To participate in the Rice Q-GAP program, farmers must have
their rice plots registered; then, on these plots, they have to
follow a set of practices listed in the detailed Q-GAP guidelines
(Table 1). A rice farmer or a group of rice farmers can submit an
application form of interest for Q-GAP certification to a local rice
research centre, rice seed centre, or agricultural extension office
for a review of the basic requirements. Registered farmers
receive training on the criteria for Q-GAP rice to prepare the
farmer for inspection as well as key recommendations on
appropriate rice production that covers a range of topics from
seed selection, soil preparation and maintenance, water management,
application of fertilisers, and application of pesticides
to help farmers reduce costs of production. Afterward, the
agriculture extension services at the provincial office or a local
Rice Department office will send an officer for auditing (such
service is outsourced). The results of the audit are submitted to
the committee under the Rice Department or Rice Research
Centre for evaluation and the farmer is given a certificate for QGAP.
As the Q-GAP for rice certificate is issued every three years
for each plot registered, participants are required to record their
practices (e.g., application date, dose and input used) and are
subjected to an annual audit, evaluation, and review by the Rice
Department.