Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

 

Vietnamese policymakers and experts emphasized the necessity of a national soil management strategy to ensure the sustainability of Vietnam's rice industry. This was discussed at the forum "Foundation for green and sustainable development," with a focus on creating a national soil quality database and leveraging technology. The initiative aims to tackle soil degradation, crucial for the livelihood of millions and the country's food security.

 

Rice cultivation dominates Vietnam’s agricultural landscape, supporting nearly 62% of the rural population. However, intensive farming has led to soil degradation and decreased yields, exacerbated by climate change challenges like salinity intrusion and drought. Vũ Năng Dũng, from the Việt Nam Soil Science Society, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable soil quality management.

 

Trần Minh Tiến of the Việt Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences proposed establishing a soil quality database and tailored recommendations to replace ineffective, generalized approaches. Combining organic and inorganic fertilisers, alongside better irrigation and use of beneficial microbes, could significantly restore soil health. Tiến emphasized that rebuilding soil fertility requires enhancing both physical and microbial soil characteristics.

 

Experts advocate for advanced soil management through soil health indicators, on-site diagnostic tools, and data platforms. These innovations would allow farmers precise guidance on fertilisers, irrigation, and crop management. In the Mekong Delta, a crucial rice-producing area, Võ Quang Minh suggested diversifying agricultural practices, promoting climate-resilient rice, and integrating the rice industry into broader value chains.

 

Minh highlighted the importance of organic fertilisation, smart agriculture, and diversified rural livelihoods to sustain soil health and productivity. The coordinated implementation of these strategies aims to enhance rice production, safeguard food security, and improve farmers' quality of life nationwide.

 

Key Takeaways

• Experts stress the urgency of a soil management strategy for rice sustainability.
• Advanced technological solutions are essential for tailored soil management.
• Diverse agriculture and smart farming can enhance rice sector resilience.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-10-30

 

 

Not sure for the rice, but those ladies out there in Nam are a sure bunch of hotties and friendly...not the arrogant snoots we bang into sometimes here...