Mekong Delta Project, Vietnam
The Mekong Delta CBDC project completed the implementation of first phase (April 1995-March 1999). The project activities at community levels were continued in May 2000 (bridge period). The main activities of this period were Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) and Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) diversity management to retain and enhance the cooperation with communities.
The second phase of the Mekong Delta CBDC project started in June 2000. Activities of the project were focused on four T-lines, namely: 1) Participatory Plant Breeding / Participatory Varietal Selection ( PPB/PVS), 2) Seed Supply System ( SSS) 3) Gender, and 4) Policy. The PPB/PVS and SSS T-lines will work on rice and root crops. The accomplished and implemented activities of the first six months are presented in this report. Activities during the PeriodThe activities of the CBDC project in the Mekong Delta were mainly focused on the four T-lines. During the first six months of project implementation, activities were concentrated on:
Results/AccomplishmentsA. Project organization and managementProject staffs: The Mekong Delta CBDC Project recruited two new graduats from Cantho University in the field of agronomy. Currently, the total number of project staff is six (full time) and a permanent consultant. The project activities have extended to all provinces in the Mekong Delta, with 4 project staff assigned to fieldwork. Therefore, the project invited the assistance of another staff from IPGRI project in Tra Vinh site, to cooperate with CBDC project and share some activities in two provinces. Allotment of staff at communities The field staff linked with local technicians of the Provincial Agriculture Department in assisting farmers at community levels. Each staff is assigned to work in 2 to 3 provinces. In addition, the project coordinator assisted some activities together with field staff. Project management Management and monitoring are important to project implementation. The project organized a National workshop on 30 December 2000 with participation of representatives from Cantho University, Agricultural Organization in the Mekong Delta and farmers to discuss on project structure, management and evaluation. Project management was divided into three levels:
Linkage with local organizations The PPB/PVS activities are particularly concerned with the local Agricultural Organizations. Their activities are only expanded on seed production. Local organizations have willingly cooperated with CBDC project at each province. To facilitate the cooperation and project implementation, the contact person of each province established connection directly with the advisory board. Establishment of network Scope of CBDC project: Based on the proposal, the project will expand its activities on PPB/PVS and SSS at 16 communities of eight provinces in the Mekong Delta. The delta consists of 12 provinces, these provinces were not included as target communities initially but were suggested to CBDC project. The CBDC project will now work with 25 communities for activities on PPB/PVS and SSS in the Mekong Delta. Network for PPB/PVS activities in the Mekong Delta PPB/BVS Activities Adaptability trials Based on the information collected at community meetings and individual consultation with experienced farmers at communities, most of them are interested on adaptation trials and purification selection. Selection from segregating materials is conducted with some farmers who worked on seed selection at each community. The criteria for seed selection are focused on high yield, good quality, and resistance with pest and disease. The PPB and PVS are the main activities at cooperating communities. The project provided 110 segregating lines (F4-F5) from the genebank of CTU and Department of Science, Industry and Environment of Soc Trang Province to farmer communities in which 18 lines were selected to grow in the next cropping season. There are 136 stable lines/varieties tested for adaptability of varieties to different agro-ecosystems, 19 varieties were selected and 3 other varieties are well adapted at communities. Selected lines/ varieties from testes at communities from May-Dec 2000
Selected varieties from adaptation trials at communities in Wet season, 2000 Workshops and farmer’s field days To facilitate sharing of experiences on seed selection among farmers in different communities, the project organized 4 workshops and farmer’s field days with the participation of 154 farmers, villagers and local technicians. Training for farmers A technical training course on strengthening PPB/PVS skills for 30 core farmers in 25 co-operating communities was organized at Cantho University on 16-30 December 2000. It aims to improve farmer’s skills and level off on rice selection and breeding methods at the beginning of the implementation of the project. After the training and with their experience on rice selection, they will be the lead farmer to assist the seed selection techniques and in implementing activities on PPB/PVS in their communities. C. SEED PRODUCTION The farmers selection were produced and multiplied for distribution to their communities Seed production at community in Wet season, 2000 D. DEMONSTRATIVE PLOTS CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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