From June 10 to June 13, 2014, PVFCCo has organized a sightseeing and training trip to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines for the delegation of 29 officers of Department of Crops Production, leaders and officers of key agricultural agencies and excellent farmers of provinces.

During the program, the delegation was hosted, guided and briefed by leading professors and doctors; officers at IRRI centers, agencies about: Overview of history and development, functions, roles and contributions of IRRI; Research programs on rice production co-operation between Asian countries, especially the practical implementation in Vietnam; Programs on rice varieties resistant to harsh environmental conditions and adaptable to climate change; Programs on intensive and long term cultivation; Fertilizers management for rice; ecological technology in agriculture; post-harvest technology; Visiting the Rice Museum and Rice Research Center; Gene – rice bank; Visiting IRRI”s farms. These were special contents requested by PVFCCo and the delegation, using practical input information in Vietnam, plus updating, guidance of latest agricultural information and knowledge, especially on rice varieties, post-harvest, advanced cultivation techniques presented and guided by leading professors with years of experience at IRRI and in Vietnam. As a result, the program was practical, easy to understand, packed with lot of helpful information and knowledge to the delegation.

Speaking after the visit, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, Director of Dong Thap Plant Protection Sub-Department said: I was impressed and have learnt how to work scientifically, excellently, enthusiastically from the experts at IRRI, and the information can be applied immediately in Vietnam is the software of management, guidance of fertilizers usage to farmers via mobile phone (this software is currently under progress and development in Vietnam). And the excellent farmer, Nguyen Nhut Hoai from Thoai Giang Commune, Thoai Son District, An Giang – king of seed rice and famous for the model of “Bouquet rice field” emotionally said: “As a farmer joining the sightseeing and training trip at IRRI, I am really happy to see my long term dream coming true.” Interestingly, after guidance and instructions at the Post-harvest Department, unable to buy and bring tools home, he said he would study to make a thermometer himself for checking the temperature of rice during drying, satisfying his long-term concerns, especially for drying  rice varieties.

Besides the main program at IRRI, the delegation also visited and learnt about the history, culture, and famous tourist spot – Passajanwaterfall in Philippines.

Below are some photos:

The delegation is awarded Certificate by IRRI and Department of Crops Production: