Báo cáo nghiên cứu khoa học " Developing an Agricultural Research and Development Priority Framework for Vietnam Crops Sub-Sector Workshop " pot

Developing an Agricultural Research
and Development Priority
Framework
for Vietnam
Crops Sub-Sector Workshop
Data and Information Sheets:
Areas of Research & Development
Opportunity (ARDOs)

ARDO 1:
ARDO 2:
ARDO 3:
ARDO 4:
ARDO 5:
ARDO 6:
ARDO 7:
ARDO 8:
ARDO 9:

Rice
Upland Crops
Food Legumes
Industrial Crops
Fruit
Vegetables
Flowers
Animal Feeds
Crops for New Uses
October 2006

1

ARDO 1:

RICE

1.

ARDO DEFINITION

1.1

National Goal

Increase yield, and quality of rice to ensure national food security, competitiveness in
export markets, reduce the cost of production and maintain exports at 4-5 millions
ton/year.
1.2

R&D Scope

Research into genetic improvement and development of agronomic techniques (GAP,
ICM, IPM) improving quality standards and food safety and further develop harvest and
post-harvest management including storage and processing and development new and
improved products to meet identified market needs.
1.3

Coverage:







Improved varieties
F1 hybrid varieties
Locally purified varieties
Varieties with high yield good quality and possess aromatic character (Aroma
varieties).



For all varieties high yield, good grain quality (to meet exporting markets), suitable
for different ecological environments (intensive cultivation areas, adverse
condition areas such as salinity soils, acid-sulphate soils, floating areas, rain fed
lowland as well rain fed upland conditions etc.) through out country.



These varieties should be divided in to 4 mainly groups base on growth duration.
1. Very early maturity (< 90 days from seed to seed);
2. Early maturity (90-100 days);
3. Medium maturity (>100 - 125 days);
4. Late maturity and/or Mua group (for most photosensitive varieties, growth
duration relates to day length).

Production zone
High priority
Northern of country Very early, Early maturity:
and highland zones

- Improved varieties
- F1 hybrid varieties
Red rive delta
Very early, Early maturity:
(RD)
- Improved varieties
- F1 hybrid varieties
- Aromatic varieties
Very early, Early maturity:
Central zones
- Improved varieties
- F1 hybrid varieties
- Aromatic varieties

Medium priority
Locally uniform varieties

Low priority
Locally
uniform
varieties

Medium maturity:
- Locally uniform varieties
- Aromatic varieties

Late maturity:

Medium maturity:

Late maturity:

- Aromatic varieties

Locally
varieties

Central plateau

Medium maturity:
- Aromatic varieties
- Local uniform varieties

Very early maturity:
- Improved varieties
- F1 hybrid varieties

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets

- Aromatic varieties

uniform


2

Mekong Delta
(MD)

Very early, Early maturity:

- Improved varieties
- Aromatic varieties
- F1 hybrid variety
-Uniform varieties

2.

Late maturity:
Locally
uniform
varieties
- Aromatic varieties

INDUSTRY STATISTICS

2.1

Medium maturity:
- F1 hybrid variety
- Improved varieties
- Aromatic varieties
- Locally uniform variety

Introduction

Rice production in Vietnam started more than 4,000 years ago. The skill and
knowledge of producers has grown over time in keeping with neighbouring countries
including China, Thailand and Indonesia...
Rice is very important food crop. It provides about 20% energy requirement for the
world, 60-70% for Asia people and 35 - 59% for more than 3 billion people

(FAO,1984), particularly in Asia countries including Vietnam. Rice crop can develop
and tolerate many disadvantageous environmental conditions (long time flooding soil,
salt and acid soil) which many other crops cannot. For this reason rice is sometimes
called a “volunteer plant” and in the tropical monsoon reason is one of the few annual
crops that can be successfully grown. Rice is a core component of food security in
many Asian countries including Vietnam, and has been grown repeatedly in the same
areas for thousands of years. Diversification into more profitable crops has only been
achieved once household and national food security needs have been met. Rice plays
important role the daily nutrient and health requirements of many rice eating nations.
New varieties, high in protein, ‘golden rice” with pro-vitamin A are now becoming
available for further improvement in human nutrition.
2.2

Industry Characteristics and Prospects

Area and Productivity
According to statistical data (Agriculture Development - GSO), in 2005, Viet-Nam had
7326,400 ha of rice divided into 3 groups
 Winter-Spring (W-Sp, from November to April the next year) rice crop
season 2942,000ha;
 Summer-Autumn (S-Aut, From April to October) rice crop season: 2348,600
ha
 Mua (from July to December in the North and from August to February the
next year in the South) rice crop season 2035,800 ha (table No.1).
Table 1. Area and Production of Rice in (1990-2005)
Year

Area
Of which
Spring Autumn

paddy
paddy
Thousand Hectares
6006,8 2037,6 1215,7
6765,6 2421,3 1742,4
7666,3 3013,2 2292,8
7492,7 3056,9 2210,8
Total

1990
1995
2000
2001

Total
Winter
paddy
2753,5
2601,9
2360,3
2225,0

19225,1
24963,7
32529,5
32108,4

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets

Production

Of which
Spring
Autumn
paddy
paddy
Thousand Tonnes
7865,6
4090,5
10736,6
6500,8
15571,2
8625,0
15474,4
8328,4

Winter
paddy
7269,0
7726,3
8333,3
8305,6


3

2002
2003
2004
2005

7504,3
7452,2
7445,3
7326,4

3033,0
3022,9
2978,5
2942,0

1990
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

102,2
102,5
100,2
97,7
100,2
99,3
99,9
98,4

104,1
101,7

104,3
101,5
99,2
99,7
98,5
98,8

2293,7 2177,6 34447,2 16719,6
2320,0 2109,3 34568,8 16822,7
2366,2 2100,6 36148,9 17078,0
2348,6 2035,8 35790,8 17331,7
Index (Previous year = 100)-%
106,6
99,1
101,2
104,3
109,9
98,9
106,1
102,2
97,9
97,4
103,6
110,4
96,4
94,3
98,7
99,4
103,7
97,9

