Japan helps Yen Bai develop rural areas

A delegation from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) had a working session with Yen Bai authorities on November 18 on the pace of a pilot rural development programme launched in the northern mountainous province since May.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

It was reported at the function that based on guidelines provided by the JICA, Yen Bai has so far established 16 models on intensive farming of rice, corn and soybean in Van Yen, Luc Yen and Yen Binh districts. At these facilities, 56 technical training classes have been held for more than 2,000 local households.

Of the 18 irrigation and transport sub-projects, two are currently underway in Van Yen and Van Chan districts.

Communication campaigns on anti-human trafficking and healthcare for mothers and children have also been implemented.

At the working session, local authorities and the JICA agreed to set up three teams to inspect the implementation of farming promotion, infrastructure projects and social activities under the programme. The teams will then submit reports to the JICA and the Ministry and Agriculture and Rural Development.

Earlier, JICA sponsored a similar programme in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien from 2010 to 2015. The programme succeeded in boosting local farming capacity. Based on this experience, Dien Bien had complied a detailed farming handbook.

The programme has now been expanded to five localities with geographical features similar to Dien Bien, which are Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Son La and Lai Chau. The five provinces have been using the Dien Bien handbook to replicate the farming models. If their outcomes prove effective, they will receive further investment from the JICA.