Retailer training is one part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training courses in Viet Nam in promoting safe and sustainable agriculture environment which is the collaboration between the Sub Plan Protection Departments and GIZ from 2015 to 2017, and co-funded by Croplife International.

In the line of project, a minimum of 300 retailers in three provinces of Hau Giang, Kien Giang and Dong Thap would be trained in 2016 to August 2017 by Master Trainers, who are Sub Plant Protection staff members attending the ‘Training of Trainers (ToT)’ at the Southern Regional Plant Protection Center in February 2016, also organised as part of the project.

In the recent four-day training for retailers held between 14-15 and 22-23 March 2016, 130 retailers from the three provinces attended the course. In the eight-module course (see table), the master trainers engaged the participants in the contexts of farmer’s rice production and discussion on “how to identify good advice for farmers as responsible application of pesticides”.  The retailers received the IPM training certificates delivered by the Directors of Sub Plant Protection Departments and the Southern Regional Plant Protection at the end of the four-day training.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, the Deputy Director of Hau Giang Sub Plant Protection Department, also one of the Master Trainers said: “The training helps retailers to get updates on IPM knowledge, to make responsible business of pesticides and guide them how to become doctors for plants.

“More benefits for their business will also be gained through providing good advice and consultation to their clients,” she said.

Ms. Thuy also suggested that the retailers should regularly visit farmer’s fields after the training. As a matter of fact, they can give good idea for farmers to make better decision at their rice fields.

Mr. Ho Ngoc Liem, an agricultural retailer in Long Binh Village, Long My Town, Hau Giang Province, one of the participants said: “The IPM training course provides updates on new knowledge, and approach on pesticide application via different active ingredients relating to insect resistance management. I am confident in the knowledge transferred by the IPM project and the master trainers and will use these experiences and knowledges for my business after completing the training course”.

Mr. Le Quoc Cuong, Director of the Southern Plant Protection Center under Plant Protection Department said he strongly supported retailers to apply the IPM knowledge and transfer to farmers.

“IPM and responsible pesticide application are one of the best ways to sustain retailer’s business,” he said.

GIZ/Croplife International IPM project will continue supporting the trainings to over 150 retailers during until September 2016.

By ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems Team, Vietnam