Ajinomoto Vietnam launches sustainable cassava project

Ajinomoto Vietnam launched a sustainable cassava project in April 2023 with the aim of supporting cassava farmers in increasing yield and improving livelihoods. After twelve months of implementation, the project has yielded substantial results, with cassava crop yields nearly doubling.

Cassava yields severely affected by cassava mosaic disease

Cassava is a major economic crop with significant economic value and widespread production across various regions including the Southeast region, the Central Highlands, and South Central Coast of Vietnam. Notably, the crop is extensively produced within the provinces of Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai. Despite its substantial economic value, low-quality seeds and cassava mosaic disease pose as significant challenges to the traditional cassava production method.

Nguyen Hoang Son, a cassava farmer in Binh Phuoc province, shared: "With the traditional cassava production method, my family often experience low crop yields due to pest damage, low-quality seeds, and notably, cassava mosaic disease. These factors cause cassava yield to plummet by 40 to 50%, resulting in significant losses for our family's income."

With the aim of supporting cassava farmers in increasing yield, improving income, and establishing a stable livelihood, Ajinomoto Vietnam has collaborated with agricultural research centers and scientists to research, and implement a sustainable cassava project starting from April 2023. Accordingly, the project covers 78.6 hectares of cassava production area, with 18 participating households from the provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

The project provides farmers with the new HN1 variety, which features high yield and resistance to cassava mosaic disease, while also providing instructions on advanced farming techniques. Participating farmers receive technical guidance on soil preparation, planting, fertilization, and pest management in a scientific manner, including the use of AMI-AMIα bio-fertilizer. Researched, developed, and produced by Ajinomoto Vietnam, this bio-fertilizer replaces chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting cassava growth as well as reducing production costs.

Doubling crop yields and boosting farmers' income

After twelve months of implementation, the initial stages of the project have yielded remarkable results. Notably, the cassava yields of participating household nearly doubled from 21 to 40 tons per hectare. Additionally, the starch content of the harvested cassava is noticeably higher, enabling farmers to increase income and stabilize their livelihoods.

Starting from May 2024, Ajinomoto Vietnam developed and introduced the "Cassava - Aji" mobile application. The software allows farmers to promptly detect pests and diseases; monitor production processes and crops, and effectively control the cassava care process. The company has also collaborated with distributors to provide participating farmers with market access.

Nguyen Hoang Son added: "After participating in the project, out cassava yield has nearly doubled from 21 to 40 tons per hectare, with higher starch content. As a result, our income has significantly improved, stabilizing our family's livelihoods and encouraging us to continue production. The project has also provided market access for our harvested cassava. Local farmers are delighted and hopeful for the widespread development and implementation of the project."

Le Huy Anh, a representative from the Agricultural Development Department at Ajinomoto Vietnam, commented: "Going forward, Ajinomoto Vietnam will continue to collaborate with Vietnamese agricultural agencies and scientists to replicate this model, with the aim of supporting more farmers across various provinces nationwide."

In addition to improving the livelihoods of farmers, the project contributes to reducing CO2 emissions through the use of bio-fertilizers as a substitution for chemical fertilizers. Ajinomoto Vietnam aims to implement the project on over 20,000 hectares of cassava production area by 2030, and reduce CO2 emissions by over 11,000 tons; thereby mitigating environmental impact.

In addition to its contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation goals, Ajinomoto Vietnam is implementing valuable initiatives in nutrition and healthcare with the aim of promoting the well-being and happiness of the Vietnamese people. Notable initiatives include the School Meal Project, the Maternal and Child Nutrition Program, the Vietnam Nutrition Enhancement Project (VINEP), among others.