Hydrogen Opens a New Path for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam and ASEAN
Ho Chi Minh City, August 28, 2025 – The scientific workshop “Application of Hydrogen in Agriculture in Vietnam and ASEAN 2025” took place at the Southern Headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, gathering scientists, experts, and enterprises from Vietnam and abroad. The event was co-hosted by the Vietnam–ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE), and the Vietnam Agri-Business Club (VAC), with support from TSD Group, Pacific Group, Ong Rua Farm, and Ca Mau Eco.
Mr. Le Chau Hai Vu, Chairman of ConsulTech Consulting Company, raised the issue of establishing an Implementation Board for the Pilot Project of applying hydrogen technology in rice, coffee and shrimp farming production after the Workshop.
Hydrogen – from Energy to Green Agriculture
With the theme “Hydrogen for Sustainable Agriculture — Innovation and Regional Cooperation”, the workshop highlighted the transformative role of hydrogen not only in the energy sector but also in agriculture — as a “green catalyst” to enhance food security and climate resilience.
“Hydrogen can be a breakthrough technology that helps Vietnamese farmers increase the value of rice and brings ASEAN agriculture closer to a green growth model.”
— Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of VAHC
Hydrogen Water to Boost Rice Productivity
Dr. Tran Thanh Tam interviewed by ANTV about the value of hydrogen application in agriculture sector
In his keynote, Dr. Tran Thanh Tam (HCMUNRE) presented findings on the use of hydrogen-rich water (HRW/HNW) in rice cultivation. The nanobubble hydrogen technology maintains dissolved H₂ levels for longer, showing promising results:
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Higher rice yield and grain quality
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Improved soil fertility and resilience
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Reduced cadmium and lead uptake
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Lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
“Hydrogen in agriculture not only nourishes plants but also revitalizes the soil itself.”
— Dr. Tran Thanh Tam, HCMUNRE
Lessons from China and Japan
Mr. Andy Lei (VAHC) introduced China’s research and pilot applications, proving hydrogen’s role in enhancing crop resilience under stress conditions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Otuki Taisei (Suiso Japan Co., Ltd.) shared Japan’s commercial progress in hydrogen farming, recommending that Vietnam adopt supportive policies for wider adoption.
“Vietnam should soon develop enabling policies for farmers to access hydrogen farming technologies, as Japan has done.”
— Otuki Taisei, Suiso Japan Co.
Mr. Ianton Tan (United Hydrogen) also emphasized hydrogen’s contribution “from lab to field” in improving crop sustainability and productivity.
Ms. Ha Tran, Chairwoman of VAC, emphasized the urgency of applying new science in rice production – a strategic commodity of Vietnam – to increase export value and quality of rice grains.
Ms. Ha Tran interviewed by ANTV about the purpose of this Seminar
Toward Regional Cooperation and Pilot Projects
During the roundtable discussion, panelists agreed on three priorities:
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Policies to support trials and certification of hydrogen-based farming solutions.
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Green finance to mobilize resources for pilot projects.
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Affordable technology transfer for farmers and cooperatives.
Mr. Le Viet Binh, Deputy Chief of Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (Southern Headquarters) delivered a speech
The speakers answered questions by audiences at the Roundtable Discussion moderated by Dr. Lưu Sơn Tùng from Nguyễn Tất Thành University
Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Member of the Credit Council of Agribank questioned if the Organizer could provide a feasible business/investment plan so that Agribank can study deeply to suggest green financing scheme to the hydrogen agriculture project
The event concluded with a commitment to launch pilot hydrogen agriculture projects in the Mekong Delta, laying the foundation for broader cooperation among Vietnam, ASEAN, Japan, and China.
“This workshop marks the beginning of a long-term program to make hydrogen a foundation for green and sustainable agriculture.”
— Mr. Andy Lei, Vice Chairman of VAHC
Delegates and the Organizers and the Speakers took group photo
