In April 2023, a sustainable cassava project was initiated in four provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Covering an area of 78.6 hectares, the project has shown remarkable results over the past 12 months, with cassava yields nearly doubling to 40 tons per hectare, significantly boosting farmers’ incomes.
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Son, a farmer from Binh Phuoc province and one of the 18 households participating in the project, enthusiastically shared his experience: “Since joining the project, the yield of my cassava crop has nearly doubled from 21 to 40 tons per hectare, and the starch content has increased. As a result, my family’s income has improved significantly, providing stability and covering our living expenses. This gives me peace of mind to continue farming with confidence.”
Ajinomoto Vietnam, the project implementer, has accompanied farmers throughout the crop season. They introduced the new HN1 variety, which is resistant to cassava mosaic disease, and provided guidance on land preparation, planting techniques, and the use of AmiAmi-α biological fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer. This not only improved cassava growth but also reduced production costs. By promoting the use of biological fertilizer AMI-AMIα, the project also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions into the environment.
Additionally, the project developed a smartphone application called “Khoai Mi – Aji” to help farmers monitor the cultivation process and quickly identify and address any issues affecting their cassava crops.
According to Mr. Son, the project has brought joy and excitement to cassava farmers as they have witnessed a significant increase in yields. Seeing the rewarding results of their hard work and the stable income it provides, the farmers hope that the sustainable cassava project will continue to grow and reach more farming households across the country.
Mr. Le Huy Anh, from the Agricultural Development Department of Ajinomoto Vietnam, shared the company’s future plans: “In the coming time, Ajinomoto Vietnam will continue to collaborate with agricultural agencies and scientists in Vietnam to replicate this model and support more farmers in various provinces nationwide.”
By 2030, Ajinomoto Vietnam aims to expand the sustainable cassava project to 20,000 hectares of cassava, improving the incomes of cassava farmers while reducing environmental impact and ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for production.
In addition to its contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, Ajinomoto Vietnam is also implementing valuable initiatives to improve the nutrition and health of Vietnamese people. These include the School Meal Project, the Maternal and Child Nutrition Program, and the Vietnam Nutrition Improvement Project (VINEP). Through these efforts, the company strives to fulfill its purpose of “Contributing to the health and happiness of people in Vietnam by providing high-quality products and valuable initiatives.”
