, benefiting around 1,700 local farmers.]
- VNA. 2017. Efficient rice farming to curb emissions. CUBIRD.com website. March 18. [To achieve 15-20%r eduction in GHGs by 2020, Director or MARD's Institute for Agricultural Environment plans to use SRI.]
- Hufstader, Chris. 2017. Sparking a rice revolution. Oxfam America website. March 7. [Story of a Vietnamese SRI farmer.]
- 2017. Nhandan Newspaper – Vietnam’s agriculture contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions: minister. Talk Vietnam, March 5. [Minister Phat's COP21 speech said that in regards to rice production, the country has encouraged farmers to apply advanced techniques through System of Rice Intensification (SRI)]
- SRI-LMB. 2017. Concept note: Regional Review and Planning Workshop 2017. SRI-Lower Mekong River Basin webiste. January 2017.
- 2016. SRI-LMB Newsletter 4(1): 1-8. (December 2016) [accessed January 19, 2017]
- Hufstader, Chris. 2017. Sparking a rice revolution. Oxfam Impact, Winter 2017 edition, Oxfam website. [Fundraising piece about farmers in Vietnam training their neighbors in SRI methods.]
- Belfort, Sarah. 2016. System of Rice Intensification in Vietnam: Doing more with less. Agroecology in Action profile. Agroecology Knowledge Hub, FAO website. (see also the pdf) [This piece was submitted by Oxfam.]
- 2016. Project improves rice growing in mountainous areas in Quang Nam. Vietnam+. December 1.
- • Gallina, A., and C.R. Farnworth. 2016. Gender dynamics in rice-farming households in Vietnam: A literature review. CCAFS Working Paper no. 183. CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Phụ, Hoàng Văn. 2016. System of Rice Intensification (SRI): Scientific bases and an eco-agriculture approach (HỆ THỐNG CANH TÁC LÚA CẢI TIẾN (SRI): Cơ sở khoa học và tiếp cận nông nghiệp sinh thái). SRI-Rice website. (in Vietnamese) (9p., 168KB pdf) [Paper presented at the event The SRI Journey in Vietnam: A Decade On, held September 27-28, 2016, in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.]
- Dũng, Ngô Tiến and Hoàng Văn Phụ. 2016. System of Rice Intensification in Vietnam: A Decade Journey. System of Rice Intensification website. (in Vietnamese) (17p, 362 KB pdf) [Paper presented at the event entitled The SRI Journey in Vietnam: A Decade On, held Sept. 27-28, 2016, in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.
- 2015. Tra Vinh: Rice farmers earn extra income with intensive farming. Vietnam+ . December 11.
- ISG. 2015. Low-carbon rice farming experiences sharing in Viet Nam and GMS Countries. International Support Group (MARD) website. October 2. [Summary of conference on low-carbon rice farming with SRI in Thai Nguyen province.]
- NDEL. 2015. Partage d’expériences sur la culture du riz biologique au Vietnam. Nhân Dân en ligen, September 22.
- 2015. Low-CO2 rice farming foresees future expansion. Vietnam+ website. September 21. [Report of a regional event featuring organic SRI in Thai Nguyen province.]
- Nguyen, Kim Ngan. 2015. System of Rice Intensification - A climate change adaptation technique. World Vision website. July 5. [SRI promotion by World Vision CATREND project in two districts of Thanh Hoa Province carried out with Provincial Agricultural Extension Center.]
- Linh, Hoang. 2015. Nouveaux modèles agricoles dans le delta du Mékong. Le Courrier du Vietnam, April 12.
- 2015. Workshop on training need assessment for grassroot agricultural extension officers. Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) website. February 10.
- VN. 2015. Efficient rice farming to curb emissions. VietnamNet Bridge. January 25. (Govt. Project on Reduced CH4 Emissions in Wet Rice Cultivation in Viet Nam to use SRI methods]
- Efficient rice farming to curb emissions (Govt. Project on Reduced CH4 Emissions in Wet Rice Cultivation in Viet Nam to use SRI methods]
January 25, 2015, VietnamNet Bridge (Vietnam) - 2014. VN joins Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture. Saigon GP Daily, September 25. [In his speech delivered at the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture (GACSA) in New York, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan said Vietnam is joining with international communities to apply the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) practices, which includes projects on SRI.]
