Small Changes, Big Impact
Sustainable farming is no longer just an ideal-it is a practical solution that can boost productivity, increase income, and protect both health and the environment. By adopting smarter practices and utilizing resources more efficiently, farmers are witnessing transformative changes in their fields and lives. This is what was discussed at a recent workshop in HCMC on how to mitigate impacts of agricultural chemicals and open burning on climate change and biodiversity.
Originally published in The Saigon Times
A shift toward sustainability
For years, practices like open burning of straw after harvest and heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides were the norm for farmers. However, a growing number of them are now embracing sustainable methods such as recycling straw for compost, cultivating Mushrooms, and reducing pesticide use. The results have been encouraging, both economically and environmentally.
Nguyen Thanh Ha, a farmer in Chau Thanh District, An Giang Province, is a shining example of this shift. After attending a local agricultural extension class, Ha adopted greenhouse mushroom farming using recycled straw. With a VND200 million investment, partly funded by the province, Ha constructed eight greenhouses, with each covering 24 square meters.
Producing 70 kilograms of mushrooms monthly, sold at VND100,000 per kilogram, each greenhouse generates VND3 million in monthly profit. Ha's total income now reaches VND24 million -double what he earned from rice farming.
A pilot project in the Mekong Delta is showcasing the potential of bio-products in managing rice straw. Using bio-products, rice straw decomposes within 14-15 days, reducing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides while enriching the soil with phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic carbon. According to Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Phuc from Nguyen Tat Thanh University, this method has boosted profits by VND4 million per hectare.
Dr. Phue shared these findings at a workshop in HCMC focused on mitigating the effects of agricultural chemicals and open burning on climate change and biodiversity. This project exemplifies how sustainable practices can transform waste into value while fostering environmental benefits.
In the Central Highlands, the Doan Ket Agricultural Service Cooperative in Dak Nong Province is setting a benchmark for sustainable farming of pepper and coffee. Collaborating with organizations and international entities such as Rainforest Alliance (RA) and GAHP, the cooperative has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to promote plant health and maintain consistent yields.
The soil seldom requires chemical pesticides, and when pests or diseases appear, farmers address them with organic and biological methods, preventing widespread outbreaks, said Luu Nhu Binh, the cooperative's director.
This sustainable approach not only ensures long-term productivity but also adds market value.
Despite the premium price, these products are easier to sell, demonstrating the market's growing preference for sustainably farmed goods.
Bringing innovations from labs to farms
Sustainable agriculture is not an abstract concept or an unattainable goal; it begins with small, practical steps and the willingness to adopt change. However, making sustainable farming accessible to farmers requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and traditional practices.
The shift to sustainable agriculture starts with overcoming barriers in farmers' knowledge and mindset. Once these hurdles are addressed, the adoption of innovative and sustainable methods becomes much smoother. This transformation is a key focus of the international Environmental Pollution Programme (EPP), implemented in Vietnam since July 2022. Covering the south, Central Highlands, and the north of the country, this project has been developed by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded by UK International Development under the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The EPP emphasizes transferring knowledge from research labs to the fields, guiding farmers to replace environmentally damaging practices with sustainable methods.
A central aspect of the program is educating farmers and society about the negative impacts of practices such as open burning of rice straw and excessive pesticide use. Open burning, a widespread method for clearing fields, severely harms the environment and public health— particularly children's health while contributing to climate change.
Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, often believed to enhance crop yield and soil quality, instead degrades the soil over time. As Dr. Petr Sharov, Regional Coordinator at GAHP, explains, it is only when society fully recognizes the harms caused by these practices that we can begin working to eliminate them.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Phuc from Nguyen Tat Thanh University, the transition to sustainable farming requires not only innovative solutions but also effective communication and accessible technology. Solutions must be simple, easy to implement, and capable of processing rice straw quickly without disrupting traditional practices. Demonstrating clear economic and practical benefits is essential for gaining farmers' trust and participation. When farmers see the economic advantages and effectiveness of new methods, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, Dr. Phuc emphasized.
As part of the project, thousands of farmers in provinces like An Giang, Tra Vinh, Dong Nai, and Ninh Binh were trained on the environmental and health risks of open burning and pesticide overuse. They were introduced to alternative methods such as composting rice straw for fertilizer, using straw as a medium for mushroom cultivation, turning straw into animal feed, applying bio-products to decompose rice straw effectively and reducing chemical pesticide use.
"In some cases, the research team had to visit farms to communicate directly with farmers, which was especially challenging with those who are illiterate," Dr. Phuc shared. Despite the outreach, many farmers remained hesitant, fearing poor harvests if they abandoned traditional methods. This skepticism began to dissipate when they observed successful examples implemented by neighbouring farmers. Encouraged by these results, many agreed to adopt the sustainable techniques in the following season.
The initial results of these efforts have shown tangible benefits, including increased income for farmers, improved health, and environmental protection. Farmers who adopted these methods reported higher productivity and better-quality agricultural products, demonstrating the economic and environmental value of sustainable farming.
Dr. Phuc highlighted that the success of such initiatives depends not only on the technologies and practices themselves but also on changing mindsets and fostering understanding through clear communication and demonstrable outcomes.
With the right support and evidence of positive results, sustainable farming can shift from being an exception to becoming the norm. By empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need, Vietnam is taking critical steps toward a greener and more resilient agricultural sector.