Long An province launches a high-quality rice cultivation project, aiming to have 125,000 hectares of low-emission rice growing areas by 2023.

The starting point

According to Le Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the world is increasingly paying more attention to the value of rice grains. That value lies not only in farming techniques but also in the responsibility of the producers.

The project for the sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation linked to green growth in the Mekong Delta region by 2030, in addition to reorganizing rice production throughout the region, also aims to create a sustainable rice production environment and foster environmentally responsible rice production habits among farmers by reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and producing quality products that meet market demands.

“The project is of significant importance not only to farmers in the Mekong Delta but also reflects the nation's determination to build a sustainable agricultural sector. Therefore, all stakeholders need to clearly understand this issue and act accordingly. The key to the project's success is farmers' participation in cooperatives. This is the only long-term solution to organize rice production. Participation in cooperatives with sufficiently large areas will be accompanied by investment in infrastructure, transportation, and conditions to reduce production costs on a large scale,” Mr. Le Thanh Tung added.

According to Nguyen Thanh Truyen, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Long An province, the launch of the Project is considered a milestone in the determination of farmers, businesses, and cooperatives to jointly build a sustainable rice industry chain. If the solutions in the Project are implemented effectively, it will not only increase the value of rice but also create a sustainable rice production environment for future generations.

According to information from the Provincial Department of Crop Production, Plant Protection and Agricultural Product Quality Management, the provincial agricultural sector is currently preparing the necessary conditions to implement the Project in the province. According to the project implementation plan, by 2030, 125,000 hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation areas will be established in the province, linked to the reorganization of the production system along the value chain, applying sustainable farming practices to increase the value and sustainable development of the rice industry, improve production and business efficiency, increase income and living standards of rice farmers, protect the environment, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to fulfilling Vietnam's international commitments.

Households participating in the project "Sustainable Development of 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Cultivation Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030" must apply one of the sustainable rice cultivation processes (In the image: Farmers in Long An applying a row planter in rice production).

Specifically, the project will be implemented in 7 districts of the province: Tan Hung, Vinh Hung, Moc Hoa, Tan Thanh, Thanh Hoa, Duc Hue, Thu Thua, and Kien Tuong town. The project will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 (2024-2025) focuses on consolidating the existing areas of the Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (VnSAT) in the province, totaling 60,000 hectares. Phase 2 (2026-2030) will identify key areas to develop new high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation zones outside the VnSAT project area and expand by an additional 65,000 hectares, aiming for a target of 125,000 hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation in the province.

Let's work together to implement and execute.

Tan Hung District has an annual rice cultivation area of ​​over 36,500 hectares with a production of over 510,000 tons. Participating in the Project, the district aims to have 15,000 hectares of high-quality, low-emission specialized rice by 2025 and 31,310 hectares of high-quality, low-emission specialized rice by 2030.

According to Phan Van Ni, Deputy Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Tan Hung District: Based on the criteria for selecting areas to participate in the Project, such as having a minimum contiguous area of ​​50 hectares; more than 20% of the rice cultivation area having applied one of the sustainable rice cultivation processes; more than 70% of the rice cultivation area having used certified or equivalent rice varieties; 100% of households committed to collecting straw from the fields for processing and reuse; more than 30% of the area having linked with businesses; more than 40% of households in the area having received training in sustainable rice cultivation processes;... the district selected Go Gon Agricultural Cooperative (Hung Thanh commune, Tan Hung district) as a pilot area for implementation.

According to Truong Huu Tri, Director of Go Gon Agricultural Cooperative, the application of scientific and technical advancements in the fields has long been effectively implemented by the cooperative and has received the approval and support of the people. With existing experience and the high determination of its members, the cooperative is determined to effectively implement the Project.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Truyen stated: “The important goal of the Project is to reorganize rice production towards sustainability, forming key areas for large-scale commercial rice production with systematic investment and value chain linkages, thereby increasing the value of rice grains and increasing income for rice farmers. At the same time, the Project also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, be environmentally friendly, and promote green growth.”

To effectively implement the Project, the provincial Department of Agriculture requires localities to base their actions on the Project's criteria, identify areas that meet the criteria, register and develop implementation plans; and allocate funds to complete the initial conditions for implementing the Project in 2024 and subsequent years. In addition, localities should proactively advise and propose mechanisms and policies to attract investment from businesses and support cooperatives participating in the Project, aiming for the sustainable development of the rice production value chain.”

It can be said that the launch of the Project in the province is considered the first step towards sustainable rice production. Much work remains to be done for its successful implementation, but with the enthusiastic response and determination of the local authorities, people, and businesses in the initial stages, we believe the Project will be effective and achieve its stated goals and objectives.

Source: https://danviet.vn/long-an-khoi-dong-de-an-trong-lua-chat-luong-cao-phan-dau-den-nam-2023-co-125000ha-vung-trong-lua-phat-thai-thap-20240702105501647.htm