The project was sponsored by the International Development Enterprises (IDE) Vietnam. Vice President of Ninh Thuan province’s Farmers Association Do Hong Ky said the MIT model was implemented in two phases at a total cost of VND23.7 billion, of which locals’ capital was VND21.5 billion, with 2,355 households farming an area of 578 hectares participating.
In the first phase, 1,397 households installed MIT models over 323 hectares at a total cost of VND12.9 billion. After phase 1 finished, 258 households, who were not beneficiaries of the project, spent VND2.5 billion to install MIT models, by themselves, on 63 hectares.
In the second phase, 700 households installed MIT models on 192 hectares at a cost of VND8.2 billion. The MIT models helped cut 70-75% of labour needed for watering, 40-45% of water use, 30% of energy use and 30% of fertiliser use. It also helped boost productivity and income, and expand production area, land value and land use efficiency. Tran Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Thuan province People’s Committee said the project helped raise farmers’ awareness of modern technology for agricultural production.
