Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà recently chaired a crucial meeting in Cần Thơ, focusing on managing rice production, consumption, and the ongoing drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta (ĐBSCL). This meeting took place amid significant challenges facing the rice sector, both in the market and regarding production conditions.
Analyzing Market Trends and Immediate Solutions
Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasized the need for accurate market analysis of global rice exports, clearly defining the responsibilities of businesses, banks, local governments, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to propose support solutions for farmers facing declining rice prices and price manipulation by traders.
Long-Term Strategies for the Rice Industry
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the necessity of long-term, scientific, and coordinated policies to ensure proactive rice production management during fluctuations in the export market and to protect farmers’ interests. Crucially, this requires a shift in mindset, establishing a system for monitoring, updating, and forecasting market trends, weather, and climate to effectively manage rice production, processing, and export activities.
Specific Requirements for Ministries and Local Authorities
The Deputy Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to assess the current state of the rice market, particularly the high-quality rice segment (accounting for 80% of export volume), to ensure price stability and promptly revise Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP to alleviate difficulties for exporting businesses.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was tasked with creating a comprehensive database of rice production and export activities, including weather patterns, market forecasts, cultivation techniques, and management strategies. The ministry must also define responsibilities and access rights for relevant parties, and research economic models for managing the rice market.
One Million Hectare High-Quality Rice Development Plan
The Deputy Prime Minister requested the completion of the plan for one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice, including projects for technical assistance, business selection criteria, and carbon credit calculation methods. Local authorities must strictly adhere to the Land Law and related decrees to effectively implement the plan.
Supporting Brand Development and E-commerce
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, is to develop a national rice brand strategy, register copyrights and geographical indications to promote trade, expand new markets, and develop e-commerce for the rice industry.
Support for Businesses
The State Bank of Vietnam needs to address business concerns, resolve difficulties related to loan terms, loan limits, and disbursement conditions, and consider preferential credit packages for businesses investing in technology for rice storage, processing, transportation, and export. The Ministry of Finance should explore tax reductions for businesses.
2025 Rice Production and Export Outlook
According to reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, this year’s paddy cultivation area is projected to reach 7 million hectares, a decrease of 132,000 hectares compared to 2024. The projected rice production in the Mekong Delta is 24.057 million tons from 3.793 million hectares; the winter-spring crop is expected to yield 10.772 million tons from 1.505 million hectares. By the end of February, the harvested winter-spring rice reached 4.174 million tons from 605,000 hectares. Rice yields have increased, while rice and paddy production remain stable. Rice exports in the first two months of the year are estimated at 1.1 million tons (a 5.9% increase), with a value of 613 million USD (a 13.6% decrease). Export prices have decreased to 553.6 USD/ton, a decrease of 18.3% compared to the same period last year.
Conclusion
Today’s meeting has outlined practical solutions to help the Mekong Delta’s rice sector overcome challenges, ensure effective exports, and support farmers. Enhanced market management, forecasting, and timely support policies are crucial for success.
