Advanced Agronomy Training in Hanoi

Programme Overview

Agronomy sits at the point where soil, water, plants, climate and farm economics meet. Agencies, research institutes, extension services and agribusinesses now need agronomists who can raise yields while cutting fertiliser, water and emissions, and who can prove those gains with data that buyers, financiers and carbon markets accept.

This five-day programme in Hanoi takes experienced agronomists and agricultural managers beyond the basics. It covers crop physiology under climate stress, soil health and nutrient management, water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management, varietal choice, digital and precision agronomy, and the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems now attached to low-emission farming.

Vietnam is an instructive place to study these topics. In November 2023 the government approved Decision 1490/QĐ-TTg, a scheme to develop one million hectares of specialised high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030. Its targets are agronomic: lower seed rates, 30% less chemical fertiliser and pesticide, 20% less irrigation water and a reduction of more than 10% in greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional practice.

The scheme builds on the World Bank-supported Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation (VnSAT) project, which worked with rice and coffee farmers and reported profit gains of about 25–28% per hectare. Participants use both as case material, alongside current evidence on salinity intrusion, alternate wetting and drying, and the FAO’s code on sustainable fertiliser use.

Throughout the week, participants build an agronomic improvement plan for a crop system they manage, with practice changes, indicators and a simple monitoring design.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability

• Diagnosing yield gaps and their agronomic causes
• Crop physiology and management under heat, drought and salinity
• Soil testing, interpretation and soil health management
• Site-specific nutrient management and fertiliser efficiency
• Organic inputs, straw management and nutrient recycling
• Water-saving irrigation including alternate wetting and drying
• Integrated pest and disease management
• Varietal selection and certified seed systems
• Crop rotation, diversification and intercropping
• Climate-smart and low-emission production practices
• Remote sensing, GIS and field sensors for crop monitoring
• Data-driven advisory services for farmers
• Measurement, reporting and verification of emissions
• Field trial design and on-farm experimentation
• Linking agronomic practices to quality and market standards
• Training-of-trainers for extension staff and cooperative technicians

Risalat delivers the programme in partnership with participating institutions, adapting crop examples to the systems participants work with, from rice and coffee to vegetables, cereals and tree crops.

The Growing Importance of Advanced Agronomy

Agriculture still carries real economic weight in Vietnam: official statistics show the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector grew 3.78% in 2025. Rice exports reached a record of about 9 million tonnes worth close to USD 5.8 billion in 2024, then fell to about 8.06 million tonnes and USD 4.1 billion in 2025 as world prices softened. Lower prices place more weight on agronomy: when margins shrink, reducing input costs per tonne matters as much as raising yield.

Climate pressure adds to the case. Salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta was severe in the 2015–16, 2019–20 and 2023–24 dry seasons, and in 2023–24 more than 1,189 hectares of rice were lost because of inadequate irrigation. Agronomic choices on sowing dates, varieties and water management are now part of climate risk management.

Internationally, the FAO’s International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers, endorsed in 2019, sets out the roles of governments, industry, extension services and farmers in efficient nutrient use. Buyers and carbon programmes increasingly ask for verified practice data. Agronomists who can design, measure and explain improved practices are in growing demand.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• diagnosing yield gaps from field, soil and weather data
• designing nutrient plans that cut fertiliser without losing yield
• applying alternate wetting and drying safely and at scale
• selecting varieties for salinity, heat and flood tolerance
• running integrated pest management with reduced pesticide use
• managing crop residues and organic inputs for soil health
• interpreting satellite imagery and sensor readings
• designing simple on-farm trials and analysing the results
• setting up practice and emissions monitoring for MRV
• translating research into clear advice for farmers
• working with cooperatives and buyers on quality standards
• training extension staff and farmer technicians

Strong agronomy systems help organisations:

• raise yields and quality with lower input costs
• reduce fertiliser, pesticide and water use
• lower greenhouse gas emissions from crop production
• protect production against salinity, drought and floods
• meet buyer, certification and export requirements
• generate credible data for financiers and carbon markets
• improve soil health over successive seasons
• give extension services consistent, evidence-based messages
• improve returns for farmers and cooperatives

The programme connects these demands to practical agronomic tools that participants can use in the next season.

Who Should Attend This Advanced Agronomy Training?

