Launching project to promote biological solutions in plant protection

Promoting the application of biological solutions

On May 6, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a workshop to launch the TCP/RAS/3907 project to enhance the capacity of the Government and stakeholders to increase crop productivity and build climate change-adapted agriculture through nature-based solutions in Vietnam.

The project will be implemented from March to December 31, 2025 in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Lieu, and Nam Dinh.

The project aims to exploit the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS), creating new opportunities and solutions to effectively address challenges and difficulties caused by climate change, including outbreaks of plant pests (PWs) and limiting the negative impacts from the use of chemical pesticides. Thereby, promoting the development of sustainable agriculture, adapting to climate change in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Quy Duong - Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection spoke at the workshop.

Accordingly, the project will support the development and completion of legal documents to promote research, production, registration and use of biological pesticides, biological control agents (BCA) and biological products for plant protection, contributing to reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

In addition, deploy smart farming models that adapt to climate change, combining nature-based solutions in the project area to enhance the economic value and competitiveness of key agricultural products, especially rice. Promote the widespread application of effective, safe, and sustainable crop pest management measures, minimize the negative impacts of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health, towards green, clean agriculture that adapts to climate change.

At the same time, strengthen communication, training, and dissemination of knowledge about the role and benefits of nature-based solutions in crop protection and climate change adaptation for management agencies, relevant organizations, and farming communities. Thereby, contributing to promoting the transition to a sustainable SVGH management system, protecting the environment and public health.

The project aims at three groups of results: One is to strengthen the capacity for pesticide registration and enforcement of related regulations with a focus on nature-based solutions for crop protection. Two is to enhance national capacity in preventing and controlling major invasive plant pests in the context of climate change through the application of nature-based solutions. Three is to raise awareness among producers and consumers about minimizing risks from pesticides; encourage the selection and use of safe crop protection products, and enhance the ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Minimize risks from plant protection chemicals

According to Mr. Nguyen Quy Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, reality is placing increasingly high demands on the quality and food safety of Vietnam's agricultural products. However, pest management still relies mainly on chemical pesticides. The abuse of toxic chemicals not only degrades the environment, pollutes soil and water, but also negatively affects public health.

Although the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have implemented many policies to encourage the use of biological pesticides and environmentally friendly solutions, in reality, the abuse of chemical pesticides, the use of products of unknown origin, and violations of quarantine periods are still common, causing consequences such as environmental pollution and the risk of food poisoning.

In addition, the production and application of biological pesticides have not yet met the actual needs due to many barriers such as: Limitations in research, production, registration, and use of biological pesticides; lack of infrastructure and technical capacity in developing biological control agents; lack of synchronization in the system of laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and large-scale production of biological products; and management staff and farmers who have not been fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement biological solutions. In addition, awareness of the role and benefits of nature-based measures in pest management and climate change response remains limited at both the community and policy-makers levels.

This raises an urgent need to raise awareness, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and develop appropriate support policies to facilitate the application of environmentally friendly solutions in agricultural production.

The project will contribute significantly to addressing the above challenges and towards strengthening the capacity of the Government and stakeholders in applying nature-based solutions.

Mr. Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant Representative of FAO in Vietnam, assessed that climate change is causing negative impacts on production and people. Transboundary pests are increasing and becoming more complex. However, the abuse of chemical pesticides to prevent pests is causing consequences for the environment and human health, especially in rural areas - where farmers have limited awareness and lack safe alternatives.

Therefore, within the framework of this project, FAO will support the provision of a team of highly qualified technical experts to guide, advise on the development and implementation of nature-based solutions in the management of SVGH and sustainable agricultural production in Vietnam.

This support includes organizing training courses for managers, technicians and farmers on biological approaches, IPM, integrated plant health management (IPHM) as well as effective use of biopesticides, biological control agents (BCAs) and biological plant protection products.

At the same time, FAO will support the review, revision and improvement of policies and regulations related to the registration and management of biological pesticides, creating conditions to promote the development of a legal framework and action strategies suitable to the context and practical needs in Vietnam.

Huong Hoai (According to nongnghiep.vn)

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/127900/Khoi-dong-du-an-thuc-day-giai-phap-bi-hoc-trong-bao-ve-thuc-vat