- 2014. Vietnam, World Bank sign $390 mln in fight against poverty. Thanh Nien News. April 24.
- Dill, Johannes, Georg Deichert, and Le Thi Nguyet Thu (eds.). 2014. Promoting the System of Rice Intensification: Lessons learned from Trà Vinh Province, Viet Nam. Infoagro website. July. (25p.) [A publication of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)].
- Hufstader, Chris. 2014. Avoiding pests in Vietnam. Oxfam America website,Stories section. January 31.
- Hufstader, Chris. 2014. Growing more but working less. Oxfam America website. January 22.
- Neate, Paul. 2013. "Sustainable intensification of rice production in Vietnam," pp. 11-13 in Climate-smart agriculture success stories from farming communities around the world. Wageningen, Netherlands: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA).
- Frederick, Carrie. 2013. White gold - A look at organic rice farming in Vietnam. Carriefrederick's Blog. September 23.
- Nierenberg, Danielle, and Kathleen Corr. 2013. Family farmers can feed the world - Why are we looking elsewhere?, Thanh Nein. September 10.
- Nay-Htoon, Bhone, Nguyen Tung Phong, Sabine Schlüter, Aldas Janaiah. 2013. A water productive and economically profitable paddy rice production method to adapt water scarcity in the Vu Gia-Thu Bon river basin, Vietnam. Journal of Natural Resources and Development. p.1-8. doi:10.5027/jnrd.v3i0.05 [acquired July 26, 2013]
- Le, Minh. 2013. Simple and Effective: System of Rice Intensification in Vietnam. Oxfam America website. May 16.
- Cappiello, Sidsel F., and Peter Cooper. 2012. The System of Rice Intensification in Vietnam. In The large-scale implementation of adaptation and mitigation actions in the agriculture and food sector: Case studies November 2012, 47-49. CGIAR's Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
- 2012. First Golden Rice Ear Awards highlight agriculture. Vietnews, November 15, Vietnam Social section. [Plant Protection Department (PPD) was among winners for its work with SRI]
- Castillo, Gina E., Minh Nguyet Le, and Kimberly Pfeifer. 2012. Oxfam America: Learning from the System of Rice Intensification in Northern Vietnam. (Policy Brief no. 15). In Scaling up in agriculture, rural development, and nutrition, ed. Johannes Linn, no. 19. June. Washington D.C.: IFPRI.
- 2012 postings in the SRI Vietnam website:
- Test draft Field Farmer School (FFS) Field guideline in Yen Bai province. May 28.
- Apply the SRI/FLAIR accounting software in practice. May 28.
- Field workshop on SRI adoption large-scale demonstration model. May 28.
- Key Farmer Club (KFC) established in Kim Loc commune, Ha Tinh province. May 22.
- Chapter I. To Ha Tinh for SRI cross-learning. March 20. [See also Vietnamese version] - Mkondiwa, Maxwell. 2012. Growing more rice with less water in a changing climate. YPARD (Young Professional's platform for Agriculture Development) website. April 26. [Mkondiwa's reporting from the 6th Community Based Adaptation Conference in Vietnam]
- Meadu, Vanessa. 2012. Growing more rice with less water in a changing climate. Climate Change: Agriculture and Food Security website. April 22.
- Fisher, Danny. 2012. International Women's Day 2012: Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi on addressing the often "subordinate status of girls and women." Buddhadharma Quarterly, March 8. [Buddhist Global Relief partners with Oxfam on SRI projects in Cambodia and Vietnam]
- Green, Tom. 2011. BGR project aids farm families in rural Vietnam. Buddhist Global Relief website. May.
- Seang, Soleak. 2011. More than 1 million growers are now embracing innovative approaches to producing more rice. Oxfam America website. October 6.
- Ngô Tiến Dũng, et al. 2011. Simple and effective - SRI and agriculture innovation. System of Rice Intensification website. (28p., 1.10MB pdf) (see also Vietnamese version) [This publication, put out to celebrate the adoption of SRI by over a million smallscale farmers in Vietnam, is a collaborative effort of government agencies/programs (PPD), farmers (PPSD) from 6 provinces, Oxfam, Hanoi University of Agriculture and several other groups.]
