A two-day workshop on the role of women in agricultural production was held in Ha Noi on May 7 by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

The project was in response to a request by Vice President Truong My Hoa, following a working visit to ACIAR last October, and is designed to improve the health and living standards of women working in the agricultural sector.

“The project will play an important part socio-economically”, said Vice President Truong My Hoa. “I appreciate the support and the cooperation given by the Australian Embassy and ACIAR to set up the project. It will help to boost relations between the two countries and I hope the project will soon be completed and launched.”

The Australian government’s aid programme, through ACIAR, provides funding for research into promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty in Viet Nam.

“The programme is aimed at making a difference to the lives and well-being of many people, not only in partner countries but also in Australia,” said Pete Core, director of ACIAR.

“We are hoping to identify a priority list of indigenous plants in Viet Nam with potential for further research and development, and to look at the role of women in growing and selling of these vegetables to generate increased incomes and to expand the range of indigenous food crops available to Vietnamese families,” said Core.

Viet Nam has a rich biodiversity of edible indigenous plants.

Women accounts for 50.9 percent of the country’s population. However, they account for 80 percent of the labour force in rural areas.

“If women are provided with information, scientific knowledge and other necessary resources they will be able to improve agricultural production techniques,” said Ha Thi Khiet, president of the Viet Nam Women’s Union.

Source: VNA