Localities in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu are aiming to develop large-scale rice fields to improve productivity and efficiency.

The province has applied laser technology in levelling 100 of nearly 5,600 hectares zoned off for large-scale fields.

Pham An Lac from Lang Giai village said the technology helps reduce production costs, increase productivity and facilitate harvests.

A number of cooperatives have also been formed in Hong Dan and Phuoc Long districts to connect enterprises with farmers.

The localities have invested in hundreds of embankments to regulate irrigation systems for local rice production.

As many as 14 water supply stations are to be completed within the year in Phuoc Long district, one of the localities expected to serve as a role model for modern rural areas.

Harvesting machinery will also be bought for the summer-autumn crop.

In 2014, Bac Lieu recorded a 12 percent economic growth and per capita GDP rose to 39.33 million VND (1,800 USD).

Four communes in Bac Lieu completed all 19 criteria for the new-style rural area building programme and six others fulfilled at least 15 of the criteria.-VNA