Bayer CropScience has announced the opening of its first SeedGrowth Center focused on improving rice seed treatment technology at Can Tho in Vietnam
With the recent inauguration, Vietnam has also become the 11th Bayer SeedGrowth Center worldwide to support the business — farmers, seed breeders, treaters, retailers and advisers — and their individual needs.
This state-of-the-art facility aims to help farmers protect their high-quality seeds and increase yields in a sustainable manner.
The services range from training on the correct application of seed treatment products and advice on machinery to in-depth information about treatment processes.
Torsten Velden, Bayer CropScience’s country head in Vietnam, said, “Rice is a key crop in Vietnam, and with more than 70 per cent of the country’s labour force in farming, it is imperative that we look at increasing agricultural productivity, yields and quality to help farmers improve their income and thereby enhance the competitiveness and growth of the economy.
“With the opening of our new Bayer SeedGrowth Center, we will bring our customised offerings to help them grow healthier and stronger plants that produce higher yields and, at the same time, work with the Cuu Long Rice Research Institute (CLRRI) to transfer modern technologies to market through training and demonstration trials.”
Through an integrated and comprehensive system for on-seed applications that harnesses Bayer CropScience’s products, coatings, services and equipment, its centre help rice growers minimise the negative impact of pests and diseases, and at the same time, increase agricultural productivity and income by reducing crop losses and farm input costs.
The convenience and efficiency of Bayer SeedGrowth solutions also serve to encourage young people to return to rural areas to take up rice farming. At the same time, the introduction of new agricultural technologies facilitates more environmentally friendly crop production systems.
While the benefits of treated seeds are obvious, market awareness and acceptance of seed treatment remain low in Vietnam, where it is limited to about two per cent of the total planted rice area. In collaboration with the CLRRI, Bayer CropScience aims to enhance the awareness and knowledge of seed applied technologies together with customers, partners and other key stakeholders in the industry.
