Following the activities of the inter-regional cooperation project in environmental protection in the Cat Ba archipelago between Shiga Prefecture (Japan) and Hai Phong City (Vietnam), on August 5, 2024, the Shiga delegation held working sessions with the Hai Phong Agricultural Promotion Center and conducted field surveys to explore the possibility of collaborating on a project in agriculture. Specifically, they proposed the potential collaboration for a project using biochar made from waste sludge and livestock manure as a growth regulator for agricultural soil.
During the working session, Shiga Prefecture introduced the technical processes, machinery, operational procedures, quality requirements, and alternative methods for producing biochar from waste sludge and livestock manure, carried out by Kano Technos Company.
The Shiga delegation during the working session with the Agricultural Promotion Center
Representatives from the Agricultural Promotion Center shared with the Shiga side about the agricultural production situation in the city and expressed a desire for close cooperation with Shiga Prefecture in agriculture, particularly in the area of livestock waste treatment to minimize environmental pollution and recycle products for crop cultivation (biochar for soil improvement, fertilizers providing nutrients for plants). Regarding the feasibility of the project, the Agricultural Promotion Center confirmed the project's viability when implemented in Hai Phong City. The city currently has 1,084 livestock farms, including 170 pig farms (11 large-scale farms, 73 medium-scale farms, and 86 small-scale farms), with daily waste output reaching up to 2,300 tons. Livestock and poultry waste is primarily treated through biogas facilities, producing approximately 120,000 m³ of CH4 gas. However, nearly 50% of this gas is used for cooking and lighting; the remainder is either burned freely or discharged directly into the environment. Therefore, if the project is implemented, it will have practical significance, contributing to Vietnam's carbon emission reduction process. The Agricultural Promotion Center also suggested that Shiga Prefecture study the proposal for additional techniques for producing liquefied CH4 gas for household use.
In the coming time, both sides will continue to promote the cooperation plan and conduct field surveys to implement the project.
Nguyen Minh Trang International Cooperation Division, Department of Foreign Affairs