On the 25th of March 2026, in Vietnam, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Vietnam Country Office and the Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment came together to plan for the future of the rice sector in Vietnam.
The meeting was a crucial step in implementing the IRRI 2025–2030 Strategy in Vietnam, ensuring that IRRI Vietnam’s research aligns with national priorities. Vietnam is recognized globally for its low-carbon rice production, and this partnership aims to turn the Mekong River Delta into a model of sustainable agriculture.
Discussions focused on aligning IRRI’s 2026 work plan with Vietnam’s policies, such as the National Green Growth Strategy and various rice programs. The plan includes improving nutrition, protecting the planet through water-saving techniques, and promoting inclusive livelihoods for farmers.
The collaboration will scale digital tools like RiceMoRe and e-Extension Lua Viet nationally. They will also focus on creating early warning systems for climate change threats, allowing farmers to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
The core of the IRRI Vietnam strategy is to enhance farmers’ livelihoods through sustainable production. The meeting concluded with plans to review technologies, build a circular economy, improve post-harvest management, and create a digital repository of R&D advances.
By mid-April 2026, IRRI will provide a review of technologies for integration into national programs, working closely with the Department of Climate Change to measure emissions. This partnership aims to make Vietnamese rice production more resilient, nutritious, and profitable.