107,3
108,0
101,1
96,9
100,4
100,6
102,2
99,2
103,8
101,5
99,3
96,9
99,0
101,5

9188,7
9400,8
10430,9
10415,1

8538,9
8354,3
8640,0
8044,0

100,7
114,5
98,5
96,6
110,3

102,3
109,6
99,8

98,3
105,3
97,7
99,7
102,8
97,7
101,7
93,1

Rice production in Vietnam is characterized by:


2 main rice seasons in the North (W-Sp) and Mua crop that coincides with dry and
wet seasons



3 main crops in Central and the South (W-Sp, S-Aut and Mua)



The Green Revolution in 1960’s when a lot of new varieties with short growth
duration, short stem, resistance to logging, adapt to intensive farming condition, high
yield etc were developed. This enabled more intensive cropping systems to be
developed that significantly increased total yield and income



From 1990 to 2005, the total area of rice has expanded by 22% (W-Sp rice up 44.8%,
S-Aut rice up 93.4% and Mua rice down 26.2%). Since 2001 there has been a small
(2.5%) decrease in the total area of rice grown.



The total yield of rice has increased by 86% from 1990 – 2005.



The big change in production over the years has occurred for the following reasons.
(Table 2)
o Strongly supportive Government of Viet Nam policies in agriculture e.g.
Improvements in irrigation systems, development of improved varieties,
food security and poverty reduction
o Increased funding for rice research enabling development of new
varieties and replacement of old varieties throughout the country
o Introduction of F1 hybrids, mainly in RRD and parts of the Central
Plateau
o Photosensitive varieties that have a high yield and good quality as well
as better adaptation and better tolerance/resistance to pests and diseases.
o Mua crop varieties have declined and been replaced by improved
varieties, especially in the RRD region.
Table 2. Area, Yield and Production of Paddy (1961-2005)*

Year

Area

Thousand.
ha

Index
(Previous
year=100%)

Ton
/ha

Yield
Index (previous
year=100%)

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets

Production
Thousand.
Index
ton
(previous
year=100%)


4

1961
1965
1970
1975

1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

4.744.000
4.826.300
4.724.400
4.855.900
5.600.200
5.730.900
6.027.700
6.765.600
7.666.300
7.492.700
7.504.300
7.449.300
7.445.300
7.326.400

101,73
97,88
102,78
115,32

102,33
105,17
102,53
100,23
97,73
100,15
99,26
99,94
98,40

1.896
1.941
2.153
2.120
2.080
2.783
3.189
3.690
4.240
4.290
4.590
4.630
4.860
4.890

102,37
110,92
98,46
98,11
133,79

114,58
103,47
103,28
101,17
106,99
100,87
104,96
100,61

8.997.400
9.369.900
10.173.300
10.293.600
11.647.400
15.874.800
19.225.104
24.963.700
32.529.500
32.108.400
34.447.200
34.518.600
36.148.900
35.790.800

104,14
108,57
101,18
113,15
136,29
121,10

106,10
103,61
98,70
107,28
100,20
104,72
99,00

* Source from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Average yields have increased 2.2% per year from 1961 – 1990 (1.896 to 3.189
tons/ha). This increase is attributed to the Green Revolution impact of rice breeding.
From 1990 - 2005 total yield increased 2.3% per year (3.69 to 4.89 tons/ha) Most of
this increase can be attributed to application of hybrid rice in the North (RRD) and high
yielding varieties in the South (MKD). In addition improved rice cultivation and
improved seeding techniques, and application of “3 increases 3 deceases”, (ICM, IPM
and GAP).
Over the last 30 years, total production of rice in Vietnam has increased about
6.6%/year – the first rank in the world. Vietnam now is the second/third largest rice
exporting nation.
Value and Markets
Export Markets


Six countries (Thailand (30%), Vietnam (14%), America (14%), India (12%), China
(9%) occupied 86% of the world rice export market (FAOSTAT, 2004).



World production of rice has increased increase from 144 million tons (1975) to 606
million tons (2005) (FAOSTAT, 2004)



FAO predicts that demand will increase to 800 million tons by 2030 – an annual
increase of 1% per year.



Since 1975 the world price has declined from 750USD/ton (1975) to 240 USD/ton
(2005). Relatively small increases in annual production can severely disrupt price.



The quality of exports varies: Egypt, EU, America, Australia, China, India,
Argentina, Uruguay (India and Pakistan export Basmati variety) export rice with
high quality. India, Thailand, Vietnam export rice with medium quality and India,
Pakistan, Thailand, China, Vietnam export rice with low quality.



Some major exporting countries (Thailand, China and Vietnam are diversifying from
rice into other crops while other producers (Cambodia) have increased area and yield
as national goals.

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets


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Table 3. Rice Exports from Vietnam (1989- 2005)

Year
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

Export quantity
(tons)
1.420.000
1.624.000
1.033.000
1.945.800
1.722.000
1.983.000
1.988.000
3.500.000
3.574.804

3.800.000
4.550.000
3.476.000
3.730.000
3.480.000
3.813.000
4.059.740
5.250.270

Price
(USD/tons)
204
248
283
239
209
230
289
303
256
288
228
177
154
180
189
233
268

Value

(1000 USD)
290.000
304.637
234.482
417.742
310.000
359.600
391.900
750.000
870.892
1.023.997
1.037.400
600.000
545.000
560.000
727.000
950.390
1.407.230

Worldwide imported
rice (tons)
19.700.000
18.800.000
27.200.000
24.900.000
22.300.000
21.500.000
23.800.000
24.900.000
27.230.000

Source: FAOSTAT, 2000; Tran Van Dat, 2004 and Trading Ministry of Vietnam

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets


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Table 4. Export Markets
Destination
Market

Total
Nth. America
United States
Europe
EU25
EU15
Eastern Europe
Asia
ASEAN
Middle East
Japan
China
Hong Kong
Australia
+ Oceania
Other countries

2002

Quantity
Value
(1.000t0n)
(million
USD)
3.135,20
560.000
301,1
137,00
137,00
2.078,10
1.185,60
886,30
4,70
1,50

2004
Quantity
(1.000ton)

2005

100,0

4.059,74
1,12
0,89
324,41
46,29
13,48

141,17
1.914,42
1.401,22
351,02
75,36
82,62
2,20
4,48

Value
(million
USD)
950,39
0,32
0,24
70,75
9,97
3,70
32,50
456,83
313,25
102,02
16,06
19,21
0,67
0,95

Quantity
(1.000ton)
5.250,27

87,38
10,14
9,34
69,60
2.484,08
2.224,95
12,03
196,83
48,28
1,13
3,20

Value
(million
USD)
1.407.23
23,24
3,33
3,07
18,01
686.03
616,89
3,12
53,42
11,97
0,29
0,84

519,00

1.815,31

421,54

2.675,61

697.12



Rice exports form Viet Nam commenced in 1998 and have increased annually. The
value of the rice crop in 2005 was approximately 40% of total agriculture GDP.



