Published: 28-10-2022

Sustainable development objectives and the importance of revising Vietnam's law on sanitary and phytosanitary for exported agricultural products

Tran Vang Phu
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Vietnam possesses numerous advantages in the agricultural sector, and the volume and value of agricultural exports tend to increase substantially over time. However, in recent years, several of Vietnam's agricultural export shipments have been returned or destroyed by the importing country due to inadequate sanitary and phytosanitary conditions. One of the primary reasons for this situation is that Vietnam's regulations on licensing and management of the use of pesticides and maximum residue limit are still limited in both regulations and implementation practices. To improve the quality of agricultural products, the first step is to perfect Vietnam's current sanitary and phytosanitary legal framework to create a reasonable and open legal framework for the investment and development of the green, clean, and sustainable agricultural sector. This article examines the significance of completing the legal regulation on sanitary and phytosanitary products for agricultural products to lay a theoretical foundation for the imminent reform of Vietnam's relevant legal system.

Development of super-intensive farming system of white leg shrimp in the combination of multi-species culture with recirculating aquaculture system for adaptation to climate change

Tran Ngoc Hai, Le Quoc Viet
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
This report summarized the successes in research and development of super-intensive culture of white leg shrimp in a multispecies recirculation system adapting to climate change that has been implemented in the College of Aquaculture and Fisheries since 2020. The results of the research have indicated that the optimal salinity, density, and the supporting media proportion were15-25‰, 200-300 shrimp/m3, and 5-10L of the supporting media /m3, respectively. The results were applied on a commercial scale, in the 40m3 tank system with a stocking density of 300 shrimp/m3, after 84 days of culture, the shrimp average weight, survival rate, yield, and FCR were 16.68 - 18.20 g/shrimp, 96.0 - 97.5%, 4.42 - 4.48 kg/m3 and 1.10 - 1.19, respectively. In a lined earthen pond (500 m3/pond), stocking density ranges from 240 to 320 shrimp/m3, after 84 days of culture, the shrimp weight, the survival rate, yield and the FCR were 18.18 - 22.73 g/shrimp, 74.9 – 93.7%, 2.82 – 4,10 kg/m3 (28.2 - 41 tons/ha/crop) and 1.09 - 1.21, respectively.

Applications of 4.0 technologies to support smart agriculture and aquaculture

Nguyen Thai Nghe, Nguyen Chi Ngon, Nguyen Huu Hoa
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The fourth industrial revolution is gradually supporting changing habits in life in a more automatic way. In this work, we introduce some technology application models of the fourth industrial revolution in supporting smart agriculture and fisheries. These systems include virtual assistant system in smart agriculture, rice leaf colorimetric system on mobile devices, disease diagnosis system on rice leaves from photos taken by deep learning technique, Promotion system. agriculture via text message, the system of monitoring and warning of water quality by deep learning techniques and the system to look up the origin of products by QR code. These systems have all been built and tested in the lab. Experimental results showed that the application in practice was completely feasible, but the application will need specific addresses as well as fine-tuning to suit each locality.

Low-cost wastewater treatment technology for sustainable development of water resources in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Kim Lavane, Nguyen Truong Thanh, Huynh Vuong Thu Minh, Tran Van Ty
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Recycling treated wastewater offers a potential solution to reduce water demand stresses. Due to high potential health risks and environmental impacts, related research on wastewater recycling has been focused on technical issues to improve the treated water quality for appropriate applications. Although advanced treatment technologies can remove contaminants to meet criteria and guidelines, high capital and operational costs and side-effective concerns about byproducts have still existed. Soil-based biological processes potentially provide cost-effective and sustainable treatment strategies for water recycling and management. However, they have not yet been recognized to approach to what extent that treated effluents are suitable to supplement the existing water sources in different using sectors. In this review, low-cost treatment methods by using soil-base filtration columns to stimulate increasing microbial activities were critically analyzed and discussed based on the results of previous studies.

