Mekong sub-region countries shar
Mekong sub-region
countries share experience in agricultural extension
The fifth meeting of the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA) opened in
Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang on September 11, within the framework of ASEAN
cooperation in agricultural training and extension.
At the meeting (Photo: VNA)
The fifth meeting of the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA) opened in
Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang on September 11, within the framework of ASEAN
cooperation in agricultural
training and
extension.
The four-day event, held by the National
Agricultural Extension Centre under
the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), brings
together 60 delegates from five MELA member countries namely Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
The meeting is meant to exchange information, knowledge and experience in
agricultural extension and advisory services in Mekong sub-region countries,
along with research in agriculture and rural development.
The participants presented reports on policy implementation and the countries’
efforts in promoting smart agriculture adaptive to climate change, green
agriculture, and the development of farmers’ organisations, including
cooperatives.
Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, head of the MARD’s International Cooperation Department,
said MELA makes it easier for farmers to access information-technology and
investment capital to address challenges regarding climate change, natural
disasters and environment, as well as to expand the market for farm products.
He highlighted the significance of coordination between regional agricultural
extension organisations to food security and safety, animal and plant disease
control and sustainable agro-forestry-fishery development.
The meeting is expected to reach specific solutions to enhance the partnership
among regional agricultural extension organisations for improving capacity,
stepping up technological transfer and agricultural reform in each nation, he
said.
Initiated in Hanoi in March 2015, MELA has created a network for its member
countries to share knowledge and best practice in agricultural advisory and
marketing services, and sustainable rural development.
The previous four meetings of MELA were held in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and
Thailand./.
Source: VNA