Australia-backed project aimed to improve cassava genetics in Vietnam

Sponsored by the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), the Australian government's specialist agricultural research for development agency, the 'Establishing sustainable solutions to cassava diseases in mainland Southeast Asia' project supports the development and commercialization of disease-resistant cassava varieties.

The project, engaged by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the Hung Loc Agricultural Research Center, is expected to safeguard a highly profitable cassava industry that serves as a vital livelihood for millions of farmers.

It focuses on effectively addressing disease pressures and sustainably maintaining soil fertility.

The project is carried out in Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong Provinces.

Cu Thi Le Thuy, research staff of the CIAT and project coordinator, shared that the project has strengthened regional linkages and laid a solid foundation for sustainable cassava development in the Mekong region. 

"Nine elite cassava hybrid lines were selected and are being shared with Laos and Cambodia," she said.

These hybrids, which are undergoing multiplication, are expected to deliver high yields and strong disease resistance, promoting shared prosperity across borders.

Cassava is a crucial crop for farmers in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. 

However, it faces mounting challenges due to rapid expansion, limited adoption of sustainable practices, and the emergence of severe plant diseases such as cassava mosaic disease (CMD).

High demand and prices have driven monoculture practices, threatening soil degradation and declining fertility.

This project addresses these urgent challenges by promoting advanced farming systems, mechanization, effective disease control, and smart digital technologies.

"We expect the project to create high-quality varieties with a yield of 35 metric tons per hectare," Pham Thi Nhan, deputy director of Hung Loc Agricultural Experimental Research, shared at the Don Duong production and experiment station in Lam Dong Province on Monday.

She stated that most of the widely cultivated cassava varieties lack resistance to cassava CMD, with some experiencing complete yield loss.

Currently, the HN1 variety has shown strong and promising performance in the first season, yielding over 30 metric tons per hectare.

She, however, said that its high yield is limited to one season, as it tends to degenerate in the second, with a high rate of root rot.

"Therefore, the project is meant to develop cassava varieties that combine disease resistance with high yield potential," she added.

By applying red light exposure and pruning techniques, the project successfully induced early flowering in upright, non-branching cassava varieties.

"Hopefully, this project will improve livelihoods for Vietnamese farmers and those in Laos and Cambodia," said Brent Stewart, Deputy Consul-General, Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City.

The project, which is set to last for five years until 2028, directly supports three pillars of the Australia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership: enhancing economic engagement, supporting science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and strengthening regional and international cooperation.

The project is one of various initiatives funded by the Australian government to support Vietnam with its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045.

Australia has been a longstanding and trusted development partner of Vietnam, providing over AU$3 billion (US$1.94 billion) in official development assistance since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973.

This support spans key sectors including education, infrastructure, health, governance reform, and climate resilience. 

In March 2024, Australia and Vietnam officially elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of diplomatic engagement in Vietnam's foreign relations, reflecting the deepening cooperation across areas including political, security, economic, development, and people-to-people links.

Australia's development programs have delivered tangible, nationwide impacts. 

These include the construction of My Thuan and Cao Lanh Bridges, the supply of 26.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, and over 7,000 Australia Awards Scholarships.

The current 2025-30 development strategy focuses on inclusive economic growth, high-quality human capital, climate adaptation and emissions reduction, and gender equality.

Flagship initiatives such as Aus4Skills and Aus4Innovation demonstrate Australia's strong commitment to building skills and promoting sustainable innovation in Vietnam.

The Aus4Skills program (2016–2025), valued at AU$86 million ($55.6 million), focuses on building a skilled workforce to support Vietnam's socio-economic development.

The Aus4Innovation program, launched in 2018 and entering its second phase in 2023, is jointly funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by CSIRO in partnership with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology.

It aims to strengthen Vietnam's innovation system and promote climate-smart, inclusive growth in agriculture and food systems.

The Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City kick-started a media tour to explore some key ACIAR-funded projects that support farmers' livelihoods in the Central Highlands region and Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, on Monday.

The tour wraps up on Friday.