Practical applications of carbon credits for the economy. Part IX: Carbon trends in the future of agriculture

DNHN - In the context of climate change and land degradation, the importance of carbon in agriculture is increasingly recognized. What are the key points regarding the importance of carbon for Vietnam's agriculture?

Role of carbon in agriculture

Carbon plays a crucial role in soil regeneration and improvement. Organic carbon in the soil helps enhance water retention, maintain soil fertility, and provide nutrients to crops. Increasing carbon in the soil not only improves soil structure but also reduces water runoff and soil erosion, essential for maintaining crop productivity and health in agriculture.

Carbon also plays a vital role in the photosynthesis process of plants. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into organic matter and energy. Sufficient carbon in agricultural environments can provide adequate energy and nutrients to crops, thereby increasing productivity and product quality. This helps reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and optimizes natural resource utilization.

The agricultural sector contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions through land heating processes, forest fires, and chemical fertilizer use. However, managing carbon in agriculture can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate negative impacts on climate change. Measures such as mangrove forest protection, organic fertilizer use, and sustainable farming practices can reduce carbon emissions while maintaining carbon in the soil, creating a carbon storage effect.

Carbon plays a crucial and multifaceted role in sustainable agricultural development and social well-being. Managing carbon in agriculture creates a favorable business environment for farmers, while providing safe agricultural products that are pollution-free and harmonious with nature. This contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture and improves the quality of life in farming communities.

Thus, carbon plays a crucial and multidimensional role in Vietnam's agriculture. From soil regeneration, crop productivity enhancement, environmental protection, and carbon emission reduction to sustainable agriculture development and social well-being promotion, carbon contributes significantly to the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector. Increasing awareness and implementing carbon management measures in agriculture are essential to ensure the sustainability and progress of this sector in the future.

Green agriculture contributes to environmental emissions

In relation to this issue, speaking with reporters from doanhnghiephoinhap.vn, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien stated that to help Vietnam achieve commitments at COP 26 and expand agricultural exports to international markets, green production and organic production are international trends, especially in agriculture.

He shared: "In Vietnam, we can implement measures such as traceability and digital transformation to reduce emissions. Activities such as farming, livestock, and aquaculture all contribute to environmental emissions. To reduce emissions, we need strong and coordinated management in these areas".

Mr. Tien noted that in livestock, a prioritized project to enhance scientific and technological activities in the livestock sector until 2030 is awaiting approval from the Prime Minister. Regarding aquaculture, an environmental protection project in aquaculture activities for the period 2021-2030 has been approved by the Prime Minister.

According to Mr. Tien, carbon emission reduction measures have been implemented, such as breeding dwarf trees on fruit, fruit trees, and especially rice, to implement a project of 1 million hectares of low emissions. Vietnam's goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and enhance the value of agricultural products.

"At present, Vietnamese agricultural products are present in over 200 countries and territories. Achieving a net-zero emissions goal will further increase agricultural production and value. Vietnam ranks 15th globally in agricultural exports and has great potential for development if we continue to promote digital transformation, circular economy, traceability, and emission reduction", emphasized Mr. Tien.

Meanwhile, Mr. Phung Thanh Vinh, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nghe An Province, emphasized that carbon credits are a valuable resource for future agricultural production, but are currently underexploited.

According to the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nghe An Province, the Prime Minister's approval of the 1 million hectares of rice emission reduction project in the Mekong Delta is considered the first step to implement this issue in Vietnam. This pioneering model of low-emission rice production positions Vietnam at the forefront globally, facing challenges of climate change and food security. The success of this project will attract attention and support from international partners in terms of financial resources, science, and technology to develop and replicate this model. Selling carbon credits through high-quality rice production, reducing production costs, increasing profitability, and farmer professionalism are goals within reach.

Mr. Vinh said: "In Nghe An, with over 180,000 hectares of rice cultivation and annual food production exceeding 1.1 million tons, we not only ensure food security but also generate surplus and income for farmers".

"However, agricultural production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing more than 50% of the total. To produce rice with a carbon credit orientation, multiple criteria and requirements need to be implemented, from production organization to smart farming practices. Nghe An has pioneered the application of smart farming methods like SRI, covering an area from 10,000 to 12,000 hectares per crop, creating favorable conditions for implementing the carbon credit process in rice production. It is expected that after successful rice production, expansion to other crops such as maize, sugarcane, tea, and in the livestock sector will follow", shared Mr. Phung Thanh Vinh.

Nghe Nhan