(Photo by SRD)

Sustainable rural development is the most significant component of SRD's programs. In 2010, our projects continued to support farmers stabilize their sources of income and to contribute to environmental protection. Through the project "Strengthening rice seed systems in Bac Kan province", the farmers' incomes have been increased, local resources are utilized by promoting the use of purebred varieties and traditional cultivation and less pesticide and chemical fertilizer are used thus emissions are reduced. Varieties selected and developed by the farmers are resistant to the impacts of bad weather. The project "System of rice intensification" in Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho has helped decrease the cost of farm inputs such as seedlings, fertilizer, irrigation water, etc. while increasing the productivity. Other projects like "Participatory land use and management" and "Water User Association" in Phu Tho have empowered farmers to participate in the sustainable use and management of resources such as land, irrigation water and environment. Local cultural values and resources are maintained and promoted in the project "Development and conservation of traditional remedies and indigenous medical plants" and "Livelihoods improvements for ethnic minorities in Yen Bai province". Besides rice production, our projects also supported mountainous farmers to develop the cultivation of other products such as herbal, tea, non-timber forest products, etc. , through which they can have equal access to agricultural, social and economic services. SRD commits to work side by side with rural communities and continuously initiate technical support for farmers in order to help them achieve the goals of sustainable rural development.