The scientist affectionately called 'Teacher Ve' by farmers

After nearly half a century of working in the fields, Professor Nguyen Bao Ve has become "Teacher Ve" in the hearts of farmers thanks to his scientific knowledge and persistent dedication.

At the age of over 70, although retired, Professor Dr. Nguyen Bao Ve is still diligently attached to the fields, continuing to research and impart knowledge to farmers. With his persistent dedication, he is affectionately called "Teacher Ve" by the people and was recognized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union with the title "Farmer's Scientist" in 2025.

Professor Nguyen Bao Ve, "Teacher Ve" of farmers. Photo: NNMT.

"Teacher Ve", a companion of farmers in the West

It is no coincidence that people in the Mekong Delta call Professor Nguyen Bao Ve “Teacher Ve”. For decades, he has been a familiar face to farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.

People remember the image of a skinny teacher wearing an old hat, wading through the fields with the villagers to observe each type of pest and disease, and test each fertilizer formula. It was this closeness that helped him find many highly practical solutions: from soil improvement, water saving, to effective rice farming models, reducing costs, increasing productivity and aiming for sustainable development.

Not only is he a serious scientist , Prof. Dr. Nguyen Bao Ve is also a teacher to many farmers. On television, radio or newspapers, he regularly shares knowledge, answers questions and guides people on how to apply technical advances. His warm voice, simple and easy-to-understand way of expressing himself has created trust and a special bond.

Many people in the West still call him “Teacher Ve” as a sign of respect and affection. To them, he is not only a scientist standing on the podium, but also a companion, devoted to the prosperity of the people of the rice fields.

Conveying easy-to-understand scientific foundations to people

Sharing about his “fate” with agriculture , Professor Nguyen Bao Ve said that farming is also a profession, but it is a profession that suffers many disadvantages because few people receive formal training. Most people still follow the “father-to-son” way or learn on their own, so they lack a solid scientific foundation.

From that reality, he is more aware of his responsibility. Having been properly educated from university, master's to doctorate, he has had the opportunity to access the treasure trove of modern scientific knowledge. "I always wonder how to transfer scientific achievements to the fields," he shared.

Professor Nguyen Bao Ve believes that although farmers lack a scientific foundation, they are very creative in their work. Therefore, he always chooses to impart basic scientific knowledge, while specific technical solutions will be left to farmers to create to meet practical requirements.

He found that with this coordination, farmers did very well. Their problem was not a lack of technique, but a lack of foundation to explain. For example, when he explained how rice seeds needed to be sown to adhere well to the soil, on that scientific basis, farmers would think of appropriate sowing methods.

In agricultural extension activities, through television, radio or newspapers, Professor Nguyen Bao Ve always tries to convey scientific foundations instead of just stopping at providing individual techniques.

"After I finish studying, I will return home. Why stay abroad?"

Born and raised in the Mekong Delta, from a young age, Mr. Ve understood the hardships of farmers who work hard all year round. When choosing to study agriculture, the young man had only one simple wish: to find a way to help people work less hard, so that the fields would no longer be too dependent on "God's grace".

In 1973, he began his teaching career at Can Tho University. After the country's reunification, the school changed its name to Can Tho University, where he spent his entire scientific career. During his time working, he was sent abroad for training twice.

From 1981 to 1983, he studied for a Master's degree at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). From 1992 to 1996, he continued to do his PhD research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the University of the Philippines (UPLP). Some people at that time thought that, with the opportunities opening up abroad, he would choose to stay and work. But he just smiled gently: "After I finish studying, I will return to my country, why stay abroad?"

Working at Can Tho University until his retirement in 2019, he spent more than 40 years teaching and researching, becoming a familiar face to farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.

Even though he has retired, he has not stopped. At the age of 74, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Bao Ve continues to accompany the agricultural sector as Vice Chairman of the Scientific Council of Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company. Here, he and his colleagues research and build a strategy to develop NPK products for the Dau Trau fertilizer brand, contributing to improving farming efficiency for millions of farmers nationwide.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Bao Ve affirmed that fertilizing and using pesticides, to be effective, must follow the “four rights” principle: right type, right amount, right time and right way. Doing this not only helps plants absorb maximum nutrients, farmers save costs but also protects the soil and the environment.

His persistent contributions in his teaching and research career have brought him many noble awards: the title of Excellent Teacher, the title of National Emulation Fighter, the Third Class Labor Medal, and a series of certificates of merit and medals from all levels and sectors.

Notably, recently, Professor Dr. Nguyen Bao Ve continued to be honored by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union as "Farmer Scientist" in 2025, a full recognition of his tireless dedication.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/nha-khoa-hoc-duoc-nong-dan-triu-men-goi-ten-thay-ve-post2149055411.html