- Ngô Tiến Dũng, et al. 2011. Đơn giản và Hiệu quả - SRI và Nông nghiệp sáng tạo
(Simple but effective - SRI as an agricultural innovation). System of
Rice Intensification website.(15p., 1.20MB pdf) (see also English version). [This Vietnamese publication is a collaborative effort of government agencies/programs (PPD) and farmers (PPSD) from 6 provinces, Oxfam Hanoi University of Agriculture and several other groups.]
- Di, Thien. 2011. SRI helps Vietnam’s small-scale farmers increase production. Vietnam Business Forum, October 20.
- Nguyen, Thu. 2011. Over 1 million Vietnamese farmers benefits from SRI, People's Army Newspaper Online, October 18.
- Logan, Emily. 2011. In the fight against hunger, women lead the way. Care2 blog. March 3.
- Oxfam/WWF/Africare. 2010. Farmers Leading the Way from Crisis to Resilience Global Farmer Perspectives on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). System of Rice Intensification website. October. [Oxfam/WWF/Africare brochure available as 2p pdf of 4p brochure (626KB) or reconstructed sequential 5p. pdf (1.26MB). Third story is about Le Ngoc Thach, President of the Dai Nghia Cooperative]
- Seang, Soleak. 2010. Bold commitment to innovation. Oxfam America website. September 29.
- 2010. Ứng dụng hệ thống canh tác lúa bảo vệ môi trường. Vietnamnet.com. May 28.
- 2010. National SRI Network Workshop. SRI in Vietnam blog. March 1.
- 2010. Mở rộng hệ thống canh tác lúa SRI tại Việt Nam. Vietnam blog. January 21. [Vietnamese language newsblog article]
- 2009. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI). SRI Vietnam website. May 12. (1.8MB) [Poster providing information about a collaborative SRI initiative by Oxfam Quebec, the Plant Protection Department (PPD), and the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) with funding from Oxfam America.]
- 2009. Responding to climate change in Viet Nam: Opportunities for improving gender equality. Oxfam UK website. (63p. pdf) [A policy discussion paper by UN-Viet Nam Programme Coordination Group on Gender and Oxfam Viet Nam]
- Gorman, Tim. 2009. SRI in Vietnam: An Update. SRI Vietnam website. (4p. pdf). [Report prepared on behalf of: Oxfam, PPD, and SRD]
- 2009. Oxfam Quebec (System of Rice Intensification – Advancing small rice farmers in Vietnam). Education for Sustainable Development in Vietnam blog. January 21.
- Dung, N.T. and L.N. Minh. 2008. System of Rice Intensification - Advancing small farmers in Mekong Region. Plant Protection Department (PPD/MARD, Govt. of Vietnam) and Oxfam America. System of Rice Intensification website. (7p., 242KB pdf)
- Vietnam National IPM Program. 2007. Demonstration and dissemination of community-based SRI utilization model in Ha Tay Province, Vietnam. Oxfam America East Asia Regional Office. System of Rice Intensification website. September. (28p., 539KB pdf) [Report by the Vietnam National IPM Program (Plant Protection Sub Department) on the demonstration and dissemination of community-based SRI utilization model in Ha Tay Province, Vietnam, 2007]
- Uphoff, Norman. 2007. Trip report from visit to Vietnam, July 7-14, 2007, reviewing SRI Progress. System of Rice Intensification website. July 7-14. (20p., 289KB pdf) [Trip report for the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development] Trip report for the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development. Ithaca, NY. 20 p.
- Dung, Ngo Tien. 2006. SRI application in rice production in northern ecological areas of Vietnam. System of Rice Intensification website.(12p., 709KB pdf) [Vietnam National IPM Program updates through 2006].
- Uphoff, Norman. 2006. Report on a visit to Vietnam to review SRI progress. System of Rice Intensification website. January 3-12. (16p., 702KB pdf). [Trip report for the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development]
Websites
- The SRI in Vietnam website provides information on SRI in general and also the activities of SRI Vietnam Network that now operates it.
- SRD website's SRI program page).
- The System of Rice Intensification (CaiRan) website documents the activities of the NGO Vietnam France Échanges to introduce SRI to the community in Cai Ran, Vietnam. The site is translated into French, English and Vietnam.
