ACES team promotes sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

Known as the "rice bowl" due to its lush and fertile growing areas, the Mekong Delta region in southwest Vietnam is a cornerstone of the country’s food security and economy. As part of a collaboration with The Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University, a team from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) helped organize and facilitate training for new extension workers and students on how to measure and reduce postharvest losses to maximize product in the rice value chain. 

“Using practical and locally relevant content, the training program raised awareness of the high levels of postharvest losses and in identifying and applying appropriate solutions. Ultimately by training 25 students and extension workers who will continue to train others, this program aims to enhance farmers’ income and promote more sustainable agricultural development in the Mekong Delta,” said Anna Snider, associate director of the ADM Institute for Prevention of Postharvest Loss, which is based in the College of ACES. 

The data and interviews collected as part of the experience showed that postharvest losses in this area are predominantly driven by external and operational factors, particularly weather conditions and harvesting practices. As the project report notes, 100%of the respondents reported losses due to unfavorable weather conditions and improper machine operations. Other highly reported causes included poorly maintained harvesters and harvesting too late resulting in overripe rice.    

“We also learned that the area’s postharvest losses in rice are much higher than farmers estimate. The trainees now know how to more accurately measure postharvest losses,” said Snider. 

Based on the training outcomes, the facilitators made specific recommendations to strengthen measurement and management systems, continue trainings, and identify specific areas for interventions. 

The project “Utilizing Youth Teams to Quantify and Reduce Postharvest Losses in Vietnam” is funded through a seed grant from the International Academic Partnership Program to strengthen ties between American and Vietnamese universities. Read the full project report here.