Farmers in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang have enjoyed their most productive rice crop ever, with 2.2 million tonnes harvested so far this year across 305,856 hectares.

However, the mood is not overly optimistic, as the low current price of rice means lower profits.

The local rice price in recent days has tended to decrease, varying from 4,400 VND-5,700 VND depending on the quality.

Many farmers have chosen not to sell their rice immediately in the hope for the value rising soon, despite loan deadlines looming.

Since early this year, Kien Giang has experienced a 50 percent decrease in its rice exports against the same period last year, contributing to the plummeting value.

Many local enterprises could not sign export contracts, while many deals between farmers and distributors have been broken.

In an effort to seek a solution, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade has directed local enterprises to speed up the purchase of rice for farmers, while working harder to find new markets and partners for rice businesses.-VNA