Videos
- 2023 (March). 20 năm SRI -Cuộc cách mạng trong sản xuất lúa ở Việt Nam | VTC16. 24.06 min. VTC16 channel, YouTube. [English translation: 20 years of SRI - Revolution in rice production in Vietnam | VTC1] [acccessed May 31, 2023]
- 2019 (January 27). SRI GPM model in Tan Duc. 6:24 min. ALiSEA Mekong channel, YouTube. [SRI project in Vietnam uses Farmer Field School with funds from ALiSEA’s Small Grant Program, 2017-2018]
- 2017 (May 3). SRI LMB developing a more intelligent pathway for sustainable rice intensification. 7:59 min. SRI LMB channel, YouTube. [The AIT is implementing an EU-financed project entitled: “Sustaining and Enhancing the Momentum for Innovation and Learning around the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)in the Lower Mekong River Basin”. The objective is to enhance resilience of rainfed small-scale farmers of Lower Mekong region confronting climate change.]
- 2015 (March 30). System of Rice Intensification (SRI) short film (English subtitle). 11:03 min. Tổ chức phát triển Hà Lan SNV channel, YouTube. [Direct-seeded Australia Aid-funded SRI project undertaken by SNV Development Organisation Netherlands together with the Vietnamese Dept. of Agricultural and Rural Development in the Vietnamese provinces of Quang Binh and Binh Dinh between 2011 and 2014]
- 2013 (April 1). SRI technical training film, in Tra Vinh, Vietnam 2013. 16:09 min. Thu Le channel, YouTube. [Instructional video from a GIZ-supported Project of Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas (PARA) project in Tra Vinh, Vietnam that began in 2011.]
- 2011 (April 13). Our Rice Tomorrow. Produced by Manon Aubel and Thanh Thanh Phan. 6:15 min. baklavaprod channel, YouTube. [Contribution to a video contest organized by the Goethe Institute in Hanoi about the impact of climate change on Vietnamese people. The video features SRI.]
- 2011 (April 7). Cambodge: Le Riz du lLespoir - Systéme de Riziculture Intensive. Produced by Corinne Lalo. 14:59 min. Uploaded by vfeprojetsri on YouTube. [Voiceover and subtitles in Vietnamese; originally produced in French in 2008 to describe SRI in Cambodia]
- 2011 (April 7). Dự án SRI: Kết quả thí nghiệm 1 4:09 min. Uploaded by vfeprojetsri on YouTube. [Đây là kết quả của thí nghiệm 1 của dự án SRI được tổ chức Vietnam France Echange thực hiện ở Cái Rắn. Thí nghiệm này bao gồm bước thực nghiệm đầu tiên của dự án SRI nhằm cải thiện sản lượng lúa gạo của những người nông dân trong xã và đảm bảo an ninh lương thực.]
- 2011 (April 4). Projet SRI - VFE . Produced by Florent Cottin, Giang Thuy Minh and Caroline Guidemann. 4:22 min. Uploaded by vfeprojetsri on YouTube. [French language video by the NGO Vietnam France Echange about results of SRI trials in Cai Ran]
- 2008 (Nov. 13). Vietnamese language video about SRI in Vietnam. (30.05 minutes). Available from the SRI Vietnam website, which provides information about a collaborative SRI initiative by Oxfam Quebec, the Plant Protection Department (PPD), and the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) with funding from Oxfam America
PowerPoint Presentations
(Notes: Click here to see many of
the SRI Vietnam presentations on slidehare.net. Transcripts are at the bottom of
each presentation. There is a "full screen" button at the lower right corner of the
presentation to enlarge the presentation. If you have trouble viewing the
slideshow, make sure you have Flash installed and JavaScript enabled. Those with
asterisk* are not available on the SRS Slideshare collection)
- 2019. Kỹ thuật thâm canh lúa cải tiến SRI. 42 slides. November 8, 2019. [Presentation (in Vietnamese) by the Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam.]
- 2017.
Presentations at the Regional Review and Planning Workshop 2017
of the Project on Sustaining and Enhancing the Momentum for Innovation and Learning around the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the Lower Mekong River Basin (SRI-LMB), held April 23-25, 2017, in Hanoi Vietnam.
1) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): Regional Trend. 37 slides.
2) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) in Vietnam. 31 slides.
