Aimed at leveraging the power of drone technology to boost farmers’ productivity and sustainability, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) have launched the Drones4Rice Project during the Inception Workshop held at the IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on 16-17 April 2024.

High temperatures are increasingly becoming a prominent environmental factor accelerating the adverse influence on the growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.). Therefore, it is critical to identify the key genes and pathways related to heat stress (HS) tolerance in maize. Great challenges have been faced in dissecting genetic mechanisms and uncovering master genes for HS tolerance.

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, announced the initiative timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22. "In a week's time, we will eliminate all single use plastic items across our campus, and minimize the use of any disposable plastic items. This action underlines our commitment to this year's Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics," stated Dr Hughes.

Mr. Phạm Thành Nhân, Dong Thap Muoi Research and Development Centre, leaving for IRRI, the Philippines, to join the three-month training course by IRRI from  November 13, 2019 to January 21, 2020

Mr. Li Jianqiang (Director), Ms. Feng Chunmei (Technical Director), Mr. Tan Yewei (Business Manager) - Subtropical  Crop Research Institute, QuangXi, China, paid a short visit how to cooperate with the IAS about crop production and consumption, November 12, 2019.

In 2023, the IAS has conducted 34 R&D activities with the total budget of VND 22.58 billion.

The outputs are as followed:

- Thirteen research articles were received and published in Vietanamese journals.

- Nine new crop varieties have developed including 3 varieties of cashewnut; 2 potato; 3 chrysanthemum; 1 carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Vietnam is striving to take stronger measures to achieve “net-zero emissions” by 2050. Agriculture has been recognized as a bright spot in the economic development of 2023. Economic and market intelligence played an important part in the sector's growth last year. Traditionally, farmers focused on how to improve production, but higher yields did not always translate to increased income. As prices fluctuate, they may produce more but gain less.