Bayer launches innovative seed treatment solution to help farmers tackle rice blast (leaf blast) challenges for higher yields

  • Bayer Vietnam has launched Routine Start 280FS, a new SeedGrowth product to treat rice blast (leaf blast) in early-season rice seeds.
     
  • The launch affirms Bayer’s commitment to promote the sustainable development of Vietnamese agriculture through breakthrough innovations.
     

Hau Giang, 5 May 2022 – Bayer Vietnam has launched Routine Start 280FS (Routine Start), a new seed treatment product to protect early-season rice seeds from rice blast fungi, improving crop productivity and resource efficiency for rice farmers. This new product demonstrates Bayer’s commitment to delivering innovative agricultural solutions to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Vietnam and reaffirms its vision of “Health for All, Hunger for None”.

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Farmers visiting rice fields are treated with Routine Start products in Hau Giang.


Rice blast is known as one of the most destructive diseases for rice across the world. The Mekong Delta is a vast rice-growing plain criss-crossed by canals and rivers and with weather conditions favourable to the spread of rice blast. Therefore, seed treatment is important to prevent rice blast (leaf blast) disease from developing during cultivation and improves germination for the seedlings. Through a combination of scientific innovations, technology and expertise in seed treatment, Bayer is proud to provide an optimal solution that helps farmers solve this problem while protecting environment and food supplies.


Technically, Routine Start 280FS contains both Isotianil (200g/l) and Trifloxystrobin (80g/l) to activate the plants’ natural defenses so they can effectively protect themselves from blast infections during the first 40-50 days after sowing, saving rice growers at least one or two foliar fungicide applications. The new seed treatment product also enhances the effectiveness of Bacterial Leaf Blight and Bakanae disease management. With these benefits, applying Routine Start can ensure the good health of rice plants from an early stage, thereby reducing rice losses and improving farmers’ yields and revenues.


Mr. Chu Viet Ha, Head of Crop Science Division, Bayer Vietnam, said: “Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Bayer Vietnam has always focused on introducing innovative solutions to help farmers tackle challenges in their daily activities, and at the same time increase crop yields and quality while being environmentally-friendly. The launch of Routine Start is yet another practical example of our long-term commitment to harness innovation and address challenges in agriculture to farmers’ livelihoods.”

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Chu Viet Ha, Crop Science Manager, Bayer Vietnam, said that Routine Start is very suitable for the safe and sustainable agricultural development orientation of countries around the world as well as Vietnam.


Over the years, rice blast has always been a big challenge for local farmers, along with bad weather and rising costs. With added challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is of a more urgent need to deliver better agricultural solutions, helping farmers protect their crops and improve productivity with less work.


After the launching event at Can Tho with Level-1 Customers, today Bayer introduces Routine Start to Level-2 Customer and farmers at its Experimental Zone in Hau Giang. Via this extensive introduction to key stakeholders in the Mekong River region, Bayer Vietnam hope that Routine Start can reach more farmers for the upcoming summer rice season with high productivity. As for distributors, they can add another high-quality product to their shelves to help farmers produce a greater crop.


Do Thanh Hien, a farmer from the Mekong River region, said: “At our place here, rice blast (leaf blast) is a very aggressive fungal infection that spreads rapidly once it appears, endangering the entire crop. I tried Routine Start on my paddy fields last season to prevent it from spreading and was surprised by its effectiveness. In addition, treating seeds with this product even helps me save lots of time, money and resources applying fungicides to my fields for up to two months after sowing, while ensuring healthier paddy plants.”

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The launch event of Routine Start in Hau Giang was attended by a large number of farmers and pesticide dealers.


Due to its high efficacy, Routine Start has been introduced in top rice production countries, to help local farmers tackle these challenges, and has received positive feedback regarding yields and economic benefits. With the launch of Routine Start in Vietnam, Bayer offers a smarter and more efficient solution for farmers to protect their crops and achieve sustainable development.
 

2021 would be a year of transition and challenges for Bayer but the company has successfully managed its business exceeding revenue goals, even under difficult conditions. In that year, the Crop Science Division at Bayer Vietnam launched Vayego 200SC, a multi-faceted insecticide under GHS5 group that works against damaging pests on different kind of crops, including leaffolder in rice, providing strong support for rice, plantation crops and vegetable production.
 

Bayer Vietnam has got off to a very successful start to 2022 in agriculture business with positive sales results in the first Quarter, proving that the strategic alignment of the company is the right one. Besides continuously bringing innovative solutions in agriculture, the company in partnership with key stakeholders has also conducted various stewardship programs for farmers to teach the responsible use of crop protection products and realize its mission of sustainable farming in Vietnam.

 

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and ageing global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2021, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 44.1 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.


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Contact:
Pham Thi Ha Giang, phone +84 962 022 708
Email: giang.pham@bayer.com



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