Adapting to climate change based on natural farming model

Ly Van Loi, Le Thi Phuong Mai, Phung Thi Hang, Nguyen Tram Anh
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The study was conducted to assess the efectiveness of key existing farming models in flooding prone area in Thap Muoi district, Dong Thap province to serve as a reference base for policy decisions on sustainable agricultural development coping with challenges of climate change. Biodiversity survey of aquatic species and higher plants combined with in-depth interviews with 105 households was carried out on four different models in My Hoa commune. The results show that the lotus (or combined lotus) farming model has a higher level of species diversity than the traditional rice farming model. The profit of the 3-crop rice model is only about 60 million VND/ha/year, much lower than the lotus combined tourism model with the highest profit of about 292 million VND/ha/year. The water retention capacity of the lotus model is more than double that of the 3-crop rice farming model. However, upscaling the model must have longterm management plans.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people’s livelihoods - A case study Long Dien Dong commune, Dong Hai district, Bac Lieu province

Nguyen Van Nhieu Em, Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Duong Thi Tuyen, Nguyen Hieu Trung
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's livelihoods is a matter of concern and needs to be assessed in order to support and orient a more sustainable livelihood strategy for people in the current period. The study collected secondary data on the closed-loop shrimp farming model and surveyed 100 shrimp farming households in Long Dien Dong commune, Dong Hai district, Bac Lieu province to assess and analyze the factors affecting the livelihood outcomes of the households. Research results show that there are differences when applying the closed-door shrimp farming model before and after the epidemic between households. In addition, the human capital of farmers is guaranteed to serve their livelihoods, social capital is still limited in terms of the number of households participating in social activities in the locality, financial capital is not high, and they have not been able to access social capital. loans, natural capital, and basic physical capital to meet production needs. In addition, besides the factors of 5 internal resources, factors of state policy, disease, and shrimp market are also external factors affecting household livelihood results. In order to improve the capacity to adapt to the pandemic context and effectively use the available livelihood capital,...

Assessment of the labor situation and efficiency of rural vocational training in the Mekong Delta

Duong Ngoc Thanh, Vu Anh Phap, Nguyen Hong Tin
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
In the process of rural development, labor issues, vocational training and income improvement are issues that have been being concerned. Therefore, this study is to analyze and evaluate the current status of labor and the effectiveness of rural vocational training, then summarize experiences and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of rural vocational training. Primary data were collected from interviews with experts, leaders of the rural vocational training project coordination committee, along with 1,540 workers participating and not participating in rural vocational training classes of 11 out of 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta in three years of 2017-2020. The results showed that more than 75% of trainees rate vocational training as effective, students’ income after vocational training is increased. Through the analysis, factors that have positive and negative impacts on the effectiveness of vocational training for rural workers in the Mekong Delta have been identified. Solutions to improve the efficiency of rural vocational training in the Mekong Delta have been proposed.

The public sector’s digital transformation in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam - Opportunities and challenges

Dang Viet Dat
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Digital transformation in the public sector is one of the important contents of national digital transformation. In the process of the public sector’s digital transformation in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, the number of providing online public services at levels 3 and 4 has tended to increase sharply in recent years. However, the rate of people and organizations receiving information from settlement agency via the Internet is still low, lower than the national average, and the percentage of people using online public services is too low. This result shows that the public sector’s digital transformation in the Mekong Delta still has faced many difficulties and challenges. Through the analysis and comparison of results of the public sector’s digital transformation in the Mekong Delta, the article points out the opportunities and challenges in the process of the public sector’s digital transformation in this region, thereby providing recommendations to speed up this process in the future.

The model horizontal aeroponics culture of vegetables (Lactuca sativa) and (Brassica pekinensis) to increase yield, save water and efficiency

Nguyen Trinh Nhat Hang, Vo Ngoc Ha, Le Huu Dat, Nguyen Tuan Phong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The model horizontal aeroponics culture of vegetables (Lactuca sativa) and (Brassica pekinensis) was carried out at Tien Giang Center of Applied Research and Science Technology Services from 2019 – 2020. The objective of the study was to investigate the growth and yield of green Chinese cabbage and lettuce Batavia grown in the conditions of vertical column aeroponics and horizontal aeroponics. Experiment 1 was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 6 treatments and 3 replications. The results revealed that treatment 4 (High-pressure aeroponics - nutrient concentration 1200 ppm) gave the highest plant weight and yield of 108.2 g/plant and 2612.0 g/m2. Experiment 2 was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The results of experiment 2 showed that the treatment 1 lettuce - horizontal aeroponics gave high plant weight and yield (245.6 g/plant and 5.50 kg/m2). The treatment of 3 conversions - horizontal aeroponics gave high plant weight and yield (109.5 g/plant and 3.05 kg/m2). The experimental results were the initial basis for introducing a horizontal aeroponics model to help improve productivity and save water for irrigation, and vegetables did not contain nitrate residues. The horizontal aeroponics vegetable growing model had brought high...

