Australia, Vietnam drive farming innovation in Central Highlands

The five provinces of Vietnam's Central Highlands, including Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong, jointly established the cluster, backed by the Australian government through the Aus4Innovation program, in June 2022.

The cluster, managed by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, in strategic collaboration with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology, brings together researchers, businesses, farmers, and governmental agencies to address challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The cluster focuses on improving market access, facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, and building capacity among stakeholders.

"Through the cluster, we have gained valuable insights into production and purchasing processes, which has helped us propose solutions to key challenges, while also equipping farmers with new knowledge and skills through discussions, seminars, and videos," Dr. Phan Viet Ha, deputy director of the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI), said at Tay Nguyen University in Dak Lak Province on Thursday.

Tay Nguyen University and the WASI serve as the primary coordinators of the cluster's activities such as providing scientific guidance, innovation expertise, and technical support to foster collaboration and solution development.

"The cluster has provided solutions to most of the issues facing farmers during the farming process," said Tong Thi Lan Chi, director of the Dak Lak Innovation Center of Tay Nguyen University.

Particularly, it prioritizes the support for disadvantaged farmers and those in remote areas, encouraging them to participate in all of its programs that aim to foster the sustainable and equitable growth of agriculture and agro-processing industries in the Central Highlands region, Chi shared.

In addition, the cluster helps develop products tailored to the needs of cooperatives, associations, and traders.

To strengthen farming innovation, the cluster is committed to enhancing linkages and fostering deeper cooperation among stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem in the region.

Apart from promoting exemplary agricultural models that apply innovation to adapt to climate change and reduce carbon emissions, the cluster will continue to hold discussions, and dialogues, and expand its knowledge-sharing network with Can Tho University in the Mekong Delta region and other partners to address some issues related to carbon emissions and water management.

The Aus4Innovation program is funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by CSIRO in partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology, aiming to boost Vietnam's innovation system and promote climate-smart, inclusive growth in agriculture and food systems.