Conference to review the implementation of the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of An Giang province, in 2024, the Department implemented 18 models, each model of 50 hectares with a total area of ​​900 hectares in 09 districts and 04 models thoroughly implemented according to the criteria of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with an area of ​​52 hectares in 04 districts of Phu Tan, Chau Thanh, Tri Ton and Thoai Son; On the local side, Phu Tan and Chau Phu have implemented 165 hectares according to the process of 01 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the last Autumn-Winter crop. In parallel with the models, 93 training courses on propaganda on the implementation of the criteria of 1 million hectares and 12 training courses on cultivation techniques in accordance with the criteria of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development were also implemented in localities in the province.

The results of the model summary show that the average amount of rice seeds has been reduced by 67 kg of rice seeds/ha (Model: 80 kg/ha; Control: 120 -170 kg/ha); The average field yield is 0.1 ton/ha higher than the control (Model: 6.5 tons/ha; Control: 6.4 tons/ha); Production costs are reduced by an average of 4,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND/ha; The model profit is 3,600,000 - 5,300,000 VND/ha higher than the control. The pilot models are implemented according to the production process of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice to provide producers with the opportunity to visit, learn and follow, as a basis for replication in the coming time. Initially, the positive results of the pilot model have helped farmers gradually change their habits and thinking in sustainable production and strictly follow a technical production process.

Up to now, in addition to 1,117 hectares of model area thoroughly applied according to the technical requirements of the process of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice, the whole province also recorded the basic area meeting the process of 7,419 hectares/20,690 hectares (this is the area developed from the Vnsat project by the end of 2023 is 22,310 hectares, these areas have met the requirements of the process 1 must 5 reduction, of which 36% of the area meets the straw collection target. Thus, the total area applied according to the process of 1 million hectares in 2024 reached 8,536 hectares/20,609 hectares, reaching 41.4% of the planned area of ​​2024.

In general, because the plan to implement the sustainable development project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta has been officially deployed in An Giang province since June 2024, while the province has not yet had timely support policies and promoted activities to accelerate the plan, the area has not been able to reach the progress as planned. In addition, localities are still very confused in the implementation, so far only 2/11 localities have implemented the model, so the area of ​​the whole province has not reached the target according to Decision 703/QD-UBND.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized: "The project for sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta" is a revolution in the thinking of the rice industry for the Mekong Delta in general and An Giang province in particular in the face of challenges such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and increasingly hardened soil due to the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, farmers need to change their farming methods, promote production according to the value chain, create a brand of safe, low-emission rice... for sustainable development.

Delegates attending the online conference at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Le Minh Hoan believes that sustainable agricultural development cannot only focus on productivity and output, but also needs to aim at reducing production costs and improving the quality and value of rice grains. At the same time, it must ensure the environment and farmers' health.

Minister Le Minh Hoan suggested that authorities at all levels, businesses and cooperatives must accompany farmers; improve farmers’ capacity through agricultural extension activities, disseminate precise and effective farming techniques; at the same time, promote the application of precision agriculture. Rice production models that reduce the amount of seeds sown, reduce fertilizers, pesticides and emissions; but still ensure the quality and value of rice grains need to be replicated. This not only helps reduce costs but also protects the environment, improves soil health and biodiversity.

The restructuring process of the rice industry must be based on an ecosystem linking the government, businesses and farmers. The government and Party committees need to stand side by side, listen and promptly resolve difficulties, thereby creating trust and attachment of farmers to the production chain. Technical documents on agricultural extension need to be presented in an easy-to-understand and intuitive way for farmers to apply effectively.

Source: https://www.mard.gov.vn/Pages/hoi-nghi-so-ket-thuc-hien-de-an-1-trieu-hec-ta-lua-chat-luong-cao.aspx?item=1