Export volumes are 3.6 times higher in 2005 compared to 1989, and rice exports
have increased 21.1%/year on average.



Main exports are to Asia (40-60% of annual exporting volume). Europe, Africa,
Middle East and Japan are also markets of Vietnam but are unlikely to increase in the
foreseeable future.

Domestic markets:


Viet Nam has a population of 80 million and rice as the main food in the diet. As
living conditions improve the demand is for better quality rice.



The domestic market is estimated to be 22 million tons with a market value of US$5
billion.



A further 8 million tons of poor quality and split grain rice is used for animal feed
(Value approximately US$1 billion).



Almost all regions of Vietnam are self-sufficient in rice – the majority – 80-90% of
exports are from the Cuu Long River Delta.

Government Policies
Rice development is given high priority by the Government. It is not only for national
food security but for maintaining 4-5 ton milled rice to export. It is also very important
to farmers, especially in the MKD region, whose main income is based on rice
production. Four major rice programs are supported by government:

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets


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







Improved variety: Genetics improvement, breeding for very early and early maturity
for Mekong delta areas, Red river delta areas, central areas, and intensive cultivation
areas to meet the demand of importing markets, overcome floating and drought,
rotation with winter crops ( vegetables, potato, sweet potato, corn, water melon)
F1 Hybrid rice: A big government, it contributes to increasing the yield from Red
river delta areas, central areas, and central plateau to ensure national food security. In
the coming year Viet-Nam will produce its own F1 hybrid seed to ensure rice
production is based on domestic seed.
Aromatic rice: Strong attention to improvement genetics to release varieties (with
very early and early maturity but high yield and aromatic character and good
resistance/tolerance to disease and insect pets) to meet demand from rice markets as
well as increase national income from exporting rice .
Locally uniform variety: Purification of Special rice varieties from local varieties
such as Lua -Tam, Tam -Xoan, Nang-Thom, Nang-Thom -Cho-Dao.from to improve
value in exporting markets.

Comparative Advantage


Viet-Nam is a member of AFTA and as a member of WTO at the end of this year,
the level of taxes and protection for export crops, including rice will be reduced.



The rice world market is expected to increase with increasing population and demand
for affordable food.



Viet-Nam has well defined markets, in developing countries, where living standards
are still low. Rice from Viet-Nam imports is not so expensive and Viet-Nam has a
comparative advantage in these markets.



At present Vietnamese breeders have been released some of high quality with aroma
varieties those are testing in lager scale. These varieties would be grown as national
varieties on larger areas in the near future years.

3

Industry Analysis

3.1

Structure

Households and Size of Holdings


In the MKD the area of rice per farmer household is rather large, may be several
hectare for each household.



In other regions, especial in the RD regions, rice area of a household is very
moderate, of some hundreds and thousands m².



On some river banks rice planting area of a farmer household is not so large - usually
less than a hectare for each household.



In river delta regions, especial in the MKD and RRD regions, rice planting area is
reduced; rice is replaced by crops that are more profitable such as vegetables, fruit
trees, and flowers.

3.2


Supporting Infrastructure
At present irrigation systems for rice production are almost completed in RRD to
MKD.

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets


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

Seed production Plant protection centres are sufficient and good enough to control
disease and insect pest.



Agricultural extension bureau belong to MARD and extension centres from
provinces are strongly supporting in rice production, too.



There are 270,000 rice millers in Mekong Delta with total capacity of 21,000 tons
paddy batch (equal to 11 million rice/year), more than 300 machines for polishing
rice, and some rice grading machines are produced in Vietnam

3.3

Future Trends and Key Market Issues.
Market for rice is rather convenient to export and there is high domestic
consumption demand.
Rice areas will decrease year to year due to developing industry and diversification
into more profitable crops. The challenge is how to produce sufficient amount for
market meanwhile.
In 1989 Viet-Nam exported rice (1,420,000 tons). Since 2000 Viet-Nam has become
the second largest rice exporter
Value of exports was billion USD meanwhile to meet domestic demand.
Target for 2010 is to maintain 35 million ton of paddy rice with better quality and
aromatic although rice areas would be decrease yearly also.








4

R&D Information

4.1

Main Research Areas



Genetic improvement in yield and quality including development of hybrid varieties,
and selection for very early and early maturity, Uniform varieties, aromatic varieties



Introduction and evaluation of new F1 hybrid varieties



Development of production packages incorporating agronomic practices, pest and
disease management and commercial production systems



Improvement harvesting and post harvest processing



The 1978-2000 national science and technology program for food crops (major crop
rice) had a focus on germplasm collection, breeding and selecting new varieties for

intensive areas and disadvantage areas.



The 2001 – 2005 varieties program for crops, animal and forest is focused on
breeding and selecting rice varieties for intensive farming areas as well as disadvantaged areas, breeding and selecting hybrid rice, super rice variety, special rice
variety, high quality rice for exportation.



Main research disciplines/fields include: - Bio technology, breeding, regional
planning/projecting, farming/crop systems, soil science, plant protection, post harvest
technology.

4.2

Major Research Providers

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development



Viet-Nam Agricultural Science Institute (VASI) (now Vietnam Academy of
Agricultural Sciences – VAAS)
Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam (IAS)

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




Agricultural Genetics Institute,
National Centre of Variety Evaluation and Seed Certification (NCVESC),
Cuu Long Rice Research Institute,
Food Crop Research Institute

Universities






Hanoi Agricultural University,
Thai -Nguyen Agro-Forestry University,
Ho- Chi - Minh Agricultural University,
Hue Agricultural University
Can -Tho University

Others


Vietnam Atomic Energy Commission (Mutation rice breeding).



