RESEARCH STRATEGIES

Since mid-2002, and in reward for its continued research excellence and commitment to improving the efficiency of the agricultural sector, CLRRI has been nominated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) as the Regional Institute for the Mekong Delta. This places the Institute in a prime position to realize the gamut of government resolutions.

• improvement of seed varieties and technologies

• identify and establish specialized zones of production

• improve the quality of produce at source for the export arena

While the Institute’s focus remains rice production it also works with crops like soybean, maize, cotton and sugarcane, as well as designing and transferring innovative mixed farming systems of aquaculture and stock with various crops. To achieve these area objectives CLRRI has instituted a number of short-term research strategies:

CLRRI is also seeking to bridge the gap between scientists and farmers by  establishing farmer-technician-extension networks in all 12 Delta provinces. Through this network transfers of new and improved technologies will be streamlined. The use of television and radio is expected to play an important role here, along with farmer feedback.

The Institute continues to address issues of local, regional and national food security via a focus on improved yield, product quality and farm productivities.