Author: Suchetana Choudhuri
Leaders emphasize value addition and export growth as key drivers of agricultural cooperation The acting head of state of Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, has received a courtesy call from Park Joo Bong, President of the Incheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Korea, as South Korean investors explore new opportunities in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, particularly in cashew production and processing. The meeting took place at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace, where both sides discussed expanding economic cooperation and strengthening investment ties between Cambodia and South Korea. Park conveyed strong interest from South Korean businesses in Cambodia’s investment…
New guide supports SMEs in meeting strict documentation and registration requirements for food shipments The Viet Nam Sanitary and SPS Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (Viet Nam SPS) has issued a Vietnamese-language user guide for China’s CIFER system, marking a step forward in simplifying export registration procedures for Vietnamese food exporters entering the Chinese market. The guide translates and explains the operational procedures of the CIFER (China Import Food Enterprise Registration) system, managed by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), which is a mandatory digital platform for the registration and management of many categories of imported food products. According to…
Research integrates antigenic mapping and structural modelling to track mutations affecting immune protection in poultry The UK’s The Pirbright Institute has identified key genetic mutations in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of H5 avian influenza viruses that significantly influence vaccine effectiveness in poultry, offering new insights into how viral evolution may undermine existing disease control strategies. The findings, published in the Journal of Virology, stem from a multidisciplinary study combining phylogenetic analysis, antigenic cartography, structural modelling, and experimental validation. Together, these approaches enabled researchers to map the molecular drivers behind antigenic drift in highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Since its emergence…
Province advances REDD+, ERPA program, and digital MRV systems to monetize forest carbon absorption potential The province of Lam Dong is advancing preparations to actively participate in the commercialization of forest carbon credits, positioning its extensive forest resources as a key driver of sustainable green finance and long-term environmental economic development. With more than 1.1 million hectares of forest, including nearly 1 million hectares of natural forest, Lam Dong is considered one of Viet Nam’s most significant forested provinces, offering substantial potential for carbon absorption and storage services. Local authorities have identified forest carbon credits as a strategic opportunity to…
Plan aims to connect national databases, streamline public services, and enhance administrative efficiency through 2035 The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to develop a holistic, integrated digital data model for the agriculture and environment sector, marking a significant step forward in Viet Nam’s broader national digital transformation agenda for the 2026–2035 period. The initiative is formalized under Decision No. 1902/QD-BNNMT, which implements the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 826/QD-TTg on the national program for developing population data applications, electronic identification, and authentication to support digital transformation through 2030, with a vision toward 2035. At the…
CARE and Government of Canada support aims to build capacity for carbon credits, forest protection, and climate adaptation planning The People’s Committee of Son La Province, in coordination with CARE International in Viet Nam, has officially launched the Carbon for Good (C4G) Project, a $ 624,000 initiative aimed at strengthening climate change mitigation capacity, advancing sustainable forest management, and supporting the development of a forest carbon market in the province. The launch event was held on May 27, bringing together provincial leaders, representatives of relevant departments and agencies, development partners, and international stakeholders, including the Embassy of Canada in Viet…
Deal targets seed innovation, productivity gains, and large-scale capacity building in rice and diversified farming sectors The Southern Institute of Agricultural Science (IAS) has entered into a landmark agricultural science and technology cooperation agreement with Cambodia’s Rithy Granite Group, formalizing a strategic technology transfer partnership for the 2026–2030 period aimed at advancing productivity, modernizing seed systems, and strengthening long-term agricultural capacity in Cambodia. The memorandum of understanding, signed in the presence of scientists, technical experts, and business representatives from both sides, establishes IAS as the lead technology consultant and transfer agency, while Rithy Granite Group assumes full financial responsibility for…
MMK 2.0 introduces separate awards for inland and coastal municipalities with multi-million peso incentives The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has formally launched the enhanced Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK 2.0) program in Lobo, Batangas, marking a significant expansion of the country’s flagship fisheries recognition initiative to now include both coastal and inland aquatic ecosystems nationwide. Reintroduced in its upgraded form, MMK 2.0 broadens the scope of the annual nationwide search that honors outstanding local government units (LGUs) for exemplary performance in fisheries governance, environmental stewardship, and sustainable management of aquatic resources. The program, formerly known…
Recognition highlights Philippines’ growing role in regional food safety governance and standards development The Department of Agriculture (DA) highlighted a significant recognition for one of its senior officials after Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations Atty. Paz J. Benavidez II was conferred the Honor of Excellence Award during the 2026 Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) held on May 11 to 12 at Hotel Naru Seoul-MGallery in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The award recognizes her contributions to the harmonization of food safety and regulatory systems across initiatives aligned with regional and international standards. In her role as Assistant Secretary for…
AbCDE 1.0 pilot advances four-year modernization program to improve efficiency and transparency in farm services The Agriculture-based Central Data Ecosystem (AbCDE) 1.0 has officially entered its pilot phase in the Philippines, marking a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation of agricultural governance through a partnership with the Republic of Korea. Developed under Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion & Information Service (EPIS), the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture as part of a four-year modernization project…