The event was attended by leaders of the institute; representatives from the Plant Protection and Cultivation Sub-Department, the Agricultural Technical Centre, the Bac Giang Agricultural Materials and Technology Joint Stock Company, and nearly 300 farmers from Chieng Sai commune.

Syngenta Vietnam has implemented a pilot model of sustainable maize cultivation on sloping land in Chieng Sai commune. The model spans 2.6 hectares and applies Syngenta’s comprehensive agricultural product and technology package, using NK6253 hybrid maize variety combined with guinea grass strips.

This maize variety is characterised by strong stalks and fibrous roots, making it suitable for sloping terrain. When cultivated alongside guinea grass, known for its deep, fibrous roots and drought tolerance, the combination brings dual benefits: preventing soil erosion and providing a source of green forage for livestock.

The model was set up with three cultivation approaches: Formula 1: 0.8 ha, no grass strips, using traditional local cultivation and care practices; Formula 2: 0.8 ha, with erosion-control grass strips, also following traditional care methods; and Formula 3: 1 ha, with erosion-control grass strips and soil cover, applying Syngenta’s cultivation procedures.

After more than two years of implementation, Formula 3, which used Syngenta’s solutions, achieved the highest yield at 6.62 tonnes per hectares, 46.1% higher than the traditional farmer practices (Formula 1).

The integration of maize and grass strips proved highly effective. Grass strips help conserve and improve soil, acting as natural barriers that reduce the kinetic energy of surface runoff, stabilize the cultivation layer, minimise fertilizer loss due to erosion, and improve soil moisture retention. Remarkably, the grass strips can yield 20-30 tonnes of forage per hectare per year, serving as a valuable feed source for large livestock.

At the workshop, participants discussed and shared practical experience from successful farmers involved in the model. Topics included maize NK6253 planting and care, post-harvest grass strip maintenance, and optimal fertilization processes according to Syngenta’s methods, providing practical and in-depth knowledge for local farmers.

On this occasion, Syngenta Vietnam organised a lucky draw, awarding prizes including 15 tea sets, 10 electric fans, five rice cookers, two televisions, and one breeding cow. The total value of the prizes exceeded 20 million VND (759 USD).