Legal framework and potentials for application of circular economy in agriculture in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Nguyen Thanh Binh, Doan Tan Sang, Le Nguyen Doan Khoi, Le Thi Xuan An, Nguyen Minh Tu, Nguyen Hong Quan
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Based on secondary data, this article focuses on analyzing the legal framework of circular economy in general, circular agriculture in particular, and the potential application of circular economy in the Mekong Delta (MD). Qualitative approach described by Creswell was applied in this research. Results show that the concept of circular economy has been used in the world since the 1990s to address issues related to resource degradation, environmental pollution, and ecological imbalance caused by linear economy. However, this term is relatively new in Vietnam. However, the National Plan on Circular Economy Development in Vietnam was approved by the Prime Minister on June 7th, 2022 that is the basis for building programs and projects to create motivation for innovation and improve labor productivity, contributing to promoting green growth. With the advantage of ecological conditions, the MD has great potential to apply the principles of the circular economy in agriculture, towards the goal of reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production over agricultural GDP in 2030 is down by 20% compared to 2010 as defined in the Master Program on Sustainable Agricultural Development Adapting to Climate Change in the MD to 2030...

The effect of salinity in drinking water on weight gain and milk production in goats

Nguyen Thiet, Truong Van Khang, Nguyen Trong Ngu, Sumpun Thammacharoen
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of salinity in drinking water on the weight gain and milk yield of goats. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with 04 treatments (NT) and 05 replicates on 20 Boer crossbred goats (experiment 1) and 20 Saanen crossbred goats (experiment 2) including freshwater (control), three saline water treatments from diluted seawater concentrations: 0.50%; 1.00%, and 1.50% (NT5, NT10, and NT15 respectively). The results from experiment 1 showed that dry matter intake (DMI) decreased and water intake (WI) increased with increasing salinity in drinking water. Body weight, weight gain, respiratory rate and rectal temperature did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). However, goats in NT15 at 15:00 decreased respiratory rate and increased rectal temperature compared with control group. The results from experiment 2 showed that DMI, body weight and milk yield were not different among treatments (P>0.05). WI increased when dairy goats drank saline water with concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, but at 1.5% concentration WI decreased as compared with NT5 and NT10 groups (P

Building an online professional development activity group through K12 teachers' expectations for the “Teacher Activity Groups” model

Le, Phuong Hoang Yen, Do Thanh Nhan, Bui Nha Quyen
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
In Vietnam, teachers at all levels are required to use English to teach Maths and natural sciences. These teachers’ demand for professional development  is very high. “Teacher Activity Groups” (TAGs), an online form of PD, is designed to solve this problem. This study was conducted to investigate the expectations of 175 teachers at all levels in the Mekong Delta for TAGs. It is to propose a proper model of PD for Vietnamese teachers. The results obtained from teachers through a questionnaire consisting of 21 items showed their high expectations for this project, especially the project’s impact on their knowledge and skills. Therefore, the proposal on accelerating the project implementation in depth and breadth across the country has been raised. In addition, the detailed outputs have also been mentioned in this article.

Status of the exploitation and management of trawl fisheries in the Mekong Delta, Viet Nam

Dang Thi Phuong, Tran Dac Dinh, Huynh Viet Khai
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
A study on the status of exploitation and management of the trawl fishery in the Mekong Delta was carried out from January 2020 to May 2021 at four coastal provinces such as Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, and Kien Giang. Primary data were collected by interviewing 223 households using trawl nets fishing inshore (vessels with length from 6 m to under 15 m). The results showed that the trawlers have been operated whole year round. The average yield of trawl net was 581.8 kg/trip with 3.3 days/trip. The total cost of the trawlers was 11.8 million VND/trip, and the profit was 8.1 million VND with its benefit and cost ratio of 0.9 times. Trawl net was low selectivity fishing gear, so that it was managed by the regulation system from the central to local government. Some proposed solutions to manage trawl fishing include developing the pathway to decrease trawl vessels; harmonizing the likelihoods of fishermen and the protection of aquatic resources; strengthening the inspection and propaganda on the policies and regulations on fishing activities; and supporting the trawl fishermen to change jobs.

