Rice production in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang recorded over 4 million tonnes in 2014, up 17,000 tonnes from 2013 while the cultivation areas declined by 16,254 hectares to 625,086.

According to Do Vu Hung, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the rise stemmed from the increased application of scientific and technological advances though the province is implementing a reform that decreased the rice cultivation acreage for the farming of other crops.

He stressed that advanced techniques helps improve the quality of the grain which bring farmers higher profits.

The province has so far developed large-scale fields covering a total area of 34,200 hectares, a year-on year increase of 200 hectares.

An Giang now ranks second nationwide in paddy rice production. Its rice has made inroads in many countries around the globe and each year brings the province lucrative earnings. Last year, the staple earned 203 million USD.-VNA