(VEN) - The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in cooperation with the US's Du Pont Group organized the Vietnam Food Security Forum in HCMC with the participation of leading agricultural scientists and 100 businesses operating in the southern region. Du Pont Group Executive Vice President James C Borel talked about the global food security problem and Vietnam in an interview with Vietnam Economic News' reporters Kim Chi and Thu Hien.
Which challenges in terms of food security do Vietnam and the world face?
Providing not enough food for seven billion people now and for more than nine billion people in the next 40 years across the globe are challenges for food security while the amount of arable land and other resources cannot be expanded. Therefore, the more effective use of available food to avoid waste is a vital solution. In addition, the improvement of food quality to ensure better nutrition, the application of science and technology to increase productivity and solutions to ensure long-term and sustainable development were also mentioned.
These challenges have also happened in Vietnam. In addition, Vietnam has faced climate change, causing serious damage to crops and productivity. Nutritional value for people has not been guaranteed and enhanced awareness among people and the application of science and technology in cultivation have not achieved effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to improve productivity and output in Vietnam.
How much money does Du Pont Group spend on investment, research and support for nations in developing agriculture?
The Du Pont Group currently has two types of research. Firstly, the group invests in scientific research that can be applied to many places across the globe. Secondly, the group invests in the transformation of scientific applications to become specific solutions for each locality. US$2 billion has already been allocated for these types of research. Therefore, it is difficult to give exact numbers for Vietnam and other countries.
The group plans to deploy a rice field model in Thanh Hoa Province. What benefits will farmers gain from the program?
The rice field model will be implemented at the end of this year in Thanh Hoa Province with the aim of providing the best solutions for farmers from selecting seeds to harvesting. The Du Pont Group will support techniques and cultivation processes to ensure higher productivity, the highest standards on environment and the healthy safety for consumers and farmers.
Vietnam is one of the most affected countries experiencing climate change. What solutions did the group have to support Vietnam in improving economic efficiency and ensuring food security?
One of the key objectives when investing in research cultivation in Vietnam is to create new crops that can adapt and develop in Vietnam's environment. Therefore, despite facing climate change, these new crop plants and methods can match the changes in the environment.
In order to cope with climate change, the group has also focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the group has invested in the development of solar energy. Du Pont products occupy 75 percent of the market, and we recognize the largest solar energy cell supplier in the world. In the future, the group will continue to invest in research in order to discover the best solutions to guide and support Vietnamese farmers in the application of science and technology to improve productivity. The group is striving to raise awareness among about 75,000 Vietnamese farmers each year and receive positive feedback from them.
Vietnam needs to promote its internal capacity in agricultural development. Vietnam currently has the right direction and good policies to develop agriculture. However, Vietnam needs specific, suitable and effective solutions in developing its distribution system and infrastructure for agriculture. Raising awareness among farmers and promoting the application of science and technology in agricultural development should also be mentioned. These solutions will bring high efficiency in improving competitiveness in the context of integration and confirm the country's potential to ensure food security according to the evaluation of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)./.
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