In addition Al and Fe toxicities limit yield. The major constraints are flooding at the end of the rainy season, and drought in the dry season. Small farm size, which is expected to diminish even further because of population pressure, is a major constraint. The current level of physical infrastructure is inadequate to support the prospective increases of agricultural production. Transport for moving the crop to market is inadequate.
Energy is also in short supply.
The increased production of rice and productivity of rice-based farming systems remain the primary goals of the national plan. Cooperation between Vietnam and IRRI started in 1970 with the release of IR8 seeds in Vietnam. Rice research and training is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development.