Officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) inspected the implementation of an ODA-funded project in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on November 14.

The Dien Bien Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that with assistance from JICA, the department prepared pilot models on growing rice, corn and soybeans and signed contracts with agricultural promotion centres in 10 districts on implementing the pilot models. Under the contracts, the centres will train local farmers in applying the pilot cultivation models to their fields.

A project on rural development in Dien Bien province funded by the JICA

The department also built a safe vegetable-growing model in Noong Luong commune in Dien Bien district and opened five training classes in five communes on irrigation.

Yuichi Fukasama, head of the JICA working group, appreciated the quick implementation of the agricultural development project in Dien Bien. He urged closer cooperation and coordination between the two sides to ensure the progress and effectiveness of the project.

The working team also discussed with provincial authorities several projects that Dien Bien had proposed for JICA funding.

The sides selected projects eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans and agreed on capital allocation plans for the projects, which focus on agricultural encouragement, infrastructure development, health care for women and children and prevention of human trafficking.

Source: VNA