IAEA (mutation rice breeding)



International cooperation on R & D of the rice crops is very active in training,
scientific information exchange and particularly in germplasm for breeding as well as
solutions F1 hybrid seed production in Viet-Nam.



International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)



Provincial seed companies with trained technicians



Hundreds senior scientists and thousands researchers with different research fields
such as bio-technology, plant breeding, farming systems, regional project, variety
pattern, soil research, fertilizer, irrigation, plant protection, agriculture, engineering
and post harvest technology and protection of Vietnamese as well as foreign
Intellectual Property especially in rice hybrid seed.



Total researchers working in rice crops are thousands people many of them are
trained from developed countries (RUSIA, USA, UK, JAPAN, HOLAN, CHINA,
INDIA.....)



Crop seed Companies, Agri. Science and Tech. service Companies of Vietnam and
from out side which are investing in Vietnam just after Viet-Nam became a member
of WTO.



Foreigner companies have invested for seed production in Vietnam, it needs to
encourage in introduce new varieties and new materials into Vietnam for research
collaboration.

4.3


Funding
Mainly from the Government and partly from international cooperation projects.
Budget for rice research and development are always much considered, many billion
VND yearly. This amount would be increased in the next years also.



4.4

Major Achievements to Date



Selecting and maintaining germplasm for local special varieties



Breeding and selecting high quality rice varieties for exportation including:

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets


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o Breeding and selecting high quality new varieties
o Identification of high quality varieties for export including OM1490,
OM2717, OM2718, OMCS2000, OM3536, VND95-20, IR64.
o Organizing seed production (from pre-basic to certified seed to supply
seed to growers in rice growing areas for exporting (1 million ha in
Mekong Delta and 300,000 ha in the North).


Breeding and selecting rice varieties for adverse soil conditions.



Hybrid rice research including:
o Creation and selection of parents of two and three lines of hybrid rice
varieties,
o Creating new domestic crosses
o Import the crosses with high yield and high quality from other countries
o Improving techniques in Research and implement of male sterility lines
(multiplication male sterility lines and produce F1 hybrid seed in VietNam)
o Agronomic research and definition of most suitable areas for commercial
hybrid rice production.



Research on integrated intensive techniques to increase rice yield for different agroecological zones.



Research on IPM, ICM and GAP in rice production to ensure security and safety of
food.

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5.



























SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Large area for rice production (ranked the
6th in the world
18 years of rice exporting experience
Ability to multi-crop and grow year round
– particularly in the South.
Area of rice with 3 crops/year grown from
30,000 ha in 1977 to 239,000ha in 1995
4000 years of traditional rice growing
experience
Diversified genetic resource with varieties
adapted to different agro-ecological
zones, tolerance to pests and diseases
Large domestic markets for 80 million
people and well established in export
markets

Strong support from government to
maintain high production levels and
improve quality
Very large research resource both in terms
of expertise and research infrastructure
and a relatively high proportion of the
research budget
Proven track record in rice research in
Vietnam
and
good
international
recognition of research and development
skills
By-products provide valuable resources
for the rapidly developing livestock
industries

Opportunities:
Domestic markets are likely to increase
with population growth and quality
demands likely to increase as standards of
living rise
Further significant improvement of
quality and diversity of rice production
and products will improve export returns
WTO membership may reduce trade
barriers but will also increase requirement
for export standards
Improvements in dryer capacity and postharvest

and
storage
management
including quality standards likely to
improve export returns
Development of intensive rice production,
with high yielding, high quality varieties

























Weaknesses
Competition for rice growing land –
especially in the Red River and Mekong
Delta from industry and urban development
and throughout Vietnam from urban
expansion
Rice producers diversifying into more
profitable crops and production systems
Rice growing fields are small and scattered
making it difficult to organize production for
seed and export purposes
Relatively poor land-use planning including
development of appropriate infrastructure
(irrigation, fields etc)
Facilities for drying, storage, milling, and
packaging lack cost effectiveness and
require improvement
Low profitability for farmers due to quality
of rice, poor market research, need to further
develop trademarks/brands compared with
other major exporting countries
Low and variable export prices
Scattered
research
facilities
with
uncoordinated and poorly focused research
strategy and implementation plans

With a large investment in research in the
past many of the potential gains from
research have already been achieved and
further gains are likely to be more difficult.
Profit form growing rice is comparatively
low and rice farmers find it difficult to
afford adoption of new technology
Threats:
The changing global weather due to climate
change, environmental pollution, and salt
penetration may impact on ability to
maintain high level of total rice produced.
Industrial development on traditional rice
growing lands and pollution from rural
based industries
Demands for water resources and high
quality water for human consumption may
impose limits on expansion of rice growing
areas and availability of water for rice
production.

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ARDO 2:

Upland Crops

1.

ARDO DEFINITION

1.1.

National Goal:

To improve yield and quality and reduce cost of production. To contribute to meeting
livestock feed requirements and the development of processing technologies to diversify
the processed product base.
1.2.

Research scope:

Research into genetic improvement, development of agronomic techniques (GAP, ICM
IPM), improving quality standards and food safety and further developing harvest and
post-harvest processing, storage and preservation and conservation techniques.
1.3.

Coverage: Maize, sweet potatoes, cassava and potatoes

2.

INDUSTRY STATISTICS

2.1

Introduction

In Vietnam, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava and potatoes are the upland food crops
which ranked as secondary after rice. However, the role of these crops has been
changed in recent years with a rather high rate of substitution from food crops
(including upland crops) to industrial ones. The upland food crops are considered as
additional cash crops for small households in many regions, particularly in mountainous
areas (maize and cassava), sandy coastal areas (sweet potatoes). Recently specialized
commercial production of some crops such as the “corn belt” in Son La, Dak Lak and
Dong Nai provinces and cassava in the South East region, central plateau and Northern
mountainous mid land areas has occurred. In other regions, upland crops are mainly for
home consumption. Areas for the upland food crops are mainly under unfavourable
natural and social conditions, difficult communications and limited storage facilities.
With the exception in some large commercial upland crop areas, cultivars and other
materials are supplied by agro–services. Demand of the upland crop products has
increased rapidly and is likely to continue in the future as animal feed demands rise, for
increased processing and for human consumption.

