VN cassava growing area is 560,000 ha , export turnover reached U.S. $ 1.3 billion in 2012 and $ 1.1 billion in 2013 .

 

From 26-29/5 , in Hanoi , the Board of Directors Research Centre for Tropical Agriculture ( CIAT ) had its first meeting on the occasion of the CIAT Asia office moved from Bangkok to Hanoi ( in the mold Agricultural Genetics Institute ) .

 

According to Prof. Dr. Bui Chi Buu , one of two agricultural scientists of VN was invited to advise the organization , the reason for this move is due VN office in recent years has come a long way in growing cassava and cassava become the 2nd largest exporter in the world ( after Thailand ) and CIAT hopes to work Asian office in the capital of VN , a country with the most dynamic agricultural sector , there will be conditions for CIAT stronger activity covers the whole of Asia .

 

At the same time agriculture VN also more opportunities in research , transfer of new techniques for two main crops of the VN and also is the main object of study is CIAT cassava , beans and pasture development for livestock .

 

According to the document circulated at the meeting , the VN cassava planting area is 560,000 ha , export turnover reached U.S. $ 1.3 billion in 2012 and $ 1.1 billion in 2013 . Cassava productivity The 2-fold increase mainly due to new varieties bred as KM94 , KM 98-1 , SM 937-26 ... from CIAT 's gene pools .

 

However cassava in VN is not sustainable because the gap in productivity of the world's major categories , as in Tay Ninh cassava yield of 30 tonnes / ha ( an area not irrigated ) and 50 tonnes / ha ( with additional irrigated areas ) , many other places reached only 15-17 tonnes / ha .

 

Shortening the gap by improving productivity and transfer the same technique has great significance in the implementation of the planning area is not open but still achieve high starch yield . The intensification of the VN also faced with 5 new pest on cassava disease is dangerous dragon brush , pink mealybugs , bacterial leaf blight , white beetles , red spider .

 

CIAT will promote a $ 13 million investment to build gene banks cassava and forage crops , investment in a modern laboratory in Hanoi .

 

Quang Ngoc / nongnghiep.vn