For the first time in the Mekong Delta: Establishing a commune-level Steering Committee to lead the rice value chain.

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the afternoon of May 29th, Khanh Binh commune (Ca Mau province) announced the decision to establish a Steering Committee for the implementation of the Project on 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation. This is considered the first model at the commune level in the Mekong Delta, opening up a new approach to organizing agricultural production along the value chain, closely linking farmers, cooperatives, businesses, and banks to increase income for rice growers.

Leaders of Ca Mau province and Loc Troi Group present flowers to the Steering Committee of Khanh Binh commune - Photo: VGP/LS

From 'bumper harvest, low prices' to agricultural economic thinking.

Attending the ceremony were Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee Le Van Su, Chairman of Loc Troi Group Huynh Van Thon, along with leaders of provincial and local departments and agencies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Binh commune, Dang Chi Nguyen, said that rice has long been the main source of livelihood for the local people. However, for many years, rice production has faced the paradox of "bumper harvest, low prices," while the scale of production remains small, fragmented, and lacks sustainable linkages.

According to Mr. Dang Chi Nguyen, the establishment of the Steering Committee is not only an organizational activity but also marks an important shift from an agricultural production mindset to an agricultural economic mindset. The goal is to re-plan the production area, standardize cultivation processes according to the Action Plan for the Summer-Autumn 2026 crop, reduce input costs, and enhance the value of Khanh Binh rice to meet export requirements.

Forming sustainable supply chains

To realize the above goal, Khanh Binh commune has signed cooperation agreements with Loc Troi Group, Tan Hong Foodstuff Company Limited, Minh Ha Agricultural Service Cooperative, and 8/3 Agricultural Service Cooperative.

According to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Binh commune, the linkage between the State, businesses, and cooperatives will create an important foundation for product output, helping farmers feel secure in their production with businesses accompanying them and guaranteeing stable and transparent prices. He also requested the Steering Committee to quickly implement the operational regulations and the Summer-Autumn 2026 crop plan, and hoped that the province would continue to support the locality with mechanisms, policies, and infrastructure to achieve the set goals.

In addition, people are encouraged to participate in cooperative groups and cooperatives, adhering to high-quality farming practices to gradually build a brand of clean, high-value rice for the locality.

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Tan Hong Foodstuff Co., Ltd. and Minh Ha Agricultural Services Cooperative on implementing product procurement linkage - Photo: VGP/LS

Plan for 300-400 hectares of linked farming in the Summer-Autumn 2026 crop season.

Immediately after its establishment, the Steering Committee issued the Action Program for the Summer-Autumn Crop of 2026 with a specific roadmap from production organization to product consumption.

According to the plan, the locality will finalize the implementation plan for the Project in 2026, including the Summer-Autumn 2026 and Winter-Spring 2026-2027 seasons, and simultaneously develop policies to support farmers participating in the project.

One of the key tasks is to review and select suitable production areas to implement linkages with businesses. In the Summer-Autumn 2026 crop season, the commune plans to allocate 300-400 hectares for production linkages.

In June 2026, relevant units will finalize the signing of production and consumption linkage contracts for rice with individual households, creating a basis for banks to disburse agricultural supplies for production. Simultaneously, they will provide rice seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural services according to each stage of the cropping season.

The Steering Committee will also focus on improving irrigation systems, rural transportation, organizing training on high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation techniques, MRV systems, and applying digital technology in production management.

The goal is for 100% of the Steering Committee members, community agricultural extension teams, core farmers, and businesses to participate in the training. Simultaneously, the locality will implement at least five technical processes for cultivating high-quality, low-emission rice, aiming for production according to EU standards.

Notably, the company committed to adding 300 VND/kg to the price if the rice quality meets EU standards.

Chairman of Loc Troi Group, Huynh Van Thon, speaks at the conference - Photo: VGP/LS

Paving the way for a new model in Ca Mau.

According to the plan, during the harvest season in September and October 2026, the enterprise will finalize the purchase price 10 days before harvest, aiming to purchase 90-100% of the contracted rice output and disburse payment to farmers 5-7 days after harvest.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Loc Troi Group Huynh Van Thon stated that the establishment of the Steering Committee in the context of implementing a two-tiered local government system is of particular importance, helping the government apparatus to be closer to the people, more practical, and directly address issues arising from the grassroots level.

He pledged that Loc Troi Group would fully fulfill its corporate responsibilities during its participation in the Steering Committee and implementation of the Project. According to him, this model will help effectively connect farmers, businesses, and stakeholders in the value chain, reduce conflicts of interest, enhance profit sharing, and create momentum for sustainable development.

The Chairman of Loc Troi Group also emphasized that the most important goal is to quantify the profits and added value that farmers receive when participating in the 1 million hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project. He stated that Loc Troi Group has chosen the commune level as a breakthrough point to build a multi-value economic space, apply data digitization, and improve economic efficiency for rural people.

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee Le Van Su assessed that the establishment of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project in Khanh Binh commune is significant in paving the way for the entire province. This is a new approach, a new model with the participation of the entire political system at the grassroots level.

He suggested that the Steering Committee should soon finalize the implementation plan for the Project; develop mechanisms for credit, support linkages, and develop raw material areas associated with strengthening and improving the capacity of cooperatives; and promote people's participation in the model. At the same time, it is necessary to develop supply chain linkage contracts and establish a monitoring system for production techniques and technology application to ensure effective implementation.

The Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province also expressed his hope that the Steering Committee would be determined to expand the area participating in the Project in the future, commensurate with the involvement of the entire grassroots political system. In addition, the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection needs to regularly report on the activities of the Steering Committee to promptly address difficulties and obstacles arising from the practical production and lives of the people.

With the strong involvement of local authorities, businesses, cooperatives, banks, and the people, the model of the Steering Committee for the 1 Million Hectare of High-Quality Rice Project at the commune level in Khanh Binh is expected to become a driving force in promoting the restructuring of the rice industry towards a modern, green, sustainable direction and increasing value for farmers.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/lan-dau-tien-o-dbscl-lap-ban-chi-dao-cap-xa-de-dan-dat-chuoi-lua-gao-102260529165759017.htm