Ca Mau - The destination of delicious rice grains.

From February 2-6, 2026, Ca Mau province is expected to host the "Mekong Delta Delicious Rice Competition" for the first time. More than just a competition showcasing the quality of rice, the event also signifies the affirmation of the province's position and the opening of a new chapter for the rice industry in this southernmost region of Vietnam.

• Cambodia and Thailand shared the award for the world's best rice in 2014.
• Expanding the cultivation of the "World's Best Rice" variety in the rice-shrimp farming model.
• Bac Lieu: Expanding the production area for "the world's best rice varieties ST 24 and ST 25"

From favorable natural conditions to a "golden" opportunity for local agricultural products.

Following the merger, Ca Mau is now one of the provinces with the largest rice-producing area in the region, with over 314,000 hectares and an estimated total output of 1,864,000 tons per year. The distinguishing feature of Ca Mau rice is its "nature-friendly" production model, especially the rice-shrimp farming area covering approximately 90,000 hectares. By effectively utilizing the natural ecological conditions, Ca Mau rice produces clean, safe, nutritious, and environmentally friendly products.

With approximately 90,000 hectares of rice-shrimp farming, Ca Mau has maximized its unique ecological characteristics to produce clean, completely natural rice grains with high nutritional value.

Following the success of promotional activities for key aquatic products, hosting the Mekong Delta's Best Rice Competition in 2026 is expected to open a "new chapter" for the province's rice industry. Ahead of the event, confidence and expectations are spreading strongly among farmers, especially in rice-shrimp farming areas.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Lam, from Hamlet 13, excitedly said: “Hearing that our province is hosting the delicious rice competition, we farmers are very happy. This is an opportunity for rice from the saline-alkaline soil of Ca Mau to prove that its quality is in no way inferior to that of any other region.”

With over 314,000 hectares across the province and an estimated annual production of 1,864,000 tons, Ca Mau is moving towards green agriculture , contributing to national food security.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Tran Van Tuan, from Hamlet 9, Nguyen Phich Commune, expressed his hope: “The competition will be a ‘bridge’ to bring farmers closer to the market. We expect a new wave of activity, where businesses will come to sign contracts for guaranteed purchase, helping farmers feel secure in cultivating high-quality rice varieties.”

The competition is also considered a "golden opportunity" for businesses and cooperatives to showcase the achievements of new breeding and selection. For example, in Tri Phai commune, the 2025 rice-shrimp crop saw the success of a pilot model of purple brown rice variety implemented by Quach Tet Co., Ltd. in collaboration with local farmers.

With a pilot project covering 20 hectares, purple brown rice has shown excellent adaptability to the soil conditions of Ca Mau.

On a scale of 20 hectares, the purple brown rice variety not only demonstrates excellent adaptability to the soil conditions of Ca Mau but also promises high economic value thanks to its superior nutritional content.

Ms. Le Diep, Director of Quach Tet Co., Ltd., said: “The Mekong Delta Delicious Rice Competition is the ideal launching pad for us to bring our purple brown rice, grown in rice-shrimp farming, closer to consumers and strategic partners.”

Towards green and sustainable agriculture.

The competition's goal is not only to find the best-tasting rice, but also to encourage farmers and businesses to focus on improving rice varieties and adopting advanced, environmentally friendly farming practices.

Purple brown rice is expected to make a splash at the Mekong Delta's Best Rice Competition in Ca Mau.

According to the 2025 Rice Production Development Plan, Ca Mau province aims to: have over 85% of its rice-growing area using certified rice varieties, and over 70% using high-quality rice varieties; apply advanced farming techniques to over 60% of the area, reducing fertilizer and pesticide use by at least 25%, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10%; achieve comprehensive mechanization across over 50% of the area, reduce post-harvest losses to below 10%, thereby increasing profits for rice farmers by over 30%.

Furthermore, to ensure stable output and enhance value, Ca Mau province will call on 10-15 businesses to sign consumption linkage contracts with cooperatives, with approximately 15% of the cultivated area covered by guaranteed purchase agreements. The Mekong Delta Delicious Rice Competition will be a "stepping stone" for Ca Mau to realize its plan and contribute to ensuring national food security, aiming to create an efficient value chain, protect the environment, and increase farmers' income.

With thorough preparation and a proactive approach, the Mekong Delta's Best Rice Competition in Ca Mau promises to create a new wave of competition and innovation, contributing to further expanding the reach of Vietnamese rice brands - including Ca Mau rice - in both domestic and international markets.

Hong Nghi - Minh Luan

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ca-mau-diem-hen-cua-nhung-hat-gao-ngon-a124801.html