Day 8/3, in Vi Thanh ward (Can Tho City), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Organize a preliminary conference to review two years of implementing the Sustainable Development Project 1 million hectares specializes in cultivating high quality rice, Low emissions associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta (Mekong Delta) to year 2030.

Speaking at the conference, Member of the Politburo, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang said after more than two hours of serious work, The conference has completed its entire proposed program. Delegates heard a preliminary report summarizing two years of project implementation and many enthusiastic opinions from localities, enterprise, Cooperative, international organizations and experts.

According to the Minister, These comments provide important practical information, At the same time, propose many practical solutions for the next phase of the project. Leader Ministry of Agriculture and Environment recognize and praise the active participation of localities, unit, business community, cooperatives and farmers in recent times.

Change in thinking about rice production

According to assessments at the conference, with a methodical approach, responsibility and synchronization, The project has initially achieved many positive results. One of the most obvious changes is the change in awareness of both the political system and the people towards the goal of sustainable development of the rice industry..

Now, The project is identified not only as a production development program but also as an important step in the process of restructuring the rice industry in the Mekong Delta., towards green agriculture, sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Farmers in many localities have gradually changed traditional farming practices, Access and apply advanced production processes such as "1 must 5 reduce", “3 decreases 3 increase", Smart rice farming adapts to climate change. At the same time, Many irrigation water management models use the alternating flood and dry method (AWD), Reasonable use of fertilizers and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are also implemented.

Some localities such as Can Tho, Dong Thap and An Giang have proactively replicated high-quality rice production models, helps increase income for farmers, At the same time, it contributes to reducing emissions.

Besides that, A number of large enterprises have participated in the high-quality rice value chain, Support farmers from production to product consumption, Gradually form sustainable and transparent production links.

According to the Minister, These initial results not only contribute to improving the value of the rice industry but are also consistent with Vietnam's commitment at COP26 on the goal of bringing net emissions to "zero" by 2019. 2050. At the same time, This is also the foundation to build the Vietnamese rice brand in a "green" direction – clean – quality – sustainable”.

Reshaping the rice industry towards sustainability

However, The project implementation process still faces many challenges, That is, some localities are still confused in organizing implementation; Irrigation infrastructure, especially infield irrigation, does not meet production requirements. Post-harvest straw treatment also has many limitations.

Minister Tran Duc Thang paid special attention to the issue of post-harvest straw treatment, consider this an important step to reduce emissions and promote the development of circular agriculture. Besides, The production organization capacity of some cooperatives and enterprises is still limited; Green financial resources and support mechanisms for emission reduction models need to continue to be promoted more strongly.

So that the project continues to be implemented effectively and in depth, Minister Tran Duc Thang proposed to the ministries, branch, Localities and related units will focus on implementing many key tasks in the coming time.

Inside, The Ministry of Finance is requested to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to soon complete procedures for approval of the project "Infrastructure and technical support for high-quality rice.", low emissions in the Mekong Delta”, Using IBRD loan from World Bank, At the same time, allocate resources to implement the project's tasks according to Decision 1490/QD-TTg.

The State Bank of Vietnam is requested to continue directing credit institutions to arrange preferential capital sources, create conditions for businesses, Cooperatives and farmers have access to credit for high-quality rice production, Low emissions.

While, The Vietnam Farmers' Association and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance continue to accompany localities in propaganda, Guide farmers to participate in the project and promote the development of new cooperatives.

For localities, The Minister proposed to proactively develop a plan to expand the area applying sustainable farming processes, suitable for each ecological region; Arrange funds to implement activities from year to year 2026 to replicate the model according to the registered plan.

Localities also need to invest in upgrading in-field irrigation systems, Develop water-saving irrigation models such as AWD, At the same time, improve storage and logistics infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

Besides that, Need to strengthen business links – Cooperative – farmers along the value chain, Promote the application of digital technology in production management and product consumption, At the same time, raise people's awareness about sustainable rice production and post-harvest straw treatment.

According to Minister Tran Duc Thang, Vietnam is facing a great opportunity to reshape the rice industry in a modern direction, sustainable and environmentally responsible.

He appealed to the ministries, branch, local, enterprise, Cooperatives and farmers continue to join forces, innovation, determined to successfully implement the project, thereby contributing to building green agriculture, rich farmers, civilized and modern countryside.