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2.2.

Industry Characteristics and Prospects

Growing Areas and Yields
Crops

Criteria

1995

2000

2001

2002

2003

Acreage (1000 ha)
556.8 730.2 729.5 816.0 912.7
Yield (qtl/ha)
21.1
27.5
29.6
30.8
34.4
Maize
Production (1000
1,177.2 2,005.9 2,161.7 2,511.2 3,136.3
tons)
Acreage (1000 ha)
304.6 254.3 244.6 237.7 219.6
Sweet
Yield(qtl/ha)
55.3
63.4
67.6
71.7

72.4
potatoes Production (1000
1,685.8 1,611.3 1,653.5 1,703.7 1,576.6
tons)
Acreage (1000 ha)
277.4 237.6 292.3 337.0 371.9
Yield (qtl/ha)
79.7
83.6 120.0 131.7
14.7
Cassava
Production (1000
2,211.5 1,986.3 3,509.2 4,438.0 5,308.9
tons)
Acreage (1000 ha)
27.74
28.0
33.3 34.97 33.89
Yield (qtl/ha)
89.3 115.7 119.4 120.4 106.9
Potatoes
Production (1000
247.7 324.1 397.7 421.0 362.37
tons)
Source: - FAOSTAT and General Statistics Office

2004

2005

2010

991.1 1,043.3 1,200.0
34.6
36.0 45.00
3,430.9 3,756.3 5,400.0
201.8
74.9

188.4
77.5

160.0
85.0

1,512.3 1,460.5 1,360.0
388.6
149.8

423.8
156.8

380.0
200.0

5,820.7 6,646.0 7,600.0
33.96
107.5

35,00

105.7

50,0
140.0

365.0

370.0

700.0

Production


Maize: Over the last 5 years the area has increased from 730,200 to 1,043,300 ha
(1.5 times), yield from 2.75 to 3.6 t/ha (1.3 times), and total Production from 2.0 to
3.76 million MT (1.8 times). Hybrid corn now accounts for about 90% of the area.
Vegetable corn (glutinous, sweet, baby corn for human consumption) occupies about
10% of the maize area. Vietnamese weather, climate and soil conditions are
considered to be favourable for growing vegetable corn (glutinous, sweet, baby corn)
for human consumption.



Sweet Potato: Over the last 10 years, acreage of sweet potatoes has fallen sharply
(304,600 ha to 188,508 ha in 2005). Yields have inreased significantly (5.53 t/ha to
7.75 t/ha). Overall production has fallen slightly (1,685,800 to 1,460,500 MT)



Cassava: In 2005, total of fresh root cassava production was 6,646,000 MT (three
times that of 2000). This is resulted from: expanded acreage (277,400 - 423,800 ha
with an average annual growth of 11,7%); sharply increased yield (79.7 – 156.8 t/ha
- 14,7% growth rate per annum).



Potato: Area has been static over recent years at about 35,000 hectares. 60% of
potato acreage is in the Red river delta in an efficient crop rotation of Spring rice Summer rice - Winter potatoes. In the South, only Da Lat and Lam Dong provinces
have grown annually 1,000 hectare of potatoes. Yield is relatively low 11-12 t/ha

Value and Markets


Maize: Vietnam is a net importer of maize. Net value of imports is US$10 30m/year. About 75% of the total maize production is for animal feed. The demand
of feed for animal husbandry in 2010 is anticipated to be 11 – 12 million MT, which
equals to 5 – 5.5 million MT of maize grain with an approximate value approximate
of USD 700-800 million

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

Sweet Potato: used for domestic market, mainly for feed animals in farmer
households. Some products from sweet potato as chip, jam, and starch powder are
processed by simple techniques. In recent years, some vegetable sweet potato
varieties have been released into production to meet the demand of urban regions.

Some sweet potato varieties origin from Japan planted in the Central Highland and
Cuu Long River Delta was exported and gained high benefit.



Cassava: About 70% cassava starch was exported. Wholesale value of exports to
China is over USD 10 million annually. Annual, Vietnam export cassava chip about
USD 14 million.



Potato: used as food for human as a fresh root and for chip production. Vietnam
imports 60% of its total processing potato from China.

Comparative Advantage


Maize: China is planning to import 10 million MT of maize by the year 2010 and 40
million MT by 2020. With the high price of fuel for transportation the import price
of maize is about the same as the cost of domestic production.



Sweet Potato: Some countries such as China and Japan have bred varieties that have
yields of 45-60 tons/ha with a high dry matter content (over 30% of fresh weight),
polished root skin and nice shape. This is 6-7 times the yields obtained in Vietnam.



Cassava: In recent years, cassava’s yield has increased from 8.36 T/ha in 2000 to

15.68 T/ha in 2005. This is higher than the average yield of the world (10.7 T/ha),
ranking the 4th in Asia after India (26.2 T/ha), Thailand (17.55 T/ha) and China
(16.2 T/ha). Vietnam has some comparative advantage in this crop.



Potato: Potato yield in Vietnam is around 11-12 T/ha, which equals to 60% of the
world average of 16-17 T/ha.

Government Policies: Cereal development is an orientation given priority by the
Government. It is not only for hunger alleviation, poverty alleviation, but also for
human food security for the remote regions.


Maize: Maize development is not only to meet the demand of feed for animals but
also to meet the demand of market of vegetable corn and in crop rotations to improve
production and returns per hectare in plain regions.



Sweet Potato: Sweet Potato can take advantage of the ecological conditions of some
regions. It is used for feed for animals and to diversify food for human consumption.
. Emphasis is on varieties with high yield and best quality root and varieties with
high yield and best quality leaves.



Cassava: Cassava development based in comparative advantage of ecological
conditions and market, but environmental protection is also an issue for this crop.



Potato: Government encourages developing potato as domestic and international
markets are large. Potato production in the North in winter and winter-spring crops
has given high benefits to farmers.

3.

Industry Analysis

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3.1.

