Rize Completes 50-Hectare Climate-Smart Rice Demonstration in Cần Thơ, Delivering Lower Emissions and 2-3x Higher Farmer Profits

Cần Thơ, Vietnam, November 2025

Rize, together with the Cần Thơ Agricultural Extension Center and local cooperatives, has completed a 50-hectare Autumn-Winter climate-smart rice demonstration that delivered strong agronomic, environmental, and economic outcomes despite one of the most challenging rainy seasons in recent years.

Implemented in partnership with Liên Kết Cooperative and Long Bình 1 Cooperative, the demonstration introduced an integrated value chain model combining certified ST25 seed with an average seeding rate of 70 kg/ha, aligned with Vietnam’s sustainable farming guidelines; optimized input packages compliant with European Union Maximum Residue Level (EU-MRL) standards; smart fertilizer use; Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) water management; digital traceability; and full rice-straw removal for reuse. The model aims to accelerate Vietnam’s transition toward high-quality, low-emission rice production aligned with national sustainability targets.

“This advanced demonstration shows that climate-smart rice can deliver real and scalable results for farmers, even in difficult seasons,” said Dhruv Sawhney, CEO of Rize. “By aligning agronomy, water management, input standards, and assured off-take in one integrated model, we were able to increase farmer profitability by 3x while significantly reducing emissions. At Rize, we believe in a results driven approach to build farmers trust in adopting progressive and sustainable solutions. This will go a long way in transforming the rice sector in Vietnam.”

Stronger Yields, Lower Costs, and 2–3x Higher Profitability for Farmers

Despite heavy and prolonged rains that increased disease pressure across the region, participating farmers achieved:

• Higher net profits: Demo farmers earned VND 11.5 million/ha, compared to VND 4.2-3.2 million/ha for non-demo farmers, 2-3 times higher profit.

• Lower production costs: Optimized input use and standardized processes reduced expenses to VND 21.45 million/ha.

• Stable buying price with premium: Rize’ purchase partner, Vĩnh Cường Cooperative, committed to purchasing 100% of the harvest at the prevailing market price, with an average realized price of VND 6,800/kg, and an additional VND 200/kg bonus for rice that met MRL compliance standards.

• Strong yields under extreme weather: Liên Kết reached 6.1 t/ha, and Long Bình 1 achieved 4.1 t/ha, with panicle length and crop health consistently outperforming surrounding fields.

132 Tons of CO₂ Reduction Through Successful AWD Implementation

The demonstration installed 11 AWD pipes across both cooperatives and successfully recorded two drying events per field:

• First drying event: Successful in Long Bình 1 Cooperative (16.2 ha; 4 AWD pipes), but unsuccessful in Liên Kết Cooperative due to storm-related heavy rainfall.

• Second drying event: 100% successful across the full 50 ha demonstration area.

Based on IPCC conversion factors, the project achieved an estimated 132 tons of CO₂ emissions reduction through improved water management.

Meeting European Union (EU) Residue Standards and Ensuring Food Safety

All rice samples collected from the demo plots met the allowable thresholds for the EU market, confirming the effectiveness of:

• reduced pesticide frequency

• Rize-guided active ingredients

• cluster sowing

• certified seed (ST25)

• strict compliance with MRL input protocols

Straw Removal and Circular Use

The demo achieved 100% rice-straw removal, preventing open-field burning and enabling straw to be repurposed for:

• mushroom production

• organic fertilizer

This contributed additional indirect environmental benefits through avoided emissions.

Stronger Farmer Engagement and Government Collaboration

The demonstration was delivered with continuous engagement from farmers and strong support from the Cần Thơ Agricultural Extension Center. Activities included:

• Pre-season technical training

• MRL workshops

• Field days and pest surveillance

• Drone-spraying demonstrations

• Closing sessions and feedback gathering

Farmers expressed appreciation for reduced spray frequency, improved pest control outcomes, and clearer guidance throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 50-hectare demo in Cần Thơ reinforces that climate-smart practices, when coupled with value-chain alignment and guaranteed off-take - can significantly increase farmer income while reducing emissions and meeting premium market standards.

Rize will continue expanding this model across the Mekong Delta in 2026, working with cooperatives, government agencies, and private-sector partners to build Vietnam’s next generation of climate-resilient, high-quality rice production.