On March 3, 2026, the National Agricultural Extension Center, Loc Troi Group and NEWGREEN Company held a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony to cooperate in researching, testing and applying advanced Japanese technology solutions in high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta region.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is implementing the Small and Medium Enterprise Support Program towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – JICA BIZ, to contribute to solving socio-economic challenges in developing countries.
Within the framework of this program, JICA has approved the proposal of NEWGREEN Joint Stock Company (headquartered in Koganei, Tokyo) on "Survey to build solutions to support high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation using Aigamo Robot (herbicide robot) technology".
Vietnam is strongly implementing the Action Plan to reduce methane emissions. In particular, the Project to develop 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta to 2030, approved by the Government in November 2023, shows high determination in transforming the agricultural model towards sustainability.
The Aigamo robot was developed to inhibit weeds without using pesticides, helping to reduce input costs and limit environmental impact. The device operates on a solar panel and storage batteries, combined with special stirrers to mix water and mud, preventing light from contacting weeds.
The robot is integrated with GPS and AI, allowing automatic operation within the established field area, while recording operating data. The mud stirring process also promotes the development of aerobic bacteria, contributing to reducing methane emissions from rice fields - one of the important sources of emissions in agriculture.
JICA expects this survey to help bring Japanese technology into practice, support Vietnam in improving productivity, applying smart agricultural solutions and promoting low-emission farming.
With the signed MOU, the three sides will continue to coordinate the implementation of joint research, model testing and completion of low-emission rice cultivation processes based on robot systems and advanced agricultural technologies from Japan.
The parties also aim to produce, assemble and disseminate this technology in Vietnam, contributing to expanding the area of high-quality and sustainable rice.