Structure

Households and Size of Holdings


Maize: In Northern-east, Southern-east regions, maize area of a farmer household is
rather large, may be several hectare for each household. In other regions, especial in
the river delta regions, maize area of a household is very moderate, of some hundreds
and thousands m². On some river banks maize planting area of a farmer household is
larger but usually less than a hectare for each household. In river delta regions,
especial in the near urban of the Red River Delta region, maize planting area is
reduced, field corn is replaced by vegetable corn – for human consumption. With
adequate irrigation, some maize areas may convert to planting another crop that gives

higher benefits. However in some rice growing areas without irrigation rice
production is being replaced by planting maize. Farmers are encouraged to plant
fallow land after the autumn rice crop in Northern mountain region with maize.



Sweet Potato: Sweet potato areas per household are small. Without better varieties
the area will be reduced. In recent years, in Central Highland and Cuu Long River
Delta, Japan sweet potato varieties are planted and provide high benefits. With
stable markets, these varieties area will be increased. Sweet potato varieties with
good leaf production has a high benefit but its scale is small, only several hundred
metric square per household.



Cassava: Nowadays, cassava is not considered as a food crop but it is still the main
income source for small households at many localities, especially in the mountainous
areas of Vietnam. Cassava is mainly used for processing starch for exportation with
some used for animal feeds. Cassava area for each household in Central Highland
and Central Coastal regions are rather large, from several thousands metric square up
to several hectares. It is also used in some areas for animal feed.



Potato: Contributes to shifting cropping systems for the Northern provinces,
especially for the Red river delta and Northern midland regions.

3.2

Supporting Infrastructure



Maize: Small scale processing is established with products such as starch, alcohol,
oil, milk, and cakes now available in the Vietnamese market. In the near future, it is
anticipate that the demand for these kinds of products will grow significantly.
According to MARD, there are now 249 animal feed processing mills with total
capacity of 8 million ton per year. 23 large joint venture companies process just over
70% of all animal feedstuffs. Small feed processing companies find it difficult to
compete with these large companies. By 2010, the total capacity will be increased
up to 11-12 million tons. In 2005, it produced 5.5 million tons of feed for animals.
Most of animal feed processing factories are located far from maize growing zones.



Sweet Potato: used mainly as fresh consumption. There are some sweet potato
processing mills but their scale is small.



Cassava: Ten years ago there were no medium or large scale cassava starch
factories in Vietnam. There are now 44 cassava starch factories operational and 9
more under construction. Total capacity of 2.4-3.8 million MT of root per year.
Total annual cassava starch processed in Vietnam is 0.8-1.2 million MT, of which

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70% was exported and 30% for domestic consumption. There is likely to be some
over capacity deeveloped as new factories come on line. Intensive cassava
production for processing needs to be on hills with a slope of <150, at soil depth >30
cm, and at a distance <100 km from processing factories.


Potato: used as fresh consumption. Its processing is simple.



3.3. Markets



Maize: There is no export market apart from re-exports. About 75% of maize
produced is for livestock feed. With increasing livestock numbers, the demand for
maize is likely to significantly exceed the capacity of Vietnam to supply. Demand
for sweet, glutinous and baby corn is increasing rapidly. Presently, over 10% of the
maize acreage is planted with this kind of maize. The major market is for animal feed
and large amounts are delivered to feed processing factories by private traders with
unreliable marketing contracts. Sometimes maize grain in Son La province, Central
highland and South East regions is exported to China and some other countries.



Sweet Potato: used mainly as fresh consumption and feed for animals in farmer
household. In recent years, products of Japan sweet potato varieties are sold in
domestic and overseas with high price.



Cassava: Vietnam is the second largest exporter of cacssava products after Thailand.
5.9 m MT of cassava products including cassaca slices, tablets and starch were
produced in 2003 . Thailand and Vietnam are the two leading exporters with a total
annual production of 5.6 and 0.2 million MT, respectively. Major markets of
Vietnam cassava are China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and
some other countries in Easten Europe.



Potato: Up to now, potato is used in domestic market as fresh root and chip
processing. Vietnam imports large volumes of potato from China for processing.
The market for potato in the Asian region is still large and growing and with
increased production Vietnam could export potato to regional countries as Japan,
Korea, Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore.

3.4.

Future Trends and Key Market Issues



Maize: Prior to 1996 Vietnam exported maize. (250,000 MT in 1996). Since 1997,
Vietnam has become a maize importer (50,000 MT in 2001 to over 300,000 MT in
2002). Value of imports was US$ 51.6 million (2003), US$ 17 million (2004).
Small amounts of maize have been re-exported but Vietnam has continued to be a net
importer of maize. (Vietnam General Customs Department, 2005). Maize is now
mainly used for animal feeds with a continuously increasing demand. Target for
2010 is to expand area to 1.2 million hectares with aerage yield of 4.5-5.0 tons per ha
and a total production of 5.5 – 6.0 million MT. Also to expand the area of vegetable

maize (mainly hybrids), that has high quality and yield



Sweet Potato: Recently, acquired renewed attention due to its mutli-end uses such as
fresh vegetables and production of pharmaceuticals. Target for 2020 is an area of
160,000 hectares and to increase average yield to about 8.5 tons per ha.



Cassava: Intensive monoculture production systems has caused some problems,

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including expansion into areas of other crops such as sugar cane, tea, fruit crops and
deforestation, reduction of yield and soil degradation on the hills and environmental
polution from cacssava processing factories. It is illegal to expand cassava into
forest areas. Target for 2010 is to maintain area of 380,000 hectares with an
increased yield of 20 tons per ha and a total production of about 7,600,000 MT.


Potato: It is estimated that 200,000 ha are suitable for production. To date this has
not been achieved due to a low number of cultivars with high yields, quality and
tolerance to pests and disease, imported commercial potatoes from China being used
for seed potatoes in Vietnam; the application of traditionally cultural techniques and
poor post harvest and processing technologies. The 2010 National goal is to increase
area to 50,000 hectares and total yield to 700,000 MT (14t/ha).

4.

R&D Information

4.1.

Main Research Areas



Genetic improvement in yield and quality including development of hybrid varieties
and selection for early maturity



Introduction and evaluation of new varieties



Development of production packages incorporating agronomic practices, pest and
disease management and commercial production systems



Limited work on processing including development of novelty foods (chips, candies
etc)

4.2.

Major Research Providers

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development


National Maize Research Institute (NMRI) which is located in Dan Phuong district,
Ha Tay province.



Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam (IAS) (maize, cassava, potato)



Agricultural Genetics Institute, (maize)



National Centre of Variety Evaluation and Seed Certification (NCVESC), (maize)



Cuu Long Rice Research Institute, (maize)



Food Crop Research Institute (sweet potato, potato)



Research Centre for Root Crops of Vietnam Agricultural Science Institute (VASI)
(now Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences – VAAS) (Sweet potato, cassava,
potato)

Universities


Hanoi Agricultural University,



Thai Nguyen Agro-Forestry University,



Ho Chi Minh Agricultural University,



Hue Agricultural University

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Others


International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and FAO etc.



CIP, CIAT (sweet potato, cassava)

4.3.

Funding



Mainly from the Government and partly from international cooperation projects.



1996-2000: MARD’s fund for upland crop project held by NMRI was VND 1,032
million, (approximately USD 70,000). Annual fund was about USD 14,000



2001-2005: MARD’s fund for maize crop project held by NMRI was VND 13 billion
(approximately USD 830,000). Other sources of fund for maize from international
cooperation projects was USD 37,800.



Funding for root crops was smaller

4.4.


Major Achievements to Date

Maize: During period 2000-2005 the main achievements have been:
Field corn: Area from 730,200 to 1,043,300 ha (1.5 times). Yield from 2.75 to 3.6
t/ha (1.3 times). Total Production from 2.0 to 3.76 million MT (1.8 times).
Proportion of maize grain in total food production from 5.7% to 9%.
Percentage of hybrid maize acreage increased from 0% in 1990 to about 60% in 2000
and approximately 90% in 2005. Vietnamese developed hybrids occupy about more
60% of the total maize area as they appear to be more adapted to Vietnamese
conditions. In spite of this Vietnam is not self-sufficient.
For vegetable corn: Imported hybrid varieties are supplemented by domestically
released hybrid varieties since 2000 now some promising waxy corn hybrids have
been demonstrated.
NMRI, IAS and NCVESC have released dozens of maize varieties (TSB1, TSB2,
MSB49, Q2, and HL31) and maize hybrids (LVN10, LVN4, LVN9, LVN99 etc).
Maize breeding has applied bio-technology in areas such as anther culture, ovule
culture, genetic diversity analysis, and the use of molecular markers.



Sweet Potato: Several newly released sweet potatoes varieties such as K51 and KL5
can yield 20-25 tons per ha with high quality. Imported varieties VD1 and VT1 can
have high vegetable yield with high quality. Some new cultivars such as K51, KL5,
and DT2 have been evaluated for yield and quality.



Cassava: Collaboration with CIAT in release and evaluation of and importing
varieties inlcuding promissing cassava cultivars such as KM60, KM94, KM95,

KM95-3, SM937-26, KM98-1, KM98-5, KM98-7, KM140 and HL124. Application
of intensive farming packages such as intercropping, rotation, application of farm
yard compost or microbilogical fertilizers, cultivation on the hill soil, and utilization
of mechanization in soil preparation and crop harvest.
In 2004-2005, about 270,000 hectares of Vietnam cassava were planted with new
varieties, equals to 60% of the total national acreage. Construction of cassava starch

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processing factories has enhanced the increased yield and total production of
cassava in many provinces.


Potato: Four new varieties (KT2, KT3, VC38-6, and P-3) and two hybrid varieties
(Hong Ha 2 and Hong Ha 7) released with P0-3 provisonally released. Atlantic
potato varieties promissing for the prosessing industry are under large scale
production testing. Technologies of potato conservation in cold storage, high health
seed potatoes are certified and advanced packages for production developed.
Research results show that within 90 days, one hectare of potatoes can yield harvest
15-30 MT.

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5.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths












Diversified climate and soil conditions
suitable for development of upland crops
Demand for water is less than for crops
such as rice, but there is a need to ensure
available moisture at critical times (e.g.
tuber development for root crops)
Use of crops (e.g. maize) in cropping
rotations assists in the management of pests
and diseases
Farmers very familiar with traditional
cropping systems over a range of cropping
seasons
Some processing facilities established
Good relevant research experience, but

relatively low level of investment in
research
Release of improved varieties adapted to
Vietnamese conditions

Weaknesses




















Low yields and quality compared with
other Asian producing nations
Declining areas and profitability of some
crops makes them less attractive to growers

Planting in marginal areas can lead to soil
degradation and adverse environmental
impacts
Most upland crops lack competitive
advantage with imports
Many crops require good cultivation and
agronomic practices to achieve high yields
and quality
Although grown for a long time the
understanding of correct agronomic
practice is relatively low
Vietnam is not self-sufficient in most
upland crops
Competition from other crops such as fruit
and vegetables for available land
Not many crop cultivars with high yield,
high quality and resistant to stress
conditions are available
Relatively high costs of production and
high risk to variable weather and poor soil
conditions and drainage
Potential for overcapacity in cassava
processing industry
Poorly developed domestic and export
markets and contracts for production and
marketing
Lack of diversity in processed product
range

Opportunities







Significant improvements of yield and
quality are obtainable
Post-harvest
handling,
storage
and
processing to add value
Development of a diverse range of
processed products for local markets
Development of self-sufficiency and
import substitution
Role in improvement of conservation
techniques for animal feeds (maize and

Threats


Entry into WTO may ease restrictions on
imports making imports more competitive
and possibly lead to further reductions in
areas
 Environmental impacts of increasing
planting areas may have flow on effects for
local communities

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








cassava)
Use of improved research strategies
including bio-technology should improve
yields, quality, resistance to pests and
diseases, improve competitiveness and
reduce costs of production
Extension of production season through
development of early and late maturing
varieties
Development of larger scale commercial
production packages.
Development of varieties to fit end use
needs including higher starch yields, and/or
different food quality attributes and
processing end uses

Development of high health propagation
and seed certification techniques

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ARDO 3: LEGUMES
1

ARDO DEFINITION

1.1
National goal: Cultivated area expansion, crop yield and quality improvement,
production cost reduction, and satisfaction of domestic consumption and export-related
demands and requirements.
1.2

Research Scope:

Research into the introduction, adaptation and genetic improvement, integrated crop
management (ICM), product preservation and processing, and market development of
food legumes
1.3

Coverage:

Groundnut, soybean, and mungbean
2.

