President Truong Tan Sang has underscored the important role that farmers play in the cause of national construction and defence, industrialisation and modernisation as well as Vietnam’s international integration.

He made the remarks during an October 15 ceremony in Hanoi to present the “Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer 2013” award to 62 eminent farmers, on the occasion of the 83 rd anniversary of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association (VFA).

President Sang said throughout history, farmers, who now make up 70 percent of the country’s total population and over 50 percent of the labour force, have made significant contributions to the prosperity of the country. They have been a loyal and major force in the renovation process, he stated.

The President voiced his hope that the awardees and farmers across the country in general will continue promoting their role and make further contributions to the development of the agricultural sector and rural areas.

VFA Chairman Nguyen Quoc Cuong said the 62 farmers honoured at the event have proven their creativity and dynamism, especially in applying modern technology in production to generate high efficiency in both yield and product quality.-VNA