Binh Thuan, 19 June 2023 – Within the framework of the project "Strengthening the resilience of smallholder agriculture to climate change-induced water insecurity in the Central Highlands and South-Central Coast regions of Viet Nam" (referred to as SACCR project), the Provincial Project Management Unit, in collaboration with Binh Thuan Agricultural Extension Center, organized a farmer field school (FFS) on the topic of effective use of compound and straight fertilizer for crops for farmers in Ham Can commune, Ham Thuan Nam district.

Ham Can commune has 231 poor households (accounting for 20.5% of the population) and 480 near-poor households (accounting for 42.6%). Additionally, ethnic Raglai (K Rai) account for 66.7% of the population. Households in Ham Can commune mainly rely on agricultural production, in which maize is one of the main crops. Up to now, 900 farmer households (reaching 70% quota) in 09 project communes in Binh Thuan have been trained through 45 FFS.  

FFS aims to improve farmers' understanding of crop nutrition; the difference between straight fertilizer and compound fertilizer, so that they can make the right decisions on fertilizer use in cultivation. This is determined by applying the principle of four right (4R): right type, right dose, right time and right way. Further to this, FFS aims to teach farmers about achieving maximum crop yields, reducing costs and increasing economic efficiency while mitigating the risk of fertilizer use that leads to a negative impact on the environment.  This is more important than ever in the context of adaptation to drought and climate change in the Central Highlands. In addition, farmers are also instructed on developing their family's agricultural production plan.

Farmers' agricultural production has been facing many challenges every day, including the limited development of irrigation infrastructure, leading to water shortages in agricultural production, especially during the dry season. In addition, the limited level of awareness also hinders people from adopting advanced agricultural technologies, causing low crop yields and low economic efficiency. Through FFS, farmers will i) observe the stages of maize plant development; and ii) know how to recognize symptoms of nutrient deficiency or excess for maize plants. After that, farmers were divided into small groups to discuss the causes and solutions for the rational use of multi-nutrient and single-fertilizer fertilizers for maize crops.  

Mrs. Mang Thi Sinh, leader of the FFS group, in Hamlet 1, Ham Can shared: "Currently, I plant five sào of maize (1000m2/sào). I am glad to attend the training to learn about caring, fertilization and spraying of maize plants. In the past, I used to pre-plant seeds and fertilize after 10 days. However, after this training, I will apply the new method I’ve learned. I will prepare soil, basal fertilizing and then combine care, fertilization, mixing soil, weeding and rooting. Thus, maize can grow well and absorb nutrients available in the soil. I look forward to the next training session and hope to receive more detailed guidance on the use of pesticides to prevent pests and diseases in maize cultivation. By this way, my family can increase productivity from the current 3.5 to 4 quintals per sào to 5 quintals per sào."

FFS use participatory, hands-on learning, with short, simple, and easy-to-understand instructions. Farmers also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the practice of local agricultural cultivation.

"Through FFS, farmers have access to information and knowledge sharing to enhance soil nutrition, choose appropriate technical solutions, including rational use of fertilizers for plants; help improve productivity and cost savings from their agricultural production activities. Within the framework of this project, support targeted to smallholder and vulnerable farmers, especially women and ethnic minorities, has been contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of the agricultural sector," said Mr. Bui Van Minh, agriculture expert of UNDP Viet Nam.

The SACCR project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by UNDP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and People's Committees of the 5 provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan aims to strengthen the resilience of small-scale agriculture to water insecurity caused by climate change. The project focuses on facilitating for poor or near-poor farmers, women dependent households and ethnic minorities to participate in agricultural production activities. It also works towards ensuring equitable access to water, and encouraging g the application of agricultural solutions resilient to climate change, etc. Lastly, the SACCR project intends to enhance the dissemination of information on agricultural meteorology, as well as provide access to market information and credit sources. Through these efforts, the project aims to effectively manage the increasing risks posed by the impacts of climate change on local agricultural production.

For more information, please contact: 
Phan Huong Giang, 
CCE Media & Communications Analyst, 
United Nations Development Programme Viet Nam 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Tel: 0948466688