The model marks the start of a project on sustainably growing one million hectares of high-quality, low-carbon rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030.(Photo: VNA) The launching ceremony saw the attendance ofrepresentatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),and 12 Mekong Delta localities participating in the project, farmers, experts and thosefrom international organisations.
The 50-hectare model will be carried out at ThuanTien Cooperative in Thanh An commune, applying sustainable farming techniques.
Director of Thuan Tien Cooperative Nguyen Cao Khaisaid once the model proves successful, it will be replicated in all of thecooperative’s 512 hectares, and other localities.
Deputy Director of the municipal Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development Tran Thai Nghiem said farmers and the local agriculturalsector share the hope that cutting-edge farming methods will soon be put inplace in Can Tho, contributing to raising rice quality and cutting emissions fromcultivation.
Rice output in the Mekong Delta, dubbed the nation'srice granary, has remained stable at 24-25 million tonnes per year, accountingfor more than half of the country’s total amount and 90% of its rice exports.
The same day,the MARD launched five demonstration sites on high-quality, low-carbon rice cultivation to train localfarmers.
The project has received the support from manyinternational organisations and businesses such as the World Bank and the InternationalRice Research Institute.
IRRI Deputy Director General Joanna Kane-Potakaexpressed her hope that through the pilot model, farmers can learn from experienceof experts and partners in low-carbon rice cultivation./.
VNA
