Dong Thap is laying the foundation for modern agricultural development.

Dong Thap achieved many outstanding results in 2025, especially in agricultural restructuring, creating a solid foundation for the province to enter 2026 with the goal of developing a modern agricultural sector.

In 2025, agriculture will continue to play a pivotal role.

In 2025, Dong Thap province will mark a strong recovery in its key economic sectors, with agriculture continuing to affirm its important role as a pillar of the locality. Thanks to the effective implementation of major projects such as the restructuring of the agricultural sector by 2030; the project on crop rotation, seasonal crop conversion and crop structure by 2025; along with the expansion of concentrated commodity production and value chain linkages, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector will maintain positive growth momentum. The added value of the entire sector is estimated at VND 101.6 trillion, accounting for 34.9% of GRDP, an increase of 4% at constant prices, higher than the 3.5% of 2024.

A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment visited Dong Thap to survey a model of high-quality, low-emission rice production, aiming to assess the effectiveness of agricultural restructuring towards sustainability. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Le Ha Luan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap province, commented: "Agricultural restructuring in recent years has created very strong changes. From changing crop varieties and farming techniques to expanding supply chain linkages, farmers now produce according to market signals, reducing risks and significantly increasing income. This is a crucial driving force for the sustainable economic development of Dong Thap province."

According to Mr. Luan, Dong Thap has formed large-scale production areas linked to designated planting and farming zones. In particular, it has strengthened exports and promoted high-tech agriculture, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products in the global market.

It can be said that the restructuring of agriculture in Dong Thap is creating significant changes, especially in increasing farmers' income. In the crop sector, the foundation is being maintained, while improving the quality and quantity of agricultural products. By 2025, the area planted with grain crops will reach 622,000 hectares, of which rice will account for 615,000 hectares with an average yield of 66.5 quintals/hectare. The total provincial output is estimated at 4.1 million tons, ensuring food security and making a significant contribution to rice exports in the Mekong Delta region.

Fruit tree cultivation continued to expand, covering an area of ​​134.5 thousand hectares and producing 2.5 million tons, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous year. The shift from traditional crops to high-value fruit trees has brought outstanding income to farmers, especially in mango, jackfruit, lemon, and longan growing areas in communes such as Cao Lanh, Chau Thanh, Lai Vung, Cai Lay, and Cai Be...

Livestock farming remains stable and farm scale is expanding. Currently, the livestock population maintains positive growth: pigs have reached 486,800, cattle 181,800, and poultry 28.2 million. The province focuses on biosecure farming models and effective disease control, helping farmers feel secure in investing and expanding their scale.

Aquaculture, considered a key sector with an annual output of 1.05 million tons and a 6.8% increase, continues to be one of the most stable growth sectors in Dong Thap province. In particular, the pangasius fish industry, the province's main product, maintains safe farming areas and good traceability, meeting the stringent requirements of major markets.

In forestry, the area of ​​newly planted forests reached 102.9 hectares, bringing the total area in the province to 8,000 hectares. Dong Thap also established 3,430 planting area codes covering 99,076 hectares, and 453 packaging facility codes serving exports to the US, China, Japan, the EU, etc., helping agricultural products expand markets, increase value, and reduce consumption risks.

In 2025, the province proactively prevented and controlled diseases in crops and livestock, promptly isolating and treating outbreaks. Cases of African swine fever, avian influenza, lumpy skin disease, etc., were all thoroughly dealt with, preventing widespread transmission.

In aquaculture, some shrimp farming areas affected by white spot disease and hepatopancreatic necrosis were promptly intervened, helping to stabilize production for households. As a result, farmers reduced losses and continued to expand their scale in 2026.

Workers at a facility packaging dragon fruit to export standards contribute to increasing the value of Dong Thap's key fruit industry. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Regarding the New Rural Development Program and the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, Dong Thap province was officially recognized by the Prime Minister as having completed the New Rural Development program in 2024, a significant milestone in transforming the face of rural areas. Infrastructure, living standards, and the environment have all been improved, creating a foundation for the next phase of building advanced and model new rural areas.

The OCOP program continues to be a highlight with 1,002 products achieving 3 stars or higher, projected to increase to 1,102 products by the end of 2025. Products with the potential to achieve 5-star status open up export opportunities and create livelihoods for many cooperatives and small businesses.

The focus in 2026 will be on high-tech agriculture.

Mr. Tran Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province, emphasized: In 2026, the province will focus on developing agriculture in a modern and sustainable direction, linking production with the market, ensuring traceability, and increasing added value. The target for agricultural growth in 2026 is an added value of 108.4 – 108.9 trillion VND, accounting for 33.5% of GRDP. The average growth rate is 4.0 – 4.5% per year.

For the crop production sector, it is necessary to improve efficiency and adapt flexibly. Dong Thap's agricultural sector is determined to proactively respond to the 2025-2026 dry season, adjusting planting schedules accordingly, using high-quality seeds, and converting rice land to other crops to increase economic efficiency. The projected rice cultivation area is 603.2 thousand hectares, and fruit trees 135 thousand hectares, with a stable production of 2.5 million tons.

Dong Thap's livestock sector aims to build disease-free livestock farming zones, support businesses in investing in large-scale farms, and gradually reduce small-scale farming. The total pig population is expected to reach 508,900 head, and the cattle population 171,800 head.

Processing pangasius fillet at a factory in Dong Thap province affirms the role of the fisheries sector in economic growth and exports in 2025. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

The province is focusing on improving the quality of aquatic animal breeding stock, strengthening environmental monitoring, and expanding smart farming models. The projected output is 1.1 million tons, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for processing and export.

The province proactively monitors meteorological and hydrological conditions, maintains irrigation works, and provides timely warnings about saltwater intrusion and landslides. It also implements a comprehensive disaster prevention plan based on the "four on-the-spot" principle, ensuring safe production.

In 2026, Dong Thap will focus on improving the quality of new rural development criteria and effectively integrating national target programs. The province will promote digital transformation in production management, traceability, and the development of new-style cooperatives.

According to Mr. Tran Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province, thanks to the effective implementation of agricultural restructuring, proactive disease prevention and control, and the determination of the government and people, Dong Thap enters 2026 with new expectations. Agriculture continues to be a strategic sector, not only playing a supporting role but also becoming a driving force for growth, helping farmers increase their income, improve their lives, and make a positive contribution to the socio-economic development of the entire province.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/dong-thap-gay-dung-nen-tang-phat-trien-nong-nghiep-hien-dai-d788600.html