The conversion of land used for rice cultivation to other crops must conform to the planning regulations.

On February 29th, the Provincial People's Committee announced the issuance of a plan for converting agricultural land on rice cultivation land in 2024.

Accordingly, the plan clearly states that the principle for converting agricultural land on rice fields must be in accordance with the conversion plan approved by the competent authority.

The conversion should not compromise the conditions suitable for rice cultivation, allowing for a return to rice farming if necessary without significant investment. The converted crops must have a market, competitive advantages, and higher economic efficiency than rice cultivation. The conversion must be compatible with the existing local transportation and irrigation infrastructure, minimize large investments, and be linked to the development of new rural areas.

Specifically, the total area of ​​crops grown on rice-growing land in the province in 2024 is 268.4 hectares, of which 133.9 hectares are for two rice crops and 131.5 hectares are for one rice crop.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local authorities shall guide and inspect the implementation of the conversion of agricultural land on rice cultivation land in accordance with regulations and effectively. They shall disseminate information to raise awareness among producers and the community about the economic benefits of the conversion. A report on the results of the conversion of agricultural land on rice cultivation land in 2024 shall be submitted to the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development .

Localities must register their plans for converting rice-growing land to other crops in 2025 using the form in Appendix X issued with Government Decree No. 94/2019/ND-CP dated December 13, 2019, detailing some provisions of the Law on Crop Production regarding plant varieties and cultivation, before November 20, 2024.

According to the Provincial People's Committee, the conversion of land for rice cultivation aims to meet land requirements for socio-economic development, national defense, and security in the new situation. It also aims to ensure rational, economical, and efficient land use, maintaining a reasonable rice cultivation land fund to guarantee food security.

At the same time, it contributes to protecting the ecological environment, promoting sustainable development, proactively responding to climate change and sea level rise, which are becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, and enhancing the state's capacity for managing agricultural land.

Text and photos: Ngoc Nguyen