Belgian Susrice project shares findings with local farmers

December 16, 2020 | 11:57

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On December 15, Can Tho University, in cooperation with the Belgian Embassy, organised a local workshop in Vinh Long province to disseminate the results of the “Soil improving cropping systems for sustainable rice production in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta” project (Susrice) to local agricultural experts and farmers.

belgian susrice project shares findings with local farmers

Can Tho University and the Belgian Embassy sharing the results of their Susrice project

The Susrice project, funded by the Belgian academic cooperation, has been implemented in Tra On district, Vinh Long province since 2017 with the aim of improving the soil quality and rice yield by introducing crop rotations (sesame, soy bean) and organic fertiliser amendment.

The Mekong Delta is the rice basket of Vietnam but due to the intensive rice production in the Mekong Delta (three yields a year) and the increased use of mineral fertiliser, the soil is getting exhausted, resulting in reduced productivity. To restore the fertility of the soil, Can Tho University in close collaboration with Ghent University, conducted a joint research focusing on crop rotation as an alternative for the rice monoculture and the use of organic fertiliser.

The field trip of local experts and farmers to the Susrice project ground

The field trial has been conducted for nine seasons. The research results have showed the beneficial effect of crop rotation and organic fertiliser amendment on rice yield and soil quality resulting in higher income for the farmers. The practice of alternative cropping also had a positive impact on the greenhouse gasses produced by rice cultivation. The workshop organised knowledge transfer of the research results and practical techniques to the local famers and staff.

The participants at the workshop included local agricultural and extension staff and experienced farmers from Tra On district where the field trial was staged and from the surrounding districts of Vinh Long province. The workshop introduced the research results and collected comments from participants. Participants also visited the field experiment at My Loi hamlet, Thien My village.

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