The role of farmers in building modern rural areas was discussed at a workshop organised by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences on April 2 in Hanoi.

Participants discussed the key role of farmers in the development of rural areas, legal documents on rural management, the relationship between law enforcement and village regulations.

Dr Le Cao Doan from the Vietnam Economics Academy highlighted the shift in the farmers’ role in the modernisation and industrialisation, saying agriculture has been becoming a goods production, business and investment sector rather than a self-sufficient sector.

He also stressed the need to enhance capability of farmers in the development of new style rural areas in terms of legal and social understanding to effectively implement the national programme on new style rural areas building.

Meanwhile, Dr Bui Quang Dung from the Academy of Social Sciences suggested local authorities develop a specific plan for building a modern rural area to assist farmers in adapting their cultivating habits.

He also pointed to a lack of finances, human resources, experience and knowledge as obstacles hinderring the development of farming households.-VNA