Management methods to alleviate N2O greenhouse gas Emissions from crop fields

Tran Quang De, Nguyễn Cường Quốc, Nguyen Trong Tuan, Tran Thanh Men
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has been increasing since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the mightiest greenhouse gases, and agriculture is one of the main sources of N2O emissions. In this report, we discussed the mechanisms triggering N2O emissions and the role of agricultural practices in their mitigation. The amount of N2O produced from the soil through the combined processes of nitrification and denitrification is profoundly influenced by temperature, moisture, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen contents. These factors can be manipulated to a significant extent through field management practices, influencing N2O emission. The relationships between N2O occurrence and factors regulating it are an important premise for devising mitigation strategies. Acting on N supply (fertilizer type, dose, time, method, etc.) is the most straightforward way to achieve significant N2O reductions without compromising crop yields. Besides, crop management (tillage, irrigation, rotation, etc.) to principles of good agricultural practices is also advisable, as it can fetch significant N2O abatement.

Experiences of the US and EU on managing maximum residue levels of pesticides for sustainable agricultural development – Recommendations for Vietnam

Tran Vang Phu
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
One of the greatest challenges for Vietnam's agricultural products today is being warned or banned by the importing country for violating the regulations on maximum residue level (MRL) of pesticides. This article analyzes the experience of the United States and the European Union in the management of pesticides and maximum residue levels (MRL) to protect consumer health and sustainably develop agriculture; and proposes several improvements to Vietnamese legal regulations on the management and establishment of MRLs for pesticides, such as: (i) It is necessary to establish a state pesticide management agency and set pesticide MRLs to unify pesticide management throughout the country, to prevent overlapping or extrusion of responsibilities among concerned agencies; (ii) It is necessary to specify a specific MRL for the granted pesticides concurrently with pesticide licensing, thereby limiting the situation where a pesticide is used on the market without grounds and standards.

Development of saline-tolerant striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) adapting to climate change

Duong Thuy Yen, Dao Minh Hai, Dang Quang Hieu, Bui Minh Tam, Pham Thanh Liem, Bui Thi Bich Hang, Do Thi Thanh Huong, Patrick Kestemont, Frederic Arnir, Nguyen Thanh Phuong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The development of saline-tolerant striped catfish adapting to climate change is of great importance for fish farming in the Mekong Delta. Over the last 5 years, we have succeeded in selecting a striped catfish strain with better tolerance to salinity (up to 10‰). Striped catfish can mature well in 5‰ with reproductive parameters similar to those cultured in freshwater conditions. In the following generation, survival rates of the selected and random groups were similar at salinities from 0‰ to 15‰ and insignificantly higher than the freshwater group (p>0.05). After one generation of selection under saline water conditions, realized heritability for body weight was moderate (0.29)  and the average direct responses to selection for growth and survival were 18.0% and 11.4%, respectively. Physiological studies indicated that striped catfish can develop at 15‰ and that the salinity of 20‰ was considered the saline water tolerant limit of striped catfish. The gut of striped catfish was most responsive to changes in the osmotic pressure of water environment compared with other organs. 'Hormesis' method showed that exposure to the saline condition of 5‰ in the larval stage had the potential to alter gene expression related to osmotic regulation, immunity, and stress,...

Renovation in policies, and laws on land to promote the development of the agricultural economy in the Mekong Delta

Phan Trung Hien, Chau Hoang Than
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Effective land use and management are two of the prerequisites for the Mekong Delta's modern, ecological, civilized, fast, and sustainable development; is a green agricultural economic center, producing large, high quality, and value-added goods of the country, region, and the world. Within the scope of this article, the authors will analyze and evaluate the shortcomings of the current status of land management and use in the agricultural economic development of the Region; analyzing the goals and solutions in Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW dated April 2nd, 2022 of the Politburo and Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW dated June 16th, 2022, proposing specific solutions on land policies and laws for the development a breakthrough in the agricultural economy in the Mekong Delta.

