Japan, Vietnam develop new rice resistant to disease, bugs
Vietnamese and Japanese researchers have completed an international project to develop a new rice variety that is disease- and insect-resistant with a high-yield, short-growth duration.
Scientists visit a new rice variety field in Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. (Source: dangcongsan)
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnamese and Japanese researchers have completed an international project to develop a new rice variety that is disease- and insect-ꦯresistant with a high-yield, short-growth duration.
The rice variety was developed by using certain genes and the most advanced molecular bio-technology.
The project, called the "Development of Crop Genotypes for the Midlands and Mountain Areas of North Vietnam" was implemented from December 2010 to November this year.
Financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project was carried out by Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), Kyushu University and Nagoya University of Japan.
Dr. Pham Van Cuong, Vice President of VNUA, said: "Plant breeding in Vietnam has for years not been based on rigorous science. It has had a lack of scientific proof. But with the new technology transferred by Japan, we can make long-selling products with authentic proof based on science, and we can guarantee stable production and profit for producers."
The improved rice line has been well received because of its short-growth duration as it can help farmers avoid the flood season, minimise damages caused by annual typhoons and lead to more diverse cash crops during the winter crop season.
More than 50 promising rice lines, which have been genetically guaranteed to have good performances, have been developed.
The ecological adaptability of the selected lines was proven in Thai Nguyen and Lao Cai provinces. The rice varieties showed adaptability to not only the northern mountainous region but also to other environments in Vietnam.
The enthusiastic investment by the provincial government and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nghe An (DARD Nghe An) has led to sustainable production of such improved lines and provided a prototype for other provinces in the country for development from promising rice lines from VNUA.
The technology, which can be applied to other crops such as soybeans, sorghum and maize as well as vegetables, helps to improve the quality of agricultural products.-VNA
The country exported 181,000 tonnes of rice in the first half of May worth 79.87 million USD, lifting the shipment to date this year to 1.932 million tonnes worth 845.38 million USD, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).
Japan’s Seibu Nousan company held a working session with officials of the northern province of Ha Nam on November 3 to discuss a high-tech rice farming project in the locality.
VietNEST (Vietnamese Nurturing Education for Science & Traditions) is a mobile app and digital platform for Vietnamese language learning among overseas children.
The networks bring together universities, research institutes and domestic and foreign businesses. Members will work closely in training, research, and technology transfer by sharing curricula, improving faculty capacity, providing access to laboratories and research facilities, and jointly implementing science and technology projects.
The Better Choice Awards (BCA) 2025 is a key highlight in the lead-up to Vietnam Innovation Day that falls on October 1, an annual event expected to attract hundreds of innovative enterprises, research institutions, investment funds, and startups from both Vietnam and abroad.
The new line serves as a critical backup route, strategically complementing existing submarine cables and enhancing the resilience, proactivity, and security of Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Vietnam is actively yet cautiously preparing for the construction of its first nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan (now the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa). The resumption of the programme after years of suspension carries considerable significance for the nation’s development in a new era as it strives to gradually reduce and ultimately phase out coal-fired power to realise the Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
The government leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the design, manufacturing, and test of necessary semiconductor chips by no later than 2027.
With the launching of its two-tier local administration model, the city is incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to enhance service delivery for citizens and businesses, aligning with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Vietnam has issued many key policies to support semiconductor development, notably the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Other initiatives include the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Human Resources Development Programme for the Semiconductor Industry.
Vietnam is no longer just an emerging blockchain market, it is stepping into a leadership role, with global investors, developers, and experts recognising its growing potential to become a leading hub for digital assets in the region.
Taking place on August 1–2, the event features more than 20,000 attendees and over 200 speakers from Vietnam, the h Korea, Singapore, the UAE, Hong Kong (China) and the US.
Dung directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to revise the national startup scheme, ensuring it clearly defines the scope and content, grounded on strong political and legal foundations, international best practices, and well-reasoned arguments for submission to the Government.
The two-day academic forum, themed “Resilience, Sustainability & Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia”, aims to share interdisciplinary research insights, focusing on adaptive capacity, sustainable development, and digital transformation amid evolving global and regional landscapes.
With such a rapid economic growth, Vietnam must diversify energy sources and nuclear power is a rational choice to ensure the national energy security, said Associate Professor Kei Koga from the Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that Vietnam has a clear strategy and ambition in this field, and is rapidly emerging as a central hub and key link in the regional and global semiconductor value chains.
According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Asia-Pacific Data Centre Investment Landscape report, Vietnam now ranks second in the region for data centre investment returns, with a yield on cost (YoC) of 17.5–18.8%, just behind Singapore’s 21–23%.
Vietnam is taking drastic yet cautious steps in building a culture of nuclear safety and security, with the aim of having its first nuclear power plant operational by the end of 2030 and using this specific energy source effectively and sustainably.
Vietnam’s 5G strategy has been clearly outlined in national digital technology and infrastructure policies. A wide range of solutions is being vigorously implemented to achieve the target of an average internet speed of 100 Mbps by 2025 and full nationwide 5G coverage by 2030.
The visit aimed to assess the new two-tier local government model, preparations for upcoming Party congresses at levels, and implementation of the Politburo’s Conclusion on school construction in border areas.
Under the theme “Breakthrough Era with the Development of Industrial Internet”, the event gathered over 400 delegates, including senior officials, leading Internet experts, and technology engineers from Vietnam and abroad.
Scientists visit a new rice variety field in Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. (Source: dangcongsan)
