The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the International Rice Research Institute pledge to bolster the use of science and technology in rice research for Viet Nam.— VNS File Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub)— The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rice Research Institute, pledging to bolster the use of science and technology in rice research for Viet Nam.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Cao Duc Phat said the agreement signaled a new stage in the co-operation between both sides, and would lead to an improvement in Viet Nam's rice quality and productivity, while increasing the income of rice farmers.

Viet Nam also needed to ensure the rice sector was ready to adapt to climate change, he said.

IRRI General Director Robert Zeigler said the institute had been proud of its partnership and achievements in Viet Nam in the rice sector and declared that both sides would focus on strengthening co-operation in climate change research in the Southeast Asia region.

Since 1975, through IRRI and Viet Nam partnerships, Vietnamese farmers have been able to maximise the full potential of the high-yielding rice varieties being grown in the Mekong and Red River Deltas. — VNS