The Rice Straw-Based Circular Economy for Improved Biodiversity and Sustainability (RiceEco) Project achieved all its mid-term indicators, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving positive change in the agricultural sector through research, innovative technologies, and building farmers' capacity. These achievements have far-reaching implications for the agriculture sector and the environment.
RiceEco Project aims to introduce the circular economy through straw, sustainable straw management solutions, low-emissions, and straw-based green development consultations in Cambodia and Vietnam.
“The project has shown how sustainable agriculture can positively impact the environment and farmers’ livelihoods,” said Nguyen Van Hung, a scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and lead of RiceEco. “By reducing rice straw burning, we are not only protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change but also creating new economic opportunities and empowering communities.”
The project’s key achievements include rigorous field experiments in Cambodia and Vietnam to gather scientific evidence on the biodiversity impacts of reducing rice straw burning. A comprehensive scaling approach was also developed to promote sustainable and low-carbon rice straw management.
RiceEco organized a chain workshop to assess straw management practices and identify innovative and suitable technologies. Three technologies—straw collection, mushroom cultivation, and composting—have been adopted by farmers, while four businesses successfully piloted models. Five stakeholder engagement events were organized to foster collaboration and support for sustainable rice straw management. Additionally, the project has developed EasyFarm, an ICT tool to optimize rice straw logistics. The project has also conducted numerous training and field demonstrations that have reached 1,712 farmers and stakeholders.
The project significantly contributed to developing the national technical guideline on sustainable and low-carbon rice straw management issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in July 2023.
Building on existing learning alliances, the RiceEco Project organized seven multi-stakeholder learning events in Vietnam and Cambodia to exchange knowledge and build capacity for a rice straw-based circular economy.
Mr. Neth Pheaktra, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said the ministry continues to disseminate messages and implement measures to prevent wildfires and stop illegal burning activities.
Rice straw has been a longstanding issue for rice growers and government agencies, according to the Department of Crop Production Deputy Director General Le Thanh Tung. The pivotal goals of the Vietnam rice sector are to reduce emissions, lower costs, and increase the by-product value in rice production. Mr. Tung pointed out the RiceEco Project's major contribution to addressing technical and livelihood challenges, promoting rural transformation, and aligning with Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
In addition, Mr. Nguyen Cao Khai, director of Tien Thuan Cooperative, believes that the rice straw-based circular economy model supports transforming traditional farming practices. With the support of the RiceEco project, instead of burning or selling loose straw of the entire field for USD 25.00, farmers receive capacity building in straw mushroom cultivation and mechanized rice straw-based composting, adding USD 50.00-70.00/ha to farmers' income and helping to protect the environment.
Dr. Nurmi Pangesti, IRRI country representative for Cambodia and RiceEco country coordinator, said IRRI has been collaborating closely with agricultural cooperatives through the project to introduce mechanized rice straw-based composting technology in the country. The innovative technology enables compost production in a much shorter time frame and requires less labor than manual methods. By promoting the innovative use of rice straw through technical, business model, and capacity building, the project has enhanced soil health, improved agricultural sustainability, and created economic opportunities for local farmers, thereby contributing to a more sustainable rice production system in Cambodia.
“The mid-term achievements of the RiceEco Project are proof of the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex agricultural challenges.” Dr. Hung said. “By combining scientific research, technology development, and community engagement, we are making a tangible difference in promoting sustainable rice production and protecting our environment. As we move forward, I’m confident that RiceEco will continue to deliver positive outcomes for farmers, communities, and the planet.”
The RiceEco Project is funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund and implemented by IRRI.
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