The Prime Minister has ordered the Mekong Delta to purchase and stockpile 1 million tonnes of rice in the winter-spring crop.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) was requested to direct commercial banks to offer loans for the purchase, with a six-month maturity through August 31.

Interest rates will be wholly subsidised by the SBV until June 30.

In collaboration with the People’s Committees of centrally-run cities and provinces in the region, the Vietnam Food Association will be responsible for allocating the rice to be purchased by each locality.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade will closely monitor the process in line with regulations.-VNA