Industry Analysis

2.1

Introduction

Legume development is an important part of agricultural production in Vietnam.
Favourable conditions associated with soil, weather and different ecological regions
have enabled the expansion of cultivated areas and the diversification of legume crop
varieties. This has helped improve legume crops productivity, yield and quality to
satisfy domestic consumption and export-related demands and requirements while
contributing to improving soil quality. Specifically, soybeans contribute 20-50kg N per
hectare while each hectare of groundnut-growing soil provides 10-12 tons of the green
manure.
Over the past years, along with rice, paddy and other farm produce exports, groundnut
and mungbean have contributed significantly to increased Vietnam’s agricultural
produce export revenue as well as to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
growth. Besides, the production of legume crops and other plants has generated a large
number of jobs and contributed greatly to the processing industry’s development and
agricultural modernization in Vietnam.
2.2.

Industry characteristics, current situation and prospects


Legume crops in Vietnam are divided into two major groups:
1) Grain legumes (groundnut, soybean, mungbean etc.) and
2) Vegetable legumes (cowpea, long bean etc.).



Among them, groundnut, soybean and mungbean are grown on a large area of tens
of thousands to hundreds of thousands ha.



Groundnut is mainly produced for export, soybean is developed for domestic
consumption (food for human and feed for animal), and mungbean is produced for
both domestic consumption and export purposes.



Mungbean-growing areas are scattered, and farmers mostly plant this crop on soil
that was used to grow rice seedlings, rice, or intercrop it with other plants.



Production of groundnut, soybean and mungbean has had specific advantages and

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disadvantages. However, the common points for three crops is the cultivation
area, yield and production in general tend to increase (shown in table 1).
Table 1: Cultivated area, yield and production of Groundnut and soybean (19852005)
Crop

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

Groundnut

Cultivated area (1,000ha)
Yield (kg/ha)
Production output (1,000 tons)

213.2
950
202.4

201.4
1060
213.1

259.9
1290
334.5

243.9
1450

352.9

265.6
1750
465.0

Soybean

Cultivated area (1,000ha)
Yield (kg/ha)
Production output (1,000 tons)
Cultivated area (1000ha)
Yield (kg/ha)
Production output (1,000 tons)

102.0
780
79.1
10
500
5

110.0
790
86.6

121.0
1040
123.5

122.3
1160
141.9
25
700
17.5

200.0
1350
270.0
32
900
28.8

Mungbean
Survey

Table 2: Cultivated area, production of Groundnut at ecological regions (2004)
Region
Whole country
Red River Delta
Northeastern region
Northwestern region
Northern Central region
South Central coastal region
Central Highlands
Southeastern
Mekong river Delta

Area (1000 ha)

246.7
30.6
31.5
7.3
74.3
24.1
25.4
43.3
10.2

Production(1000 ton)
469.0
75.7
56.9
9.6
138.8
38.7
17.3
97.8
34.2

Highest groundnut yield is at Nam Dinh province (3.7 ton/ha), while in Nghe and Thanh
Hoa provinces it is only 2.0 to 2.1 tons/ha.
Table 3: Main Soybean Growing Areas (2002)
Region
Whole country
Northern mountain area
Red river Delta
Cuu Long river Delta
Central highlands

Area (1000 ha)
145
53.0
40.0
23.0
14.0

Yield (kg/ha)
1340
1070
1660
2130
990

Production(1000 ton)
245.9
75.1
84.4
41.2
25.8

Highest soybean yield at Cuu Long river Delta (2.13 tons/ha), while Northern mountain
area province it is 1.07 tons/ha.
Ha Tay province is one of the biggest area, with total area 30,000 ha (in 2005), of which
winter soybean is 27,000 ha.

2.3

Importance of Legumes and Government policies and regulations

Groundnut has become an important raw material for the oil production industry, and
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soybean and mungbean are widely used in the foodstuff industry. Vietnam imports
hundreds of thousands tons of soybean to process feed for livestock. Apart from
helping improve soil quality, these crops have been contributing to agricultural
sustainable development and employment generation in Vietnam.
Exports: In 1995 115,100 tons of Groundnut was exported with approximate value of
USD 74.7 million. 20,000 tons of Mungbean are exported annually.
Table 3. Production and export profit of groundnut (1995 – 2004)
Year
1.000 tons
USD (mil)

1995
115.1
74.7

2000
76.1
49.4

2001
78.2
50.8

2002
106.1
68.9

2003
82.4
53.5

2004
44.9
29.1

Source: statistic department, 2006
Diet:


Groundnut, soybean and mungbean are important components of the daily diet



Per capita consumption of tofu is estimated to be 12 kg. Total consumption of tofu
is 984,000 tons.



National dietary requirement of soybean is 300,000 tons of grain. Total
production is 291,500 tons, of which 190,000 tons is used for feed animal. This
leaves a deficit of approximately 200,000 tons for human consumption.



If per capita consumption of groundnut is 10kg/year, the national requirement is
820,000 tons. Total production is about 300 thousands tons per year. At least 100
thousand tons is used for animal feeds.

Animal Feed:


Groundnut and soybean are important in reducing imports of animal feed. Vietnam
imports more than 1 million tons of material to process into animal feedstuffs. However
in 2005 Vietnam imported 1.7 million tons, including 225,700 tons of maize and 787,300
tons of dry oil including 105,000 tons soybean residues.

Competitive Advantage:


Compared with other countries, Vietnam has favorable soil and weather conditions and a
range of different ecological regions.



Millions of hectares of sloping land and mountain areas have the potential to grow 2 or 3
crops including during winter when other countries find it difficult. New soybean
varieties with very short duration (73 days) and high yields (2.3 tons/ha) competes well
with USA soybean varieties with durations from 150-180 days.



However livestock feed processing costs are 10 -20% higher than the average for the
Asian Region. For example, the cost of maize is 2,700 VND/kg, sativa is 2,350VND/kg;

soybean dry oil is 6,390 VND/kg (in 2004); 4,500 VND/kg (in 2005).

Profitability


On average, 1 hectare of groundnut with a yield of three tons provides income value of
VND18 millions and a profit of more than VND 10 million



1 hectare of soybean with a yield of two tons provides an average income of VND14
million and an average profit of VND 9 million

Crops Priority Workshop. Data & Information Sheets