The model was deployed in Mr. Nguyen Van Tam’s household in Vinh Nhuan hamlet, Vinh Hanh commune, covering an area of 5 hectares. The sowing took place on July 27, 2025 using drones, and the harvest took place on November 6, 2025. The rice variety OM 5451 was used with a sowing density of 80 kg/ha. Drones were used for sowing, fertilization and crop protection. Irrigation alternated between flooding and drying. At the same time, balanced fertilization was carried out at the optimal time. The nutrient requirements of rice plants were determined using leaf color tables.
Farmers harvest rice in the model. Photo: PHAM NHU
After the implementation phase, the amount of fertilizer in the model field was 97 kg/ha lower than in the control field. The rice grew and developed well and pest and disease infestation was low. Economically, the total cost of the model field was approximately VND 23,528 million/ha, which was VND 2,769 million/ha lower than the control field. At a selling price of VND5,200/kg, the model field achieved a profit of VND18,072 million/ha, VND4.85 million/ha more than the control field.
During the workshop, farmers praised the effectiveness of the model of using drones throughout the entire production process from sowing to harvesting. This saves time and makes cultivation more independent of the weather. Rice sowing density and fertilizer and pesticide application are more uniform, saving chemicals, reducing pesticide residues in water bodies, protecting farmers’ health and reducing environmental impact.
The model can be replicated and contribute to the successful implementation of the project for the sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation linked to green growth in the Mekong Delta region by 2030 in Vinh Hanh Municipality.
Pham Thi Nhu
(An Chau Regional Agricultural Technical Station)