3) Key FPAR Learning and Draft Work Plans, Vietnam. 25 slides. - Van Phu, Hoang, Le Nguyet Minh, and Dao The Anh. 2016. Policies and public services on agro-ecological rice production: The case of System of Rice Intensification in Viet Nam. 12 slides. Presentation at the national multi-stakeholder workshop Towards an Agro-ecological Transition, May 5-6, 2016, Hanoi, Vietnam. ALi-SEA website.
- Phu, Hoang Van. 2015. Vietnam SRI Network. Presentation at the Low-Carbon Rice Farming Workshop, Thai Nguyen city, Vietnam, September 22. 15 slides.
- Nghia Nguyen. 2015. Development of integrated rice-azolla-duck-fish farming systems with SRI methods for rice production in the Mekong River region, Vietnam. Presented at SRI-Rice Seminar Series, Cornell University, July 1, 2015. 29 slides.
- 2013. Adaptation to Climate Change within Pro-Poor Value Chains - Experiences from Tra Vinh: Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas (PARA)
- PowerPoint presentation by Georg Deichert, GIZ-PARA. 23 slides. [Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas (PARA) project in Tra Vinh] - 2010. SRI
application in Vietnam
- PowerPoint presentation by Ngo Tien Dung, head of the National IPM program for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), given at the Pre-Congress SRI Day, convened in Hanoi, Vietnam, November 8, 2010. 34 slides. - 2010. Ứng dụng Hệ thống canh tác lúa cải
tiến (SRI) ở Việt Nam
PowerPoint presentation by Ngo Tien Dung, head of the National IPM program for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and volunteer coordinator for the National SRI Working Group, given at a national SRI workshop convened in Hanoi, January 21-22, 2010 - 2009.
System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the Northern Upland Region of
Vietnam
- PowerPoint presentation by Hoang Van Phu, Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam at the Knowledge Exchange on SRI: Producing More with Less Water, a SE Asia Regional SRI Workshop held at the Asian Institute for Technology, Bangkok. 19 slides - 2009. Center for Sustainable and Rural Development and the System of Rice
Intensification in Phu Tho and Thai Nguyen
- PowerPoint presentation at the Knowledge Exchange on SRI: Producing More with Less Water, a SE Asia Regional SRI Workshop held at the Asian Institute for Technology, Bangkok. 18 slides - 2009. Less for More SRI and Small Farmers' Livelihood Improvement in GMS
- PowerPoint presentation by Le Minh, RPO-Oxfam America, East Asia Regional Office at the Knowledge Exchange on SRI: Producing More with Less Water, a SE Asia Regional SRI Workshop held at the Asian Institute for Technology, Bangkok. 10 slides - 2009. SRI
in Vietnam: Comparison with Conventional Methods Note: All data from 2008
Summer/Fall Season.
- PowerPoint presentation available on slideshare.net from Tim Gorman. 9 slides. - *2009. System
of Rice Intensification: Advancing Small Farmers in Mekong Region
- PowerPoint presentation available on slideshare.net from Tim Gorman. - *2009. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Vietnam
- PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Dung at the Knowledge Exchange on SRI: Producing More with Less Water, a SE Asia Regional SRI Workshop held at the Asian Institute for Technology, Bangkok. 8 slides. - 2008. SRI
Update on Vietnam Initiative
- PowerPoint presentation by Le Thi Nguyet Minh and Andre Dorr, Oxfam America, Hanoi. 13 slides. - 2008. SRI Implemented Activities and Outcome in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh
Province
- PowerPoint presentation, Japan International Volunteer Center. 24 slides. - 2008. SRI: Based Livelihood Initiative in the Mekong
- PowerPoint presentation by Le Nguyet Minh, Oxfam America, Hai Duong . 15 slides. - 2006. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in the Northern Upland Region of Vietnam:
Problems and Perspectives
- PowerPoint presentation by Hoang Van Phu, Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam . 14 slides.
Photo Collections
- The SRI-Rice Vietnam Photo Collection contains pictures obtained from Norman Uphoff and others. If you have Flash installed you can view this collection as a slideshow embedded in the Vietnam summary at the top of the page.
- Photos are also available on the SRI - Vietnam website's Flickr photostream (originating from the http://vietnamsri.wordpress.com/ website)