WB-funded project improves rice production in Kien Giang hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
 
Kien Giang (VNA) – A conference reviewing the Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation (VnSAT) Project 2018 took place in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on January 9.

The VnSAT Kien Giang management board said the project costs over 300 million USD from 2015-2020, 230 million USD of which comes from loans of the World Bank (WB) and the remaining from Vietnam.

In 2016, the project covered 29,250ha, benefiting 15,215 farming households in 22 communes in districts of Tan Hiep, Hon Dat, Go Quao, Giong Rieng, Giang Thanh, U Minh Thuong and Chau Thanh, and Rach Gia city.

Do Minh Nhut, Director of the project, said it aims to realise the local agricultural restructuring scheme; renew cultivation in a safe, sustainable and effective manner; improve value chain and competitiveness of local rice sector; and increase farmers’ income and mitigate harmful impacts on the environment.

Almost farming households joining the project have undergone technical training and switched to new crops.

Up to 115 points of showcasing rice sowing and straw rolling machines have been launched. Large-scale model fields in combination with consumption have been developed while up to 47 cooperatives were formed.

Rice productivity in project areas increased to 7-8 tonnes per ha, thus providing materials for export.

Farmers have adopted advanced technical solutions to reduce manufacturing costs, and increase profitability and competitiveness.

In the near future, the board will help with building major infrastructure in project areas. Agricultural technicians in cooperatives will receive further technical training in rice cultivation up to VietGAP standards.

More credit will be provided for farmers and sustainable rice production connectivity chains will be formed to improve the quality and trademark of Kien Giang rice.-VNA
VNA