This programme is designed for:

• Agronomists in public agencies, research institutes and agribusinesses
• Agricultural extension managers and senior extension officers
• Crop production and plant protection specialists
• Soil scientists and soil testing laboratory managers
• Irrigation and water management officers working with farmers
• Technical staff of donor-financed agriculture and climate projects
• Cooperative and farmer organisation technical managers
• Farm and estate managers
• Crop advisers and agricultural consultants
• Seed system and variety development specialists
• Agribusiness sourcing and sustainability managers
• Monitoring, evaluation and MRV officers in agriculture projects
• Lecturers and trainers in agricultural colleges
• Government officials responsible for crop and input policy

Participants should have a background in agriculture or a related field; the programme assumes basic agronomic knowledge.

Advanced Agronomy Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Advanced Agronomy Training, participants will be able to:

• Analyse crop growth and yield formation under climate stress
• Diagnose yield gaps and prioritise agronomic interventions
• Interpret soil tests and design site-specific nutrient plans
• Apply the principles of the FAO fertiliser code in advisory work
• Plan water-saving irrigation, including safe alternate wetting and drying
• Design integrated pest and disease management strategies
• Choose varieties and cropping patterns for salinity and heat risk
• Use remote sensing, GIS and sensor data in crop decisions
• Design practice monitoring and MRV for low-emission production
• Run and analyse simple on-farm trials
• Prepare an agronomic improvement plan with indicators

Each objective is practised through a workshop or case study, and the final capstone brings them together in one plan.

Programme Contents and Structure

Advanced Agronomy Training Methodology

The programme is practical and data-based, using short technical inputs followed by analysis, field-oriented exercises and discussion.

The programme combines:

• Technical presentations by experienced agronomy practitioners
• Analysis of field, soil and weather datasets
• Case studies based on documented programmes in Vietnam
• Hands-on soil test and nutrient plan interpretation
• Design exercises for irrigation and MRV protocols
• Remote sensing and GIS demonstrations
• Group problem-solving on participants’ own crop systems
• Peer learning across countries and institutions
• A structured technical visit with guided observation
• Individual improvement planning with facilitator feedback
• A capstone presentation and review panel

Before arrival, institutions can use Risalat’s free Training Needs Assessment to identify priority technical areas for their staff, so facilitators can adjust examples to the cohort.

Technical Visits and Site Programme

The earlier edition of this programme included a full-day exposure visit, and the upgraded programme keeps a structured technical visit on the Fifth Day. Depending on season and availability, it may include a farm, cooperative, agricultural research facility or soil and plant laboratory in the Hanoi area. All visits are confirmed with host organisations ahead of each cohort.

Visits focus on observable practice: soil and nutrient management, water control, crop monitoring and pest management. Participants use an observation checklist and bring the findings into their capstone plans.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Advanced Agronomy Training, participants will be able to:

• Diagnose yield gaps and prioritise interventions with evidence
• Design nutrient plans that improve fertiliser efficiency
• Plan water-saving irrigation adapted to local risks
• Apply integrated pest management with lower pesticide use
• Select varieties and cropping patterns for climate risk
• Use digital and remote sensing data in crop decisions
• Set up practice monitoring that supports MRV
• Design and analyse on-farm trials
• Lead extension messaging on improved practices

Participants leave with a completed agronomic improvement plan ready to discuss with their managers and partners.

Institutional Application of Advanced Agronomy Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Agronomic research and advisory services
• Soil testing and fertiliser recommendation systems
• Irrigation and water management advice
• Plant protection and integrated pest management
• Seed and variety deployment
• Climate adaptation in crop production
• Low-emission production programmes
• Monitoring, reporting and verification systems
• Digital agronomy and farmer data use
• On-farm trial and demonstration networks
• Extension training and farmer field schools

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Yield gap analysis
• Soil test interpretation and nutrient planning
• Irrigation scheduling and water monitoring
• Pest monitoring and threshold decisions
• Variety selection for stress tolerance
• Field protocols for practice and emissions records
• On-farm trial design and analysis
• Agronomic improvement planning

Institutions introducing digital advisory or monitoring tools can use Risalat’s free Digital Readiness Assessment and M&E / MEAL Assessment to check systems and data readiness.

Regional Relevance & Application

Asia

Rice-producing countries across South and South-East Asia face the same combination of thin margins, water stress and pressure to cut emissions. Vietnam’s one-million-hectare scheme, with its targets for fertiliser, water and emissions and its reported 2025 progress of almost 400,000 hectares under sustainable practices, offers a working model for agencies in the region.

