Workshop on Innovative and Experimental Designs Held for CLRRI Researchers by IRRI Scientists

The Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI), based in Vietnam, is renowned for its dedication to improving rice production and sustainability in the Mekong Delta region. Its efforts focus on breeding high-yield, resilient rice varieties and developing innovative farming techniques. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), headquartered in the Philippines, is a global leader in rice science. IRRI's mission is to reduce poverty and hunger through rice science, improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The workshop, aimed at enhancing the capacity-building efforts of CLRRI researchers, was led by Dr. Waseem Hussain, IRRI’s Lead Breeder for Late Maturity Rice Breeding, and Dr. Mahender Anumalla, a rice breeder based in IRRI’s South Asia Hub.

More than 60 participants from various research units within CLRRI attended the training sessions, which emphasized the importance of modern tools and advanced statistical methods in agricultural research.

The necessity of such training stems from the growing demand for sophisticated data analysis and experimental design capabilities in the agricultural sector. With the increasing complexity of breeding programs and the need for precision in research, traditional methods are often insufficient. The advanced techniques shared by IRRI scientists are expected to significantly enhance the analytical skills of CLRRI researchers, enabling them to conduct more precise and impactful studies.

The leadership of CLRRI, along with its researchers, expressed high praise for the workshop. The training was seen as a crucial step towards bolstering the institute’s research capabilities and leading to significant advancements in the identification and development of salinity-tolerant rice genotypes, which are vital for the sustainability of rice production in the Mekong Delta.

Rice production in the Mekong Delta faces significant challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels, increased salinity, and unpredictable weather patterns. The upstream dam construction on the Mekong River reduces freshwater flow which increases the salinity and reduces sediment deposition essential for soil fertility. These issues threaten the region's agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of millions dependent on rice farming.

Dr. Nguyen Thuy Kieu Tien, a research team leader at CLRRI, recommended that a more comprehensive workshop be conducted in the future to delve deeper into the topics covered. This would further solidify the foundation laid by the current training and ensure the continuous development of CLRRI’s research staff.

This collaborative effort between IRRI and CLRRI highlights the importance of international cooperation in agricultural research.