Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) is emerging as a game-changer in rice farming, offering a climate-resilient solution that not only conserves water but also significantly reduces methane emissions. This innovative approach is paving the way for farmers to tap into carbon credit markets, creating a win-win scenario for both agriculture and the environment.
When applied to rice farming, AWD promotes efficient water use by alternating wet and dry soil conditions. This method fosters aerobic processes and suppresses the activity of anaerobic microorganisms, the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in flooded fields. By controlling water levels and determining optimal irrigation timing, farmers can achieve measurable emission reductions, which can then be converted into carbon credits.
The implications of this model are far-reaching. It incentivises farmers to maintain and expand the use of AWD, bridging the gap between agricultural production and sustainable markets committed to emission reduction. Provinces like Nghe An in Vietnam are already seeing the benefits, with the potential to develop emission reduction verification systems based on the AWD model. This lays the foundation for carbon credit transactions in agriculture, provided there is adequate technical and financial support from international organisations, green agriculture initiatives, and climate funds.
The success of AWD hinges on farmers’ access to information and their willingness to adopt the method. Rural communities need technical knowledge, training on water management aligned with rice growth stages, and guidance on accurate water-level measurement. Technologies such as sensors, online data platforms, and early warning systems can enable timely adjustments in irrigation practices, conserving water while maintaining yields and preserving rice quality.
The integration of digital technologies like blockchain, satellites, and AI is gradually breaking down barriers in agriculture, often underestimated in its emission reduction potential. The AWD model, with its controlled inputs and stable outputs, brings transparency to the entire farming process, connecting farmers with the global carbon finance ecosystem.
For rice farmers, participating in carbon credit programmes through AWD improves livelihoods and reduces costs related to irrigation, fertiliser, and pest management. It also opens up access to premium, eco-friendly rice markets. Financial institutions, agribusinesses, and support funds can act as intermediaries, linking farmers with carbon credit buyers and fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural value chain.
Practical experience from the 2024 summer-autumn crop in Nghe An demonstrates the model’s potential. On 11,152.5 hectares of AWD rice, total emission reductions reached 71,088.3 tonnes of CO₂e, significantly higher than in the spring crop. Every hectare converted to AWD marks clear progress towards low-emission agriculture.
Nghe An’s natural conditions and irrigation infrastructure are well-suited for wide-scale AWD implementation. The climate, water availability, and flat terrain in districts like Yen Thanh, Dien Chau, and Hung Nguyen provide favourable conditions for alternating irrigation, enabling effective water-level control, reducing loss, and enhancing plant nutrient absorption. Farmers have reported water savings of 30-40 per cent, stable yields, and growing motivation for long-term adoption.
The success of AWD in Nghe An points to the model’s scalability in other delta or midland provinces with similar irrigation systems. Establishing a robust measurement, reporting, and verification system is a prerequisite for ensuring transparency and effectiveness in carbon credit transactions. This is a strategic step towards integrating agriculture into the national emission reduction agenda and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a requirement, carbon labelling is emerging as a crucial factor for exporters. The significant global changes are leading to three planetary crises – climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Therefore, climate finance, when invested sufficiently and appropriately, is the pathway to climate justice.
In Vietnam, the carbon market will be developed and operated under strict government supervision, emphasising the principles of transparency, publicity, efficiency, national suitability, and alignment with international practices. The carbon credit market can make all the difference, offering dual benefits: additional income for farmers and progress towards national emission reduction goals.