SCIENTISTS FROM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY SUPPORT FARMERS IN BÌNH THUẬN AND NINH THUẬN PROVINCE
Recently, scientists from International University (VNU-HCM) visited Bình Thuận and Ninh Thuận provinces to connect with farmers (who are of ethnic minorities) to conduct survey on the current state of agricultural production, preservation, and processing of agricultural products, aiming to propose post-harvest technological solutions and supply-demand connections.
Throughout the trip, the delegation of scientists from the International University, along with Mr. John Joshua Coward, specialist at the Institute for Environmental Education Research, representative of the RCE British Columbia and North Cascades Center at Simon Fraser University, spent significant time visiting various indigenous communities (the Chăm people in Bình Thuận and the Raglai people in Ninh Thuận) and engaged in meaningful interactions with the local farmers.
The local farmers are cultivating on their land.
The team conducted surveys on the cultivation techniques for rice, cashews, grapes, and apples in Bình Thuận, and aloe vera in Ninh Thuận. According to Assocc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Hợp, Dean of School of Industrial Engineering and Management, and a member of the expert team, most of the farming techniques used by the local farmers have been passed down through generations, based on a deep connection with the land and nature. “Local farms face issues related to supply-demand, agricultural product preservation, harsh climate conditions, and lack of fresh water, leading to temporary and unsustainable changes in agricultural activities,” shared Assoc. Prod. Dr. Hợp.
The delegation also visited Canh Dong Viet Food Corporation, a company producing aloe vera products in Ninh Thuận province. Dr. Trần Thị Ngọc Diệp, Head of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at International University, said: “Canh Dong Viet Food Corporation is considered a local model of sustainable practices. Over the years, the company has established a stable value chain and promoted social welfare for the workforce, especially the indigenous community.”
The experts conducted surveys and identified issues in the local areas that are of global concern. Dr. Nguyễn Đình Uyên, a lecturer from the School of Electrical Engineering and an expert in the group, shared: “The survey team aims to promote sustainable activities and collaborate with stakeholders to make significant contributions to the local agricultural economy and improve the livelihoods of farmers struggling with the threats of climate change.”
The team of experts visited to survey and support the farmers in Binh Thuan province.
The expert team hopes that the trip will help develop sustainable agriculture in Vietnam as a whole, and specifically support farmers in Phan Hòa and Phan Thành districts in Bắc Bình, Tuy Phong district in Bình Thuận province, and Phan Rang – Tháp Chàm city, Bắc Sơn district in Thuận Bắc, Ninh Thuận province.