Biogas production from biowastes sources in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Tran Sy Nam, Nguyen Huu Chiem, Huynh Van Thao, Huynh Cong Khanh, Nguyen Cong Thuan, Dinh Thai Danh, Duong Tri Dung, Taro Izumi, Koki Maeda, Nguyen Van Cong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
This paper aims to present the research achievements of College of Environment and Natural Resources (CENRes), Can Tho University, promoting the production and efficient use of renewable biogas energy from biowastes in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta over the last decade. CENRes installed and transferred 515 PE biogas digesters, which certified carbon credit by emission reductions (446 tCO2 per year) issued in June 2015. In addition, 32 improved HDPE biogas digester for treating livestock wastes, biomass, or co-digestion has been distributed. Moreover, a community biogas-sharing model for tackling surplus biogas has recently been developed, which reduced 12.9 tons of CO2eq/year. Co-digestion of super-intensive shrimp wastewater with other biomass resources improved biogas yields by 26 - 53%. Furthermore, an improved infrared biogas-cooking stove has recently been launched with conspicuous features such as effective use at low biogas pressure (0.45 cmH2O), reducing biogas consumption and cooking time, and eliminating unpleasant smells during inflammation.

Social–Ecological Transformation (SET) model: An interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Phan Van Phuc
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
This study firstly introduces the Social–Ecological Transformation model proposed by Sievers-Glotzbach and Tschersich (2019), and then discusses the extent to which it is applied to the development of the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam. Based on the case study method, the paper explicitly emphasizes the need of sustainability of the society, economy, and natural environment to which the model is likely suitable. Finally, the role of stakeholders to implement the policy of nature-based agricultural development as stated in the Government's Resolution No. 120/NQ-CP enacted in 2017 was highlighted.

Cryobank: Rapid re-herding solutions for livestock after disease

Tran Thi Thanh Khuong, Lam Phuoc Thanh, Nguyen Thi Kim Khang, Nguyen Trong Ngu, Duong Nguyen Duy Tuyen
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Cryobank or cryoconservation of animal genetic resources is the collection and deep-freezing of mamalian cells. One of the important steps in the cryobank process is that the cell is isolated from animals that have been screened for free of pathogens before kept at -196°C. Cryobank is considered one of the important solutions in the recovery of livestock herds after the epidemic, which is the rapid supply of breedings negative for pathogens. Vietnam's livestock production is currently facing epidemics in livestock and poultry. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for high-yield, disease-free breedings. Cryobank along with techniques of reproductive biotechnology has been used for a very long period and frequently in industrialized countries to mass create disease-free animal breeds with valuable genetic resources and speedy responses to the market. This overview will analyze the difficulties faced by Vietnam's livestock business due to epidemics, introduce methods used globally by cryobank and reproductive biotechnologies to provide disease-free breedings, and provide comprehensive details on cryobanks for animal semen.

Sustainable development for the Mekong Delta from the perspective of online distance training of English studies

Phuong Hoang Yen
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The Mekong Delta is considered an important region for Vietnam’s economic development, investment cooperation and trade with countries in the region and the world. However, the education sector of the Mekong Delta still has many issues to solve, including improving its citizens’ education level to contribute to the further development of the region's potential. Foreign languages, especially English, are considered a tool to help people communicate with foreign partners, search for documents, study, research and work effectively. Therefore, the distance training program of English Language Studies of Can Tho University has attracted many students for many years.  The study was conducted to survey the opinions of 233 students of distance English Language Studies classes from 2018 to 2022 on their perceptions, assessments and motivations to participate in learning. The results show that with the increasing demand for English learning of the Mekong Delta people, the online distance learning program has made certain contributions to the overall development of the Mekong Delta region and affirmed the position of Can Tho University as the country's key undergraduate and postgraduate training institution in the Mekong Delta, the cultural and scientific and technological center of the region.

Community awarraness on plastic waste emissions in the Mekong Delta: A case study in Can Tho City

Nguyen Truong Thanh, Phan Kieu Diem, Nguyen Thi Hong Diep, Vo Quang Minh, Pham Thanh Vu, Pham Van Toan
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
This study was conducted by interviewing 40 households with and without access to waste collection services of communities in rural areas (Vinh Thanh district) and central areas (Cai Rang district) of Can Tho City. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the consumption, management, and impact of plastic waste on public awareness. Research results showed that the forms of consumption of plastic products are very diverse despite knowing they can be harmful to health. In addition, people recycle/reuse plastic waste as a measure of waste and plastic waste management in the community because they do not have access to waste collection services. For communities with access to waste collection services, waste is often not segregated and the reuse of plastic is not systematic. In particular, people are aware of the harmful effects of plastic and the trend of using natural materials in daily life is becoming popular. However, plastic reduction and waste management have not been uniformly implemented due to the different characteristics of population groups, service accessibility as well as high cost of collection services.

