Agronomists examines a new corn variety. PM Dung has approved a scheme to develop new breeds for agriculture, forestries, livestock and fisheries.

The scheme aims to improve output and competitiveness of key export items including rice, vegetables, flowers, coffee, shrimp and tra catfish because new disease resistant breeds of plants and animals for agriculture are still needed to suit Viet Nam’s environmental conditions.

Through research and restructuring under the scheme, locally produced seed supplies for agriculture and forestries would gradually replace imported ones.

All economic sectors, both at home and abroad, would be encouraged to invest more in scientific research and breed selection to raise productivity output and increase worker’s wages. Key production regions will benefit the most from the scheme.

Three modern forestry seed production zones will be built in three regions.

It will provide subsidies to develop hybrid strains and build infrastructure for seed production.

The Government will also support human resources training and research institutes for seed and breed development.

The project is estimated to cost VND69.9 trillion (US$3.78 billion).