DA delegation visits Vietnam to enhance Philippine rice production

A delegation from the Philippines' Department of Agriculture visited Vietnam to learn about their successful sustainable rice production program. The Philippines hopes to adopt similar practices to improve yields and farmer profits and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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In a recent visit to Vietnam, DA Secretary and IRRI Board of Trustees Ex-Officio Member Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. engaged in a series of knowledge exchange events to learn about sustainable rice production. During his visit, Vietnam's experience with the "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High Quality and Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong River Delta By 2030" program was particularly highlighted.

DA officials attended the Harvesting Day and Seasonal Review Meeting of the One Million Hectare Program model farm at the Tien Thuan Agricultural and Service Cooperative in Can Tho City. During the visit, they were briefed on the program's goals to transform rice production in the Mekong River Delta, improve yield and farmer income, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, a senior scientist at IRRI, led a technology demonstration showcasing a combined harvester and straw baller on the model field. Another demonstration introduced the DA team to a self-propelled organic fertilizer mixer that helps farmers process rice straw. Dr. Hung also shared the program's initial results, including increased yield by up to 0.7 tons/hectare, increased profit by $200/hectare, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2 tons CO2 eq/ha compared to traditional methods.

Beyond the program, the delegation visited private agribusiness companies and irrigation facilities in the Mekong River Delta. Following the visit, the DA delegation traveled to Hanoi to meet with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by Minister Le Minh Hoan. The officials discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development, enhance agricultural trade, and connect businesses from both countries.

Secretary Tiu also shared that the field visits were a valuable learning experience, allowing the DA to exchange experiences firsthand with farmers and businesses in the Mekong River Delta. These insights will give DA new ideas on promoting and developing Philippine agriculture.

IRRI, represented by Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Dr. Alice Laborte (senior scientist and Philippine Research Coordinator), and Ms. Melinda Limlengco (senior manager for Strategic Partnerships and Philippine Relations), also participated in the bilateral meeting. They presented on IRRI's successful collaboration with Vietnam and the Philippines, highlighting R&D efforts, innovative solutions for high-quality and sustainable rice production, and the potential to strengthen regional partnerships further. IRRI expressed its support for joint Vietnam-Philippines projects focused on high-quality, low-emission rice production (like expanding the One-Million-Ha program) and improving the regional rice sector for both high productivity and sustainability.

Other members of the delegation were Engr. Roger Navarro, Undersecretary for Operations, Engr. Christopher Morales, Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Dr. Larry Lacson, Administrator of the National Food Authority, Mr. Edwin Guillen, Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration; and some regional directors.

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