VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam’s agriculture and rice tilling in particular has been under so much pressure that it will have to undergo restructuring.  

According to the World Bank (WB), Vietnam only needs 3-3.2 million hectares of paddy land to ensure its food security and rice export.

When calculating the volume of rice Vietnam needs for domestic consumption and export, the WB’s group of researchers considered many scenarios about supply, with different possible land areas and yields, and scenarios about demand, with different rice consumption per capita.

There are three scenarios for rice consumption: 100 kilos per capital per annum, 120 kilos and 140 kilos. 

When income improves, people will consume less rice, leading to lower rice demand.

Vietnam’s agriculture and rice tilling in particular has been under so much pressure that it will have to undergo restructuring.

Researchers have found that, with 3.8 million hectares of paddy land in 2025-2030, Vietnam would still have 6-8 million tons of rice that could be exported. 

Meanwhile, with 3.2 million hectares, Vietnam would have 4 million tons for export, and of 3 million hectares, it would have one million ton re for export.

As such, the researchers have suggested retaining 3.2 million hectares of paddy land, considering this the safest way to ensure food security.

WB also pointed out that Vietnam’s agriculture now needs to undergo restructuring to improve productivity and increase value for its farm produce.

Vietnam grows rice on 7.6-7.7 million hectares and with an average yield of 57.8 quintal per hectare, the total output is 44.5 million tons.

According to MARD, Vietnam plans to reduce the land area for rice cultivation by 100,000 hectares to make room for other annual crops, such as corn and plants for animal feed.

Experts believe that in order to improve the quality of rice and farm produce, the State needs to change the way of management. 

It should set up standards for rice quality and allow enterprises to provide seeds under the market mechanism. If so, farmers would be able to choose the best seed suppliers and grow rice at the most reasonable cost.

To ensure rice consumption, the State should set up programs on collecting rice for stockpiles and buy rice from farmers at best prices. 

“With such organization, farmers would be able to estimate profits they can expect, which would make them feel secure about production,” said Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, an expert.

Tuan noted that there have been big changes in consumers’ tastes. It is difficult to sell hybrid rice despite low prices, and it is easier to buy high-quality products despite the high prices.


NCDT