HCMC – Well-respected agronomist Vo Tong Xuan, who made substantial contributions to both domestic and global agriculture, died from a long illness this morning (August 19) at the age of 84.
Professor Vo Tong Xuan, honorary president of Nam Can Tho University, died in HCMC at 7 a.m. on August 19 after a long battle with illness, according to local news reports.
Known as a People’s Teacher and a leading agricultural expert, Xuan played a crucial role in advancing Vietnam’s agriculture and supporting food security in neighboring countries.
Born in 1940 in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, Xuan earned a scholarship in 1961 to study at the University of Agriculture in the Philippines.
After his return to Vietnam, he joined Can Tho University, where he conducted extensive research on rice cultivation, published numerous scientific articles, and helped develop agricultural techniques and policies.
Upon completing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Sciences program in Japan in 1975, he dedicated himself to advancing education and agriculture in Vietnam.
From 1980 to 1992, Xuan authored key scientific works on topics such as the use of saline soil in the Mekong Delta, the development of high-yield rice varieties, and agricultural transformation systems from 1990 onward.
He also served as a National Assembly deputy for three consecutive terms (II, III and IV) and was honored by the Japanese government with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” for his outstanding contributions to various fields over the years.
His funeral will be held in Can Tho City, after which he will be laid to rest in his hometown in An Giang Province.
