At the seminar titled “Promoting the Use of Biological Products in Pest Control for Sustainable Green Rice Production,” Prof. Nguyễn Thơ from the Vietnam Association of Plant Protection Sciences revealed that the ST25 rice, which won the World’s Best Rice Award in 2025, was cultivated during the summer-autumn crop season.
According to Prof. Thơ, the exceptional quality of ST25 rice in the summer-autumn crop is attributed to the application of high-quality biological products. This not only enhances the rice’s aroma and taste but also improves its storage life, ensuring it remains fresh and free from spoilage even after being cooked and stored overnight. This aligns with the standards for clean and safe rice.
Eight years ago, long before the ST25 rice gained global recognition as the “World’s Best Rice,” Engineer Hồ Quang Cua quietly embarked on a journey to cultivate organic rice. This was not just a personal endeavor but a critical choice for Vietnam’s rice production, as international food safety standards became increasingly stringent.
In 2017, the widespread use of drones in agriculture inadvertently posed challenges for organic rice cultivation, as chemical fertilizers and pesticides from neighboring fields could contaminate organic crops. Mr. Cua shifted his focus to developing a safe rice cultivation process based on circular principles, minimizing chemical use and tightly controlling residue levels.
“Reaping the Sweet Fruits of Experimentation”
Regarding the ST25 rice from the summer-autumn crop that recently won the World’s Best Rice Award for the third time, Mr. Cua shared that he and his team have been quietly experimenting with biological products in the fields for many years. These products contribute to the rice’s bright white grains and rich aroma.
He has applied various microbial preparations, such as organic fertilizers, fungi, and bacteria that decompose organic matter, as well as nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms. These help break down rice straw directly in the fields, releasing potassium and trace elements, rejuvenating the soil, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
A natural ecosystem has emerged on the rice fields. Green, white, purple, and powdery fungi are sprayed to naturally control pests. Mr. Cua has carefully selected and applied numerous domestic and international studies on microorganisms to create a synergistic effect that promotes healthy rice growth.
Mr. Cua also explained the phenomenon of small mounds on the rice fields: after applying organic fertilizers, billions of earthworms multiply and burrow, creating living spaces and bringing organic matter to the surface. This “silent tilling” activity of earthworms, combined with other biological factors, results in healthy soil, reduced acidity, increased aeration, and optimal rice nourishment.
On November 9th, at the World’s Best Rice competition held during the 17th Global Rice Trade Conference organized by The Rice Trader (TRT), Vietnam’s ST25 rice and Cambodia’s Phka Romdoul rice were jointly awarded first place.
Previously, ST25 rice, developed by Labor Hero Hồ Quang Cua, won first place in 2019 and 2023, cultivated during the winter-spring crop season. The 2025 summer-autumn crop further solidified its superior quality, showcasing the successful integration of microbial science, circular processes, and the unwavering dedication of Vietnamese farmers.
Unveiling Vietnam’s $1,600 “Hidden Gem”: Outshining Thailand, Fiercely Sought After by Europe’s Elite
This is the quintessential ingredient found in virtually every Vietnamese household.
Cambodia’s World-Class Wonder: The “Kingdom of Temples” Achieves 7 Global Milestones
For the 7th time, this Cambodian delicacy has been crowned the world’s best.
Vietnamese Rice Wins “World’s Best Rice” Title for the Third Time, Securing a 6-Ton Order by Renowned Artist Tu Long During Live Stream
Vietnam’s ST25 Rice by Mr. Cua and Cambodia’s Phka Romdoul Rice were jointly crowned “World’s Best Rice” in 2025 at a prestigious ceremony held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
NSND Tu Long Sells Nearly 6 Tons of Rice in Just 2 Hours of Livestreaming
In just two hours of livestreaming on the TikTok channel Hello Vietnam, People’s Artist Tu Long and MC Mai Phuong successfully sold nearly six tons of rice.
“Tự Long’s ‘Apple’ Rice: The World’s Finest Grain, Live Streamed”
Renowned Vietnamese artist, People’s Artist Tu Long, will headline a special livestream event during the 2025 Vietnam Agricultural Products Week. Organized by the Domestic Market Management and Development Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the livestream will feature the acclaimed ST25 rice variety, showcasing Vietnam’s agricultural excellence to a global audience.
