Moc Chau district, Son la province. FAO in Viet Nam and partners are accelerating implementation of an innovative project unlocking smart agriculture for rural communities.

To gauge progress of the five-year project "Smart Agriculture for the Future Generations" to conclude in 2025, with USD4.1 million in funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea and co-implemented by the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (FAVRI), a delegation recently visited the project site in Moc Chau district, Son La province.

There it saw first-hand how the project has supported 34 households to renovate and optimize existing greenhouse production of a range of vegetables – such as tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, watermelons, bell peppers – to boost productivity through use of high-quality seedlings, fertilizers, and agricultural tools.

After the delegation, comprised of representatives from the Department of Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the Department of International Organizations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), visited the project sites and beneficiaries, a training workshop titled "Pesticide Exposure and Gender-Related Health Impacts” was held.

It is blended presentations on the principles of safe pesticide use with engaging group activities, effectively conveying risk management concepts in pesticide application to the farmer cohort benefiting from the project. The purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness on the risks posed by hazardous pesticides, with a gender lens and promote sharing of experiences among farmers.

"Pesticides have long been regarded as a scientific breakthrough, crucial in enhancing crop productivity and quality. However, their overuse can adversely affect both plant and community health, diminishing pesticide effectiveness over time. According to assessments by the International Labour Organization, pesticide misuse makes agriculture one of the three most hazardous occupations, alongside construction and mineral activity," said Mr. Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative in Viet Nam.

Engaging with representatives of Moc Chau farmers, FAO gender expert Nadia Correale highlighted that compared to men, women are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides due to physiological differences. Even low doses pose significant risks, potentially causing menstrual cycle disorders, drug residues in breast milk, miscarriage, breast cancer, respiratory diseases, and skin disorders, among others, depending on the frequency of exposure.

As a result, the training workshop seamlessly integrated informative sessions on the fundamentals of safe pesticide utilization with interactive group exercises. This approach adeptly communicated risk management principles in pesticide application to the farmers involved in the "Smart Agriculture for the Future Generations" initiative.