VietNamNet Bridge – “I thought that flood would not come this year but it did suddenly,” said a senior farmer in the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho.

Late flood sways farmers in Vietnam’s southwestern region 

The flood has finally come to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta provinces, though very late.

From Can Tho city to O Mon, the fields along National Highway 91B are currently flooded. Last week, they were very dry.

In the districts of Thoi Lai, Co Do and Vinh Thanh in Can Tho city, small boats have appeared in the field to catch fish or pick vegetables.

Duong Van Ut, a farmer in Tan Loi village, Vinh Thanh district, said that late flood plus rain water has prevented local farmers from sowing rice. They will have to wait for flood water going down to seed. However, they are very happy to see the flood. Farmers said that the flood will clean up pests and bring the necessary alluvial to their fields.

Seeing the flood, many farmers in Dong My village, Co Do district, Can Tho city have been preparing nets to catch fish or dike their fields to breed fish. They said they would breed fish in the fields for over a month. During this time, fish can gain several grams in weight while the breeders don’t have to buy food for them.

Dr. Duong Van Ni from the Can Tho University said that the flood has finally come but from now on it will not be as regular as in previous years.

PV