Hybrid rice dissemination in Vietnam

Hybrids intended for commercial cultivation were first introduced from China to the northern provinces of Vietnam in 1992. Several of the hybrids were found adapted and were soon used commercially. Since then, several locally developed rice hybrids have also been released and grown. In 2004, the area planted to hybrid rice reached 600,00ha, increasing production by an estimated 800,000-900,000t. Statistics show that hybrid rice yielded about 1.5 t ha-1 higher than conventional varieties. Seed production sites have been identified where average seed yield reached 2.5-3.2t ha-1. Because of countries proximity to China, the ease of transport, and the lack of tariff for hybrid seed, nearly 80% of hybrid seeds are imported. Only the remaining 20% are locally produced. There is ample competition in the hybrid seed market. The national program, mainly through the Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center, is engage in breeding and has identified new high-yielding hybrids with good quality and resistance to diseases. Successful hybrid rice dissemination could be largely attributed to the priority and substantial investment by the government on promotion of hybrid rice. In Addition, the government has promulgated policies favorable to further the development of hybrid rice in Vietnam. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is closely managing the hybrid programs, which is being implemented through several collaborating agencies. Crucial are the institutional linkages. Found effective in the program implementation are demonstration trails, training, and giving assistance to farmers through the provincial, district, and communal extension network. Research in Vietnam is closely linked to what is demanded by farmers in actual production and to what is needed by the seed industry. Domestic and foreign-owned seed business units are important partners in transferring improve seed production technology to farmers. Major government policy and financial support to hybrid rice dissemination were made in the following areas, 1) establishment of a center for hybrid rice research and development, 2) launching a national seed program, and 3) strengthening the hybrid rice extension program. Other policies favorable to wider adoption of hybrid rice included no levy on imported seeds, seed subsidies for ethnic minorities, and supporting investment in irrigation and drying facilities. Collaboration with China, India, IRRI, and FAO made significant contributions to the access of hybrid rice. There is a good prospect of increasing the area planted to hybrid rice to 800,000 or 1,000,000 ha and producing locally 50-60% of the seed by year 2010. The national program will continue to conduct research to identify new improve hybrids and develop the local seed industry.