Viet Nam, Cambodia strengthen cooperation to develop rice production

Connecting managers, scientists, enterprises, and farmers

On August 29, continuing the cooperation and technical progress transfer program in rice production between Viet Nam and Cambodia, Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company coordinated a reception program for a leadership delegation from the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), specialized rice sector units, agricultural officers, and Cambodian farmers to visit and learn from rice production models at the Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLDRRI) in Can Tho City.

The activity is part of a continuous series of collaborative programs aimed at strengthening linkages among regulatory agencies, scientists, enterprises, and farmers of both countries, thereby accelerating the application of scientific and technical advances into rice production toward efficiency, emission reduction, and climate change adaptation.

At the CLRRI, the Cambodian delegation visited experimental, research, and rice seed production zones. Viet Namese and Cambodian delegates also attended a seminar to discuss achievements in rice research and breeding, fertilizer management experiences in Viet Nam, and technical solutions currently under research and field application.

One highlight Binh Dien shared was the initial outcomes of the project "Developing on-field straw decomposition solutions, improving soil health, and reducing emissions in Mekong Delta rice cultivation."

The direct participation of enterprise executives, CLRRI leaders, and the Cambodian MAFF delegation leaders elevated the program beyond a standard field tour into a knowledge-exchange forum spanning scientific research to practical production.

According to Mr. Phan Van Tam, Deputy General Director of Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, sustainable agricultural cooperation does not merely mean supplying fertilizer products to farmers, but more importantly transferring knowledge, scientific and technological advancements, and validated models to producers.

From the Smart Rice Farming program and practical approaches of the 1-Million-Hectare High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Scheme to the "Green Journey - Healthy Soil, Healthy Crops" program, activities are integrated into a continuous process to help farmers utilize inputs more efficiently, protect and regenerate soil health, elevate productivity, quality, and economic returns, and step-by-step adapt to green agriculture requirements.

In particular, facilitating direct exchanges between farmers of both nations enables scientific knowledge to translate into concrete field experiences.

For Binh Dien, Cambodia is not only a commercial market but also a locality where the company continues its mission to accompany farmers. Smart Rice Farming models deployed in Cambodia are science-based, focusing on balanced nutrient management, improving soil health, and boosting economic efficiency.

Promoting cooperation on rice varieties and crop nutrition

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach, Director of the CLRRI, stated that the Mekong Delta is the country's largest rice granary, playing a central role in ensuring national food security and sustaining Viet Nam's export position in the global market.

However, regional rice production faces mounting challenges from climate change, saltwater intrusion, and drought, alongside growing demands for greenhouse gas reduction and a transition to green, sustainable agriculture. Therefore, accelerating the application of scientific advances and new technological solutions has become urgent.

During the working session, delegates focused on three main groups of technical advancements in seed varieties and fertilizers:

First, researching, selecting, and developing smart rice varieties, with an emphasis on salinity-tolerant, drought-tolerant, short-duration, high-yielding, and high-quality varieties suitable for Mekong Delta ecological conditions.

Second, improving fertilizer technologies and crop nutrition solutions. Experts focused on next-generation and specialized fertilizer lines alongside solutions to optimize nutrient efficiency, minimize loss, and protect soil ecosystems.

Third, integrating seed and fertilizer technologies into low-emission farming protocols. Combining the genetic potential of varieties with balanced nutrition regimes is expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the target of developing 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta.

From the Cambodian side, Dr. Kong Kea, Director of the Department of Rice Crop of Cambodia, highly appreciated Viet Nam's research achievements and scientific applications in rice production. According to him, both sides have held extensive discussions, but they now need to be made concrete through more practical cooperation programs.

A key area of interest for Cambodia is domestic seed production and propagation. This is expected to ensure seed autonomy, control quality, and mitigate issues arising from unmanaged seed sources.

The Cambodian side also expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on rice varieties to establish a framework for deploying high-yield, high-quality varieties bred by CLRRI.

Mr. Sok Visal, Undersecretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the working trip provided the delegation with direct exposure to practical farming models in Viet Nam, including setups in An Giang and research applications at CLRRI.

According to him, Cambodia highly values Viet Nam's science-driven agricultural growth and looks forward to further developing bilateral cooperation through agricultural governing bodies.

The Cambodian agricultural delegation highlighted rice varieties and fertilizers as two focal priorities. Cambodia hopes CLRRI will continue coordinating practical field exchange programs in Cambodia to share local seed production and propagation expertise.

Regarding the OM5451 variety, the Cambodian side noted that local farmers widely cultivate it because it adapts well to weather, pests, and climate conditions while delivering solid yields. From initial border areas adjoining Viet Nam, the variety has expanded across numerous Cambodian provinces.

Cambodia exports a substantial portion of its rice output, with Viet Nam as a key market. Strengthening cooperation in seed varieties, cultivation techniques, and input management therefore not only boosts production efficiency but also deepens bilateral rice value-chain integration.

The Cambodian side also highly valued Vietnam's research on soil, fertilizers, and crop nutrition. Mr. Sok Visal emphasized that seeds, fertilizers, water, and soil nutrition are determinant factors for rice farming efficiency, helping farmers increase profits and driving agricultural development forward.