Their support is part of an agricultural cooperation project between the university and An Giang University, estimated to cost about 10 million JPY (90,870 USD) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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Japan's ice plants (Photo: rcrd.agu.edu.vn) 

Under the project running between now and 2019, Saga University will send experts to study An Giang’s climate and farming conditions and transfer technology to the province, while two local personnel will go to Japan to learn about cultivating soybean and Tsuburina (ice plant).

At the working session on June 13, the two universities agreed to pilot growing soybean plants in Chau Thanh district’s An Hoa commune and ice plants in Thoai Son district’s Binh Thanh commune. Saga University will provide saplings and support for the pilot.

Tsuji Kazunari, who led the Japanese delegation, said ice plants are capable of absorbing salt in the land and are rich in nutrition. One kilogram of fresh ice plant costs about 80 USD.

He said the plant will help An Giang improve its salty land and increase farmers’ income.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lam Quang Thi stressed the importance of the project in helping local farmers access Japan’s advanced technologies.

An Giang is committed to creating the best conditions possible for the project, he said, hoping Saga University and JICA would further support the province in climate change adaptation and organic farming.

Source: VNA