Enhance the production of soybean and create innovative technology for processing and utilizing soybeans in Lao PDR and Vietnam

One of the major problems of soybean cultivation in Laos is the lack of market demand for industrial processing of soybeans. This has led to low prices for soybeans, which has made it difficult for farmers to make a profit. There is a high demand for end-use products made from soybeans, such as tofu, soy milk, and soy oil. However, there is not enough processing capacity in Laos to meet this demand. This has led to a situation where there is a surplus of soybeans, but the prices are low. Another problem with soybean cultivation in Laos is the low yields. Yields in Laos range from 0.6 to 2 t/ha, which is much lower than yields in other countries. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of traditional farming practices, lack of access to improved seeds and fertilizers, and pests and diseases. Vietnam is also a major importer of soybeans, with an estimated import volume of 4.5 million metric tons in 2020. The country relies heavily on imports to meet the growing demand for soybeans from the animal feed industry, as well as for use in food processing and the production of soybean oil.The project will also focus on developing new variety and innovative soybean-base products that can be marketed both domestically and internationally. This will not only increase the demand for soybean but also create new business opportunities for local famers and small-scale enterprises. By diversifying the use of soybean, the project will help to reduce the reliance on traditional soybean production and create more sustainable and resilient soybean industry in these countries. Additionally, the project will work closely with local governments and other stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of new variety, technologies and best practices in soybean production and processing, which will improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the sector. This will ultimately lead to greater economic growth and development, as well as improved food security and nutrition for local communities.The exchange of technology and resources, coupled with the training programs and master course, will help to create a more sustainable and efficient soybean sector. The stakeholders involved in this collaboration will be better equipped to produce high-quality soybean, will not only boost their incomes but also contribute to overall economic growth of the region.The project output:-        Introducing new varieties and production technologies can increase farmer productivity by 1 ton/hectare (from the current 1.5 t/ha to 2.5 t/ha). Additionally, increased yield and processing of soybean products can generate a sustainable income increase of over $300/ha for smallholder farmers compared to their current soybean income.-        Four farmer field school (FFS) (2 for Lao and 2 for Vietnam) on soybean production and processing will be developed which adapted new technology on soybean production and processing. -        Increase knowledge and awareness of farmers and consumers on the important of soybean consumption, production and processing.-        Soybean producer access to market through cooperation with local and Korean food processing sector.-        Young scientists have been improved their knowledge and skill on soybean production and food processing technology. 8 researchers (4 from NAFRI and 4 from AGI will be trained on-job training in Korea). -        A total of 240 Lao and Vietnamese farmers, 20 local agricultural officers, and 20 internship students from Laos and Vietnam will be trained on soybean breeding, production and processing technology, and implementing the FFS. A total of 240 FFS members from 16 FFS (8 from Laos and 8 from Vietnam) involved in the project will improve their productivity and livelihood income. Additionally, around 120 to 300 participants per country will benefit by attending training, workshops, seminars, seed and food fairs, etc. These benefits will extend to farmers from the villages where the FFS are implemented, as well as to an estimated 1,000 nearby households, through access to seeds, handbooks, and field days Read more...