He said the sector should strive to cut greenhouse emissions by 30 per cent by protecting forests and afforesting, restructuring production, and developing production that can absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases.

He said that rice crops account for 40 per cent of total emissions in the country.

"So the sector should research into cropping methods with low emissions."

The traditional method of rice planting emits large amounts of carbon dioxide because of the overuse of fertilisers and pesticides, improper irrigation, and burning of rice husk after harvest.

Last month an experimental rice-growing model that cuts emissions was unveiled in An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta following a workshop attended by local authorities and researchers.

Can Tho University, the Ha Noi Water Resources University, the US-based Environmental Defense Fund, and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta Development Research Institute are piloting the model on 100ha in the province's Binh Hoa Commune.

By 2015, after the pilot project is completed, the system is expected to be adopted on 500ha.

Phat also urged the animal husbandry sector to reduce emissions.

Viet Nam has made several bilateral commitments with the UN for forest protection and planting and for a 30 per cent reduction in emissions.

Norway will provide a grant of US$100 million for the task, Phat said, while the World Bank and several countries would also provide assistance.

"In the context of climate change, it is obvious that the country will be badly affected, especially agriculture. So the Government and people should act promptly to deal with the situation," he said. — VNS