The initiative, titled “Promoting and mobilizing farmers to manage waste in Vietnam, contributing to the international community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”, ran from 2022 to 2025.
It introduced five methods: fermenting crop by-products into animal feed; raising chickens on biological bedding; composting organic fertilizers from crop residues; treating rice straw with biological agents; and farming calcium worms and earthworms.
Implemented in nine communes, the project directly and indirectly supported 1,956 households. At its conclusion, more than 600 households had replicated the models on their own.
Surveys showed 99% of farmers supported the waste treatment methods, while nearly 80% said they were willing to change their production practices after seeing benefits for livestock health, environmental quality, and farm income.
Farmers see tangible gains
In Biển Hồ commune, farmer Cao Hữu Nghĩa expanded his earthworm farm from a few square meters to over 32 square meters, turning livestock waste into odorless, high-quality fertilizer. “Now the barns don’t smell, and the living environment for my family and the community is much improved,” he said.
In Ia Hiao commune, RCom Huy learned to ferment rice straw with molasses, salt, and biological agents, producing nutritious, storable cattle feed. The method ensures steady nutrition during dry seasons when pastureland is scarce.
In Ayun Pa ward, Nguyễn Thị Quyết said her poultry farm became cleaner and more efficient after adopting the biological bedding model. Chickens grew faster and healthier, and manure no longer produced odors.
Similarly, Hoàng Thanh Vân reported higher egg yields by raising calcium worms as chicken feed, using discarded vegetables and fruits as inputs.
Commitment to sustainability
Provincial leaders vowed to extend the project’s success. Y Khâm, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Farmers’ Association, said: “This project is very suitable for farmers, and its techniques are easy to apply. We will continue to encourage members to adopt these methods as part of our climate change and environmental protection efforts.”
The agricultural waste models, officials said, align with Vietnam’s broader goals of sustainable rural development and greenhouse gas reduction, offering farmers both economic and environmental gains.
