Dak Lak PPC Vice Chairman Nguyen Thien Van meets with International Center for Tropical Agriculture

On June 29, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee (PPC) Nguyen Thien Van received and worked with a delegation from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), led by Ms. Hoang Thu Thao, Chief of Office of CIAT Vietnam, on the implementation of a science and technology project aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural development in the province.

At the meeting, Ms. Hoang Thu Thao introduced the Supporting Science and Technology for Sustainable Agriculture Development in Southeast Asian Countries (3S Project). Managed by CIAT, the project is being implemented in Viet Nam by the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS). In Dak Lak, it will be carried out in partnership with Tay Nguyen University and the Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Scientific and Technical Institute (WASI).

Overview of the working session

The project has a total estimated budget of nearly VND 5 billion and will be implemented in the communes of Krong Bong, Ea Knop, Ea Hiao and Cu Pui. It aims to strengthen the cassava and maize value chains through a range of activities, including identifying key challenges and solutions, conserving the genetic diversity of local crop varieties, training farmers in sustainable cultivation practices and the safe use of agricultural machinery, piloting sustainable farming models, and disseminating the project's results.

Ms. Hoang Thu Thao also discussed directions for cooperation and stronger coordination, expressing hope for continued support from the Dak Lak PPC and relevant agencies during the field survey and project preparation phase in the locality.

PPC Vice Chairman Nguyen Thien Van exchanges with representative from CIAT

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak PPC Nguyen Thien Van described cassava as one of the Central Highlands' key crops and a major source of income for local farmers. He said the growing impact of cassava mosaic disease in recent years had significantly reduced yields, making the 3S Project particularly important. Through technical support and the introduction of disease-resistant, drought-tolerant and climate-resilient cassava varieties, the project is expected to improve productivity and increase farmers' incomes.

Mr. Nguyen Thien Van welcomed and commended CIAT's choice of localities in Dak Lak as focal areas for technical support and model-building aimed at wider replication. He also emphasized that Dak Lak always welcomes and stands ready to accompany investors interested in researching and proposing important projects in the province.

PPC Vice Chairman urged relevant departments and agencies to support CIAT's project implementation and facilitate the necessary administrative procedures. He said the project would help increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable poverty reduction in the province's border and disadvantaged areas.

Thanh Huyen