Abstract

In most intensive rice-farming regions, the use of agrochemicals (chemical fertilizers and pesticides) has shown two contradictory outcomes – a positive contribution to total rice productivity but a negative effect on human health and the environment. The main objective of this paper is to set out an analytical framework for measuring and analysing the sustainable aspect of agrochemicals use in rice production and their effects on the environment. The framework is built upon the controversy concept of intensive rice production, agricultural externality, and sustainability which has been used to provide a perspective and focused on development. Thus, it takes into account the relationship between technical, economic and environmental aspects and policy in one integrated analysis, something that has not been done in the literature in Vietnam so far. Private profitability of rice farmers and the possible negative effects of agrochemical use are suggested to be examined at farm level.