In recent years, a host of people have shown interest in organic and chemical-free vegetables. Many parts of Vietnam, especially the Central Highlands, have developed a model of natural agriculture and distributed products to large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In order to meet demand on organic agriculture training and support, the Japan Natural Agriculture Workshop took place on February 10, 2023 with the participation of experts from the Association of Natural Agriculture of Japan, representatives of distributors, partners and more than 20 farmer households in the Central Highlands and Southeast Vietnam.

Ms. Himeno Yuko, Ms. Erikoi standing at the entrance to Nico Nico Yasai's organic farm - The workshop’s revenue in Ea Na commune.

In the morning of February 10, 2023, after the welcome remarks by Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Thien - Director of Nico Nico Yasai, Japanese experts presented about the development of natural farming in Japan and shared their experience in organic farming production. Mr. Teruhiko Sawamura who has over 43 years of experience in growing natural vegetables in Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan), showed local farmers some soil enrichment techniques. Then, Ms. Himeno Yuko - Chief of Office of the Japan Natural Agriculture Association - talked about the philosophy of farming methods based on the natural growth cycle, using natural fertilizers. Mr. Shiokawa Minoru - founder of Nico Nico Yasai - discussed the difficulties of organic agriculture production in Vietnam during the past 15 years. Mr. Shiokawa Minoru also introduced the Vietnamese version of the book on natural farming, learning experience from Japan and South Korea.

 Japanese experts took a photo with the participants at the workshop.

In the afternoon, participants got a firsthand experience in the production of organic fertilizers from herbs, waste products and available materials such as eggshells, bones, vinegar, and molasses. Mr. Teruhiko Sawamura showed the participants how to make organic fertilizer using local microorganisms. Japanese experts said that promoting the growth of local beneficial microorganisms was the best method to prevent pests and help plants grow healthy. The combination of microorganisms with other organic fertilizers such as manure will help increase  productivity  as well as improve low-quality soil. Mr. Teruhiro said: “We would like to provide clean agricultural products for Japanese children 100 years from now. We are trying to satisfy both farmers and consumers. All our employees are determined to produce clean, organic and natural vegetables (no chemical fertilizers, no herbicides, no pesticides) for people’s health”. Ms. Erikoi, a Japanese consumer, wore her self-designed T-shirt which promotes organic products to call for action to protect nature. 

Mr. Teruhiko Sawamura, Mrs. Himeno Yuko, Ms. Erikoi and the operation team from Nico Nico Yasai company.

At the end of the seminar, participants expressed their respect for the Japanese experts. Representatives of the distributors highly supported the natural agricultural model, appreciated Nico Nico Yasai’s commitment to the community and wished that the organic farming model would continue to be expanded in the future.

On February 11, 2023, the expert group continued to visit natural agricultural production sites in Buon Ma Thuot City. The workshop has connected and promoted the values of Japanese natural agriculture to foster the development of sustainable agricultural production for public health in Vietnam. The Japanese experts wish to continue implementing this project gradually. They hoped everyone would join hands to protect nature, prevent soil from being degraded by toxic chemicals, and maintain our plants. 

Mr. Teruhiko Sawamura, Ms. Himeno Yuko, Ms. Erikoi and Mr. Shiokawa of Nico Nico Yasai company visited a mushroom company in Krong Ana, Dak Lak.

Japanese experts visit a cooperative production site.

Mr. Teruhiko Sawamura shows participants how to make organic fertilizer,

how to make organic liquid fertilizer 

and how to grow plants.