Conservation and Introduction of Naturally Salt-Tolerant Crops in Coastal Provinces

Project Information

Title of Project: Conservation and Introduction of Naturally Salt-Tolerant Crops in Coastal Provinces 

Sector: Water pollution including research to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of SME policies

Country: Vietnam 

Lead Institution: Plant Resources Center    

Co-PI Institution: Seawater Solutions   

Partner(s): US Salinity Laboratory (USSL)   

Final Budget: $ 217,012.30   

Project Length: 24 months

Research Objective:

Our overall objective is to develop incentives for farmers to invest in pollution control measures that conserve freshwater resources, enhance the productivity of underutilized crops with natural tolerance to high salinities, and reduce the discharge of untreated water into public water bodies.

The conservation and introduction of naturally salt-tolerant crops to cooperative farms are intended to enhance the genetic diversity of crops produced by coastal farmers, thus building resilience among agricultural communities against the effects of climate change

Project Description:

This program will collect, evaluate, and select naturally salt-tolerant crops with commercial cultivation potential, conduct their trials on independently-owned, small-scale farms to reduce demand for freshwater among agricultural communities, and develop commercial incentives to invest in pollution control measures. Moreover, the native halophyte species will be conserved using both ex-situ and in-situ conservation methods to increase the diversity of crops cultivated by independent small-scale farmers. Activities include a survey of coastal ecosystems to understand the distribution of naturally occurring halophyte species that already exist in Vietnam, cultivation trials with these species in collaboration with independent vegetable and aquaculture farmers, and development of market outlets for farmers cultivating these products. 

Translation activities center around enabling farmers in regions affected by freshwater shortage to independently cultivate a wide range of halophyte crops for commercial use. This can be done by publishing a cultivation manual, hosting farmer training sessions, and engaging farmers in extension service programs. Particular attention will be given to at least 50% women-farmer participation during training sessions and an equal representation of extension staff from both sexes. Establishing commercial outlets for halophyte produce will require the development of a supply chain with a quality verification system and marketing content which advocates for the nutritional contents of halophyte plants, eventually introducing these new crop items to both local and international cuisine

Embedded Research Translation Product:

Integrated halophyte crops in the aquaculture as water pollution control

Biodiversity conservation as in-situ and ex-situ conservation

Embedded Research Translation Audience:

Small farmers, women leaders, and local authorities

Click Here for Outputs