Africa

Across Africa, low fertiliser efficiency, declining soil fertility and erratic rainfall limit yields. The programme’s work on soil testing, site-specific nutrient management and on-farm trials is directly applicable to extension services and donor-financed productivity projects.

Middle East

Water scarcity and salinity are central agronomic constraints in the Middle East. Sessions on irrigation scheduling, salinity management and stress-tolerant varieties address these conditions.

Latin America

Export-oriented producers in Latin America increasingly need verified data on input use and emissions. The MRV and practice monitoring content helps agronomists respond to buyer and carbon market requirements.

The crops differ by region, but the agronomic discipline is shared: diagnose, apply better practice, measure and adapt.

Host Country Profile – Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is the country’s administrative and scientific centre and a well-established venue for international training. Since 1 March 2025 agricultural policy has been led by the new Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, formed by merging the former agriculture and natural resources ministries, and many national agricultural research and academic institutions are based in and around the capital.

Vietnam is a practical benchmark for advanced agronomy. It is one of the world’s leading rice exporters, its government has set measurable agronomic targets for low-emission rice through Decision 1490/QĐ-TTg, and the World Bank has reported a USD 350 million loan commitment in 2024 for the scheme, with a further USD 20 million commitment from the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility. Participants can see how national policy, finance and field practice are being linked.

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport with direct connections across Asia and to the Middle East and Europe. Since 15 August 2023 Vietnam has issued electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories, valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries, and some nationalities enjoy visa-free entry. Risalat provides visa guidance and invitation letters for registered participants.

Advanced Agronomy Training Deliverables

Participants receive full support before, during and after the programme so they can concentrate on technical learning and its application.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Agronomy Readiness Assessment
• Agronomy Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory

During the Programme

• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner
• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Agronomy Training Manual
• Yield Gap Analysis Worksheet
• Soil Test Interpretation and Nutrient Planning Tool
• Irrigation Scheduling and AWD Field Guide
• Integrated Pest Management Decision Sheet
• Low-Emission Practice and MRV Record Template
• On-Farm Trial Design Template
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Agronomic Improvement Plan
• Field Practice Monitoring Checklist
• Follow-Up Review of the Improvement Plan
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Ministries, research institutes, projects and agribusinesses can also request a tailored proposal for an in-house version of this programme, adapted to their crops, agro-ecological conditions and current projects.

Common Challenges in Advanced Agronomy, And How This Training Helps

How can yields rise while fertiliser use falls?

Many farmers apply fertiliser by habit rather than by need. The Second Day sessions on soil testing, site-specific nutrient management and the FAO fertiliser code show how to set recommendations that protect yield while cutting waste.

How can water-saving irrigation be introduced without yield losses?

Farmers worry that drying fields will hurt the crop. The Third Day covers safe alternate wetting and drying, the 15 cm threshold and simple field monitoring so that advice is precise and trusted.

How should agronomists respond to salinity intrusion?

Saline water now reaches further inland in severe dry seasons. Sessions on the First and Third Days cover crop calendars, tolerant varieties and irrigation management under salinity risk.

How can low-emission practices be proven to buyers and carbon markets?

Claims without data are not accepted. The Third Day workshop designs an MRV-ready field protocol, showing which records and checks make reported reductions credible.

How can pesticide use be reduced safely?

Over-reliance on calendar spraying raises costs and risks. The Fourth Day integrated pest management sessions use monitoring and thresholds to target action where it is needed.

How can digital tools improve advice to farmers?

Satellite data and sensors are only useful if they change decisions. The Fourth Day shows how remote sensing, GIS and farmer data can feed practical, timely advisory messages.

How can successful pilots be scaled to many farmers?

Pilots often stall after the project ends. The VnSAT case on the Fourth Day and the capstone on the Fifth Day focus on cooperatives, extension and monitoring arrangements that support wider adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the Advanced Agronomy Training?

Agronomists, extension managers, soil and plant protection specialists, project technical staff, cooperative technical managers and agribusiness sustainability managers with a background in agriculture.

Is the programme only about rice?

No. Vietnam's low-emission rice scheme and the VnSAT rice and coffee project are used as case material, but the tools apply to cereals, vegetables, tree crops and other systems.

Does the programme include a field visit?

Yes. A structured technical visit is planned on the Fifth Day and is confirmed with host organisations before each cohort.

What will participants produce during the week?

An agronomic improvement plan for a crop system they manage, with priority practices, indicators, a monitoring design and an extension approach.

How do participants get a visa for Vietnam?

Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries, valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries. Risalat provides guidance and invitation letters.

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