Professor Vo Tong Xuan in an interview on climate change in the Mekong Delta region. (Photo: VOV)

Professor, Doctor, Labor Hero, and People’s Teacher Vo Tong Xuan was a pioneer in applying technology to agriculture production. He developed new crop varieties, improved farming techniques, and enhanced management of agricultural resources, which significantly improved yields and boosted farmers’ incomes.

During Vietnam’s difficult period, Professor Xuan and his colleagues did research and popularized the Than Nong, IR36, IR33, and IR64 rice varieties in the Mekong Delta. He also contributed to the construction and development of the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute, which conducts research on rice plants, soil, and cultivation techniques.

Mr. Tran Thai Nghiem, deputy head of Can Tho city’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that during the initial phase of national renewal, Professor Xuan was one of the pioneering scientists at the Mekong Delta Rice Institute who contributed to developing rice cultivation in the region and assuring food security. “The rice varieties that Mr. Xuan brought from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), laid the foundation for the next development process. He was also one of the people who connected IRRI with the Mekong Delta in the early period.”

In 1966, Mr. Xuan obtained a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Chemistry and was accepted as a PhD student at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines.

In 1971, with a great passion for science and a desire to contribute to the homeland, he returned to Vietnam to work at Can Tho University. At the end of 1974, he went to Japan to defend his doctoral thesis.

As a scientist of international stature, Mr. Xuan could have worked abroad, but he chose to stay in Vietnam during a period when the country was facing many difficulties.

Professor Vo Tong Xuan traveled to many areas to meet with rice farmers and listen to their ideas and aspirations. He and his colleagues conducted research and consulted on matching agricultural models to the conditions in different areas. He helped many farmers become well-off growing rice and helped ensure food security domestically and internationally. Professor Vo Tong Xuan once said, “I’ve always wanted to help farmers improve their lives. I hope they can benefit from my achievements in creating better, cheaper seedlings.”

During his 60-year career as an agricultural expert, Professor Vo Tong Xuan left an imprint on many provinces.

“Professor Vo Tong Xuan contributed to agriculture, not just in Ben Tre province, but throughout the Mekong Delta. His initiatives and ideas about markets and production were in line with the Party’s guidelines. He had a very comprehensive view of agriculture, farmers, and rural areas and was always an enthusiastic, passionate, and dedicated scientist,” Mr. Huynh Quang Duc, deputy head of Ben Tre province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said.

In Tien Giang province, Professor Xuan invented high-quality rice varieties which were resistant to pests and diseases. Dr. Pham Van Nghi, who used to work for the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Xuan was dedicated to research and teaching. “In Tien Giang, he popularized brown plant-hopper-resistant rice varieties. He worked closely with farmers and shared with them his experience and new cultivation techniques to improve productivity.”

Professor Xuan also helped farmers in many poor African countries such as Liberia, Sudan, Mozambique, Angola, and Cameroon. He brought Vietnamese rice varieties and Vietnamese scientists to African countries to improve their rice cultivation. Professor Xuan was dubbed “Dr. Rice” by foreign friends.