A delegation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), led by Agricultural Counselor Ralph Bean and Fertilize Right Project Manager Dr Clemen Gehlhar, along with experts from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), recently concluded a visit to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The USDA funded project, running from 2024 to 2027 aims to improve fertilizer efficiency, reduce chemical inputs, and raise farmer incomes. The meeting highlighted the importance of precision fertilizer practices in promoting innovation, sustainable production and strengthening the sustainability of Vietnam’s rice value chain.
The project is being implemented by the IRRI and the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture. The Fertilize Right project focuses on expanding six core technologies, including Site Specific Nutrient Management, mechanized direct seeding combined with fertilizer deep placement, innovative fertilizers, rice straw composting, and digital tools like Easy Farm and the e-Extension Lua Viet integrated Rice Crop Manager platform.
Through technology adoption and agricultural extension, the Fertilize Right project enhances soil fertility, optimizes inputs, and strengthens value chain integration for sustainable farming. The Fertilize Right mission has demonstrated strong engagement as key partners including government agencies, industry associations, farmer cooperatives, and private companies have acquired levels 2 and 3 competency. In other words, the major stakeholders have progressed from acquiring basic knowledge to actively leading innovations.
Fertilize Right, Partners Promote Rice Innovation
The delegate meeting was also attended by key local government and industry partners, comprising the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAE) and the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA). NAEC has strong established relationship with IRRI, having received project support for creating training materials for the 1 Million Hectare high quality and low emission rice (1mHa) program for soil, nutrient management, and mechanized direct seeding. Together with IRRI, NAE will design a detailed plan covering e-extension dissemination and relevant extension activities.
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VIETRISA has expressed its appreciation for the USDA and the Fertilize Right project. The organization has stated that the goals of Fertilize Right project complement Vietnam’s national strategy through its role in bridging value chain stakeholders and evaluating new projects, innovations, and technologies. VIETRISA is also involved with 1mHa program, which includes the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place. VIETRISA has asserted that the knowledge gained through ‘Fertilize Right’ project is instrumental for improving farming practices and increasing farmers income in Vietnam.
Joint Project Planning
The Fertilize Right project has highlighted strong collaboration between public and private sectors, with the USDA delegation engaging MTK Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, a core partner since its inception. MTK’s leadership team has gained substantial understanding of nutrient management, soil mapping, and composting technologies through training provided by the project.
MTK’s General Director, Pham Quoc Trung, has stated that the company has now achieved level 3 of the project’s capacity assessment, which is a testament to company’s ability in applying Fertilize Right practices on ground and also create a detailed implementation plan. He further noted that MTKS is committed to integrating the project’s regulations into business operations and organizing more field workshops to help farmers access new technologies.
MTK has also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Innovar Ag, a US based agricultural technology company, granting MTK exclusive distribution of specialized fertilizer products in Vietnam. These products align with the goals of the Fertilize Right project, offering active ingredients that inhibit nitrogen loss, deliver targeted nutrients, and introduce beneficial soil microorganisms.
Project Manager Dr Clemen Gehlhar has commended collaboration among all stakeholders, stating that the partnership model is crucial for achieving Fertilize Right goals by 2026 and supporting Vietnam’s broader climate action commitments.