Hanoi – The project “Scientific and Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Countries – 3S” has entered its operational phase. Funded by the Italian Cooperation under the Italy–ASEAN Development Partnership, the initiative is realized by a consortium comprising the University of Milan, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (Pisa), and Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT.
Between June and July, a delegation composed of representatives from AICS Hanoi and the project partners carried out a technical mission to Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Indonesia to visit the pilot sites, strengthen cooperation with local partner institutions, and define the operational framework for launching field activities.
Strengthening partnerships and regional cooperation
The mission marked an important milestone in consolidating collaboration with the national research institutions that will lead to the implementation of the pilot actions. It also provided an opportunity to explore future triangular and South-South cooperation initiatives, promoting the role of ASEAN research centres in sharing knowledge, innovation and best practices for more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
During the mission, the delegation met with the project’s key scientific partners: the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Lao PDR, the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) in Vietnam and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia.
The meetings allowed the partners to discuss the technical priorities of the selected value chains, define collaboration mechanisms, and plan the research, field experimentation and capacity-building activities that will underpin the project.
Addressing key agricultural value chains
The 3S project focuses on three strategic agricultural value chains that are essential for food security and rural livelihoods across the ASEAN region and are increasingly challenged by climate change, crop diseases and global market competition.
In Lao PDR, pilot activities will focus on cassava, a key cash crop whose productivity and sustainability are increasingly threatened by the spread of fungal diseases.
In Vietnam, the project will support the maize value chain, promoting the conservation and enhancement of local varieties, which are progressively being replaced by hybrid and genetically modified seeds that are often unaffordable for smallholder farmers.
In Indonesia, activities will target the sugarcane sector, which has experienced declining competitiveness in international markets due to strong competition from major producing countries.
Towards more sustainable and resilient agriculture
By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, circular approaches and innovative solutions, the 3S project aims to strengthen the resilience of ASEAN agricultural value chains, improve natural resource management, protect biodiversity and create new economic opportunities for rural communities.
The mission represents a significant step towards the implementation of field activities and reaffirms Italy’s commitment to supporting the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems, while strengthening the Italy–ASEAN partnership for sustainable development across the region.
