Training trainers to access right fertilizer use technique

The Plant Protection Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to host a training course for trainers in Can Tho City. The course focused on nutrient management and strategies to improve the efficiency of fertilizer use and reduce emissions.

The training course convened 45 delegates from various organizations, including Plant Protection Sub-Departments, Agricultural Service Centers, Agricultural Extension Centers, cooperatives, fertilizer production enterprises, research institutes, and universities. These delegates represented six project provinces and cities: Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho City.

This training program is the inaugural initiative of the Proper Fertilizer Use Project, which is financially supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program's objective is to impart essential information on the correct use of fertilizers, national technical standards for fertilizer quality, enhancing the efficiency of nutrient utilization in rice farming in Vietnam, and region-specific nutrient management techniques.

In addition, participants will receive information on organic fertilizers, next-generation fertilizers, and potential alternatives to chemical fertilizers in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of mechanized precision farming and integrated manure burying techniques will be discussed in order to improve the efficiency of fertilizer usage. The process involves the integration of mechanization and biological treatment to convert straw into organic fertilizer.

The training course effectively imparts specialized knowledge and procedures regarding the proper application of fertilizers in agricultural practices to farmers.

According to Mr. Casey Allen, who represents the USDA, the 4R nutrient stewardship is a cutting-edge method for managing fertilizer in agriculture to promote sustainability.

The 4R idea include selecting the appropriate fertilizer type for the specific needs of the crops, administering the correct amount of fertilizer, timing the nutrient delivery to align with the crops' requirements, and positioning the nutrients in the optimal location to ensure that crops can effectively absorb them.

At present, optimizing nutrient management is a profitable business strategy for tackling issues associated with volatile fertilizer costs and other inputs. Additionally, it aids in enhancing crop yield and preserving sustainable habitats.

Furthermore, the implementation of appropriate fertilizer application techniques, in conjunction with the utilization of the 4R approach in nutrient management, will assist farmers in adopting more effective methods of fertilizer usage. This presents a chance to offer technical assistance and knowledge to farmers in order to promote environmentally friendly, efficient, and cost-effective harvesting methods. This will lead to better national food security, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and overall improved sustainability for agricultural producers.

The Right Fertilizer Use Project was officially established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture. This initiative is a component of the Global Fertilizer Challenge Program, which is administered by the United States Department of State.

The project will be carried out in Vietnam for a duration of 4 years, with a projected budget of $4.4 million USD. The Plant Protection Department will take the lead in overseeing the project, while its execution will be handled by IRRI.

The Fertilizer Right Project comprises three components. The initial component is dedicated to the development of technologies and instruments that enhance the effectiveness of fertilizer utilization in the cultivation of rice. The second component seeks to improve the communication abilities of stakeholders in effectively applying fertilizer to rice fields. The third component entails the surveillance and assessment of project execution.

Throughout the 4-year project (2024 - 2027), farmers in the project areas will receive technical assistance from experts from the US Department of Agriculture, IRRI, and Vietnamese scientists. This support will enable them to utilize advanced techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and precision agriculture practices to maximize the efficiency of their inputs.