Biomass from agricultural by-products: potential and appication for renewable energy in the Mekong Delta

Nguyen Minh Nhut, Le Thi Cam Tuyen, Huynh Lien Huong, Dang Huynh Giao, Doan Van Hong Thien, Ho Quoc Phong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Renewable energy has emerged as a major energy source for electricity generation in the future replacing fossil fuels for CO2 emissions, ensuring energy security and sustainable development. Among them, bioenergy is very promising in Mekong Delta, with abundant agricultural by-products which can be used to generate about 113.000 GWh, accounting for 33,4% nationwide. With a large amount, rice husk and sugarcane bagasse show great potential with 29 Mton and 8 Mton/year, respectively, corresponding to more than 3000 MWe. Despite some challenges to policies, technology, inherent properties of biomass sources as well as logistics, the demand for the clean energy transition and regional advantages will be great motivation for the development of bioenergy in the Mekong Delta.

Circular economy – Strategies and solutions for sustainable development of the Mekong Delta

Tran Van Hieu
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Circular economy development is a common trend of the world, our country and the Mekong Delta. The circular economy is the key to solving the problem of how to use the least number of natural resources, least raw materials, but produce the most products, and at the same time environmentally friendly products. In this article, the study of some theoretical issues of the circular economy, world experience was a basis for analyzing the current situation of the circular economy in the Mekong Delta in recent years. The achievements and limitations were raised, then proposing possible solutions which were offered to further develop the circular economy in the Mekong Delta in the coming time included raising awareness of people and businesses, improving institutions, promoting research and application of science and technology, taking digital transformation and applying the achievements of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 as a driving force for development, and having preferential policies on tax and credit, land, etc.

Application of IoT technology and sensor network in environmental management solutions and improvement of the efficiency of rice-shrimp models in An Bien district, Kien Giang province

Truong Minh Thai, Duong Nhut Long
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The rice-shrimp model is a traditional farming model of farmers in An Bien district, Kien Giang province, which had been exploited mainly by folk experiences, with low economic efficiency. IoT technology and sensor networks are applied in environmental management in the rice-shrimp farming model in An Bien district, Kien Giang province to optimize the model's technical process, and improve farmers' profits. In the experiment, the monitoring system applied IoT technology and a sensor network to collect, monitor, and manage collected data on environmental factors (salinity, pH, NH4, DO, temperature) in the rice-shrimp farming model in 04 communes of the An Bien district has been designed, installed, and operated. This system helps farmers proactively decide the right time to supply more water to the field, creating stable quality of the water in the field, improving the survival rate of shrimp, and increasing economic efficiency.

Building digital transformation model applied industrial 4.0 technology in industrial pangasius farming

Huynh Xuan Hiep, Vo Nam Son, Nguyen Thanh Phuong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Aquaculture, including industrial catfish farming, is gradually becoming one of the key industries, widely developing, making an important contribution to the growth of the national economy. Besides, science and technology play an important role in improving product quality, labor productivity, and economic efficiency. Therefore, the need to apply the achievements of the technologies of industry 4.0 is an urgent requirement today.

Climate change and intensive shrimp farming in the coastal Mekong Delta: Environmental, social and economic aspects

Nguyen Thuy Trang, Vo Hong Tu, Le Thanh Son
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Weather variation and salinity intrusion along with market instability have caused farming system changes in the coastal regions as an inevitable phenomenon. The study was conducted to (1) analyze the current situation of climate change and transformation of agricultural production to shrimp farming in the coastal areas; (2) analyze economic and environmental efficiency and the current situation of livelihood vulnerability of shrimp farmers (3) propose solutions to improve economic and environmental efficiency, and reduce livelihood vulnerability for shrimp farmers. One-hundred and twenty-five farmers who had converted to shrimp farming in coastal areas in Kien Giang and Soc Trang provinces were interviewed. The stochastic frontier analysis was applied to estimate economic and environmental performance and livelihood vulnerability index to reflect the social aspect. The results showed that the average economic and environmental efficiency of shrimp farmers was of 82.77% and 91.77%, respectively. The livelihood vulnerability index is quite high, which shows that shrimp farmers' livelihoods are vulnerable in the context of climate change and saltwater intrusion. A number of solutions have been proposed to contribute to the sustainable development of livelihoods of shrimp farmers in the coastal areas of the Mekong Delta.

Industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta

Vo Thanh Danh, Tran Van Hieu, Phan Dinh Khoi, Huynh Viet Khai, Le Nguyen Doan Khoi, Pham Van Bua, Phan Van Phuc, Nguyen Thi Luong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The paper analyzed the industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors in Vietnam in general and the Mekong Delta in particular. Based on theories of agricultural and rural development and criteria on industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors, the macro data of the World Bank and Vietnam Statistical Yearbook were used to measure the criteria for industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, compared with the group of middle-income countries as well. In addition, the paper applied regression models and scenario analysis to forecast the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors for the following years. The findings showed that the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors in Vietnam can not be completed if the growth model is not renewed. In the case of the Mekong Delta, the time to complete the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors will even take longer than the national average. Finally, policy recommendations are proposed to accelerate the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural sectors.

The efficiency solutions for striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) infectious disease management

Tu Thanh Dung, Le Minh Khoi, Nguyen Bao Trung, Bui Thi Bich Hang
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
The aquaculture sector will continue to be an important production field to produce a source of food for domestic consumption and export, according to the Vietnam Aquaculture Growth Strategy 2021-2030, with a vision for 2045. Vietnam is the largest producer of striped catfish in the world. As a result, the increasingly intensive farming of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), along with the lack of synchronized development of management infrastructure and farming practices, has led to an increasingly significant outbreak of aquatic diseases. Several infectious diseases caused by bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella ictaluri, and Flavobacterium columnare are pathogens that seriously affect the production of striped catfish. This research aims to review the good approach for disease prevention and control in intensive catfish farming. Vaccines are the most effective disease prevention and control strategies in disease management programs. Vaccines used for fish include inactivated vaccines, attenuated vaccines, DNA vaccines, recombinant technology vaccines, and synthetic peptide vaccines, with inactivated vaccines being applied mainly to striped catfish in Vietnam. Techniques for administering vaccines to fish include injection, feeding, or immersion methods. Biological disease control solutions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and herbs are being widely used.

The role of production linkage in agriculture in the Mekong Delta

Tran Thanh Dung, Le Thanh Son, Pham Van Trong Tinh
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Production linkage is a prerequisite for applying scientific and technical advances to production, creating a comparative advantage for Vietnamese agricultural products in the international arena. This study was carried out through stratified random interviews with 180 observations, including rice farmers with and without large field participation, longan farmers with and without model participation, orange farmers with and without new-styled cooperatives. Through the T-test at a 5% significance level and Binary logistic model by SPSS software, this study has demonstrated the effectiveness of farmers' production linkages such as creating opportunities to improve production techniques, facilitating upgrade of the supply chain of materials, upgrading the value chain of agricultural products, bring high economic efficiency and have a strategic vision for sustainable high-tech agriculture.

Rice farming techniques to save water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change

Nguyen Cong Thuan, Huynh Van Thao, Huynh Cong Khanh, Nguyen Huu Chiem, Tran Sy Nam, Taro Izumi, Nguyen Van Cong
Abstract | PDF (Tiếng Việt)
Using the method of literature review, this paper synthesized and analyzed information on greenhouse gas emissions, the benefits of applying AWD, and the potential for AWD dissimilation in rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta (MK). The emission factor of methane (CH4) in the Mekong Delta is 1.92kg/ha/day, which is higher than Southeast Asia and global factors. The AWD reduces annual CH4 emissions (-51%) compared to continuous flood (CF). The AWD by farmer (AWDF) is significantly reduced (35%) compared to CF. The AWD and the AWDF both have higher yields than CF. The major barriers to AWD application were the irrigation system and water level monitoring methods, leading to the inability to issue policies and institutions for the MK. Using IoT was a utility method in water management for farmers. To disseminate AWD in the MK, it is necessary to (1) develop smart water management techniques such as IoT and (2) formulate and issue policies and institutions to apply AWD on a large scale based on constructing completed large-scale irrigation system.