Mekong Delta to Carry out EUR1.7M Data Project Funded by Netherlands

The Mekong Delta, the biggest rice granary in Vietnam, will carry out the Netherlands-funded agricultural data project to promote the local rice production, state media has reported. The Dutch government will provide EUR1.3 million while Loc Troi Group (formerly An Giang Plant Protection Joint Stock Company or AGPPS) will contribute EUR390,000. Under the project, the Netherlands Space Office, Can Tho University and Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Mekong Delta will jointly exploit orbit data, agricultural field data to serve for research and agricultural production. The project will produce agricultural field information, particularly rice development, and rice yield forecast. It will also provide update information on pest development, drought, saline water intrusion and flood. The Mekong Delta produces over 25 million tons of paddy every year which accounts for 56% of the country’s total output. (Nong Thon Ngay Nay – Nowadays Countryside Jan 22)