Series of workshops on transferring early-season solutions for the “Integrated Fields” program

The program “Workshop on Transferring Early-Season Solutions for the Integrated Fields” organized by VFC took place from 18–21 March 2024 at the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute.

Michelle 62EC – Tora 1.1SL, the advanced solution for integrated fields, will accompany farmers in sowing the 2024 Summer–Autumn rice crop.

The 2024 Summer–Autumn crop has begun right at the peak of a heatwave caused by the El Niño phenomenon, posing a major challenge for the early sowing period of this season.

Key topics transferred by VFC to nearly 3,000 farmers through this series of events at the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute from 18–21 March 2024 focused on how to keep seedlings vigorous under adverse conditions and how to achieve better weed control after sowing.

Recently, prolonged heat, drought and salinity intrusion in many Mekong Delta localities have caused numerous problems at sowing time, increasing the risk of toxicities (organic, iron, salinity, stem and basal rot). These conditions also create a favorable environment for pest outbreaks, especially weeds and volunteer rice.

Against this backdrop, from 18–21 March 2024, Vietnam Fumigation JSC (VFC), in cooperation with the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, organized the workshop series on transferring early-season solutions for the Integrated Fields.

The highlight of the program was the introduction of a pioneering integrated solution combining Michelle 62EC and Tora 1.1SL to support farmers.

For nearly two decades, Michelle 62EC has earned farmers’ strong trust thanks to its consistently high and lasting weed control efficacy, including on volunteer rice. Growers particularly appreciate its excellent crop safety: it does not kill seedlings even in waterlogged patches, which is especially important under the current hot conditions.

A breakthrough was the early use of the growth stimulator Tora 1.1SL, applied 1–3 days after sowing. This strengthens seedlings and young roots, stimulating rapid root system development under hot, dry conditions. Tora 1.1SL helps neutralize “stress” compounds inside the rice plant caused by heat shock. A well-developed root system promotes early tillering and promises a higher number of productive tillers later on.

VFC’s General Director, Mr. Truong Cong Cu, stated that to help farmers cope with climate impacts on rice growth, VFC has joined hands with the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute to transfer advanced cultivation solutions right from the beginning of the season on the integrated fields.

This is an opportunity for farmers both to visit demonstration models and to meet and exchange ideas with scientists, thereby identifying suitable technical practices for a successful upcoming crop.