Digital Technology Application for GHG Emissions Reduction in Rice Cultivation
To address the challenges in Vietnam's agricultural sector, Rynan Technologies Vietnam Joint Stock Company has been continuously applying digital technologies in management and operation. These efforts aim to optimize the activities of the agricultural product value chain, including greenhouse gas emissions management and pest and disease control in rice fields.
RYNAN’s Insect Monitoring System
Digital Transformation for "Green Rice" Production
On November 27, 2023, the Prime Minister approved Decision No. 1490/QD-TTg, which greenlights the Project "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality and Low-Emission Specialized Rice Cultivation Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030." The project is rolling out across 12 provinces in the Mekong Delta, including Kien Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Long An, Soc Trang, Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Ca Mau, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long.
Divided into two phases, the project aims to achieve a rice acreage of 180,000 hectares specializing in high-quality and low-emissions cultivation by 2025. By 2030, this specialized rice acreage is expected to reach one million hectares.
With the project's implementation, the Department of Cultivation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) calculates that rice farmers will benefit in several ways. These include reduced input costs, increased rice prices, and the potential to earn additional income by selling carbon credits (credits received for reducing greenhouse gas emissions). This production approach also aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices among today's consumers.
Combating Emissions in Mekong Delta Rice Cultivation: How Can Technology Help?
Scientists at the seminar on "Project on Sustainable Development of 1 Million Hectares of Specialized Rice Cultivation Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta" emphasized the critical role of advanced processes and new technologies in reducing emissions.
Currently, the agricultural sector is embracing innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis. AI-powered image recognition can detect pests and diseases at early stages, allowing for targeted treatment. In the Mekong Delta, big data combined with biotechnology is used to analyze environmental data, soil types, crop characteristics, and growth stages. This data-driven approach can optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and promote biodiversity, leading to informed decisions on fertilization, irrigation, spraying, and harvesting.
Sharing his expertise at the workshop "Digital Transformation Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Development" during Mekong Delta 2024 Digital Transformation and Startup Innovation week, Mr. Hong Quoc Cuong, Technical Director of Rynan Technologies Vietnam, highlighted their commitment to sustainable agriculture. "Rynan Technologies Vietnam Joint Stock Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for smart and sustainable agriculture, leverages Industry 4.0 technologies to create a green and traceable agricultural ecosystem. They specialize in IoT products, smart solutions, computer vision, SaaS platforms, mobile apps, and multi-disciplinary digital transformation services," Mr. Cuong explained. "Our mission is to promote sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam. We use advanced technologies to create breakthrough solutions that help farmers improve production efficiency and enhance income."
RYNAN's Solution: Cutting Rice Emissions with Smart Irrigation
According to the World Bank's report "Towards Green Agriculture Transition in Vietnam: Moving to a Low-Carbon Rice Model," rice cultivation in Vietnam emits nearly 50 million tons of greenhouse gases (CO2 equivalent) each year, a significant concern. This translates to an average of one ton of CO2 equivalent produced for every 0.9 tons of rice, a figure higher than China and India, ranking Vietnam fifth among the top 10 rice exporting countries.
To address this challenge, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) proposed alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation for rice-growing countries. This method aims to balance greenhouse gas emissions in the rice industry, estimated to account for up to 10% of global emissions. Traditional flooded rice fields create ideal conditions for bacteria to produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, rice plants don't always need constant flooding. IRRI's AWD method involves flooding fields only when necessary and draining them otherwise.
RYNAN has implemented AWD irrigation with a twist: IoT devices. Sensor stations developed by the company are installed in fields to monitor water levels according to AWD principles. The RYNAN Mekong application automatically controls and visualizes water level data in real-time. By combining this data with water quality information and intelligent pumping stations, the system efficiently pumps water in or out as needed. The company also leverages AI to generate data for a GHG monitoring map.
RYNAN’s Alternate Wetting & Drying System
AI Generation Application in GHG Monitoring Map
RYNAN company representatives estimate that if all rice farmers in the Mekong Delta adopt the alternate wetting and drying irrigation method correctly, it could significantly reduce methane (CH4) emissions by around 40%.
Disease Management Solution in Rice Fields
RYNAN's award-winning (Silver Award in "Make in Viet Nam'' under the category of Outstanding Digital Product in 2021) smart insect monitoring system is a powerful tool for rice farmers. This AI-powered system automatically collects data on insects and weather conditions in the field. It can classify and count the density of beneficial insects and pests, analyze this data, and issue warnings when the balance between these populations is disrupted. The system can also accurately predict potential pest outbreaks in the growing area.
By providing clear insights into the field's ecosystem, the system helps farmers make informed decisions. It visually shows the relationship between harmful pests and beneficial insects, allowing farmers to quickly assess the overall balance. This information is used to generate warnings and forecasts about potential pest problems. With this knowledge, farmers can choose the most appropriate treatment methods through the central SaaS management software, often leading to reduced pesticide use.
The system allows farmers to monitor their fields remotely via their smartphones. This eliminates the need for traditional methods like manually checking leaves for diseases or setting insect traps. Additionally, the system collects valuable weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed. This comprehensive data helps farmers make even more informed decisions about their rice crops.
RYNAN's Smart Insect Monitoring Network
RYNAN's Insect Monitoring System (powered by solar panels)
Powered by solar energy, the smart insect monitoring system ensures electrical safety, especially during heavy rain and wind. This makes it ideal for remote locations without access to grid power. The RYNAN Mekong app allows farmers to remotely monitor pest activity, historical data, and receive timely warnings, all from their smartphones. Furthermore, state management agencies can leverage the system's central management software to comprehensively manage pest data and forecasts with high accuracy. This system empowers farmers with data-driven decision making, contributing significantly to digital transformation and the advancement of modern agriculture.
AI Generation Application in Insect Map
RYNAN's vision extends beyond individual monitoring devices. The company aims to create a nationwide 'pest map' that identifies the specific types of damage caused by different pests and diseases. This will allow farmers to choose and apply targeted treatments, minimizing pesticide use.
RYNAN's ambitions go beyond Vietnam. Their 'Go Global' plan includes expanding operations to Thailand, the US, and India. In 2022, their smart insect monitoring system achieved international recognition when it was approved for import by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, serving the monitoring and forecasting of plant diseases in Japan in 2023. Following this success, RYNAN signed a cooperation agreement with Bronx Technology Company (Cambodia) on June 7th, 2023, to enter the Cambodian market. Cambodia is just a springboard for RYNAN's global expansion plans.
Translated from original source:
Ngoc Diep, Ứng dụng công nghệ số để giảm phát thải trong trồng lúa, ICTVietnam, (29th May 2024)