On March 4, 2025, the Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Đỗ Đức Duy, convened an online conference aimed at devising solutions to the challenges affecting the rice production, harvesting, processing, and export sectors within the Mekong Delta region.
The meeting, which saw participation from various local officials and stakeholders, was also led by Ngô Công Thức, Vice Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People's Committee. It was a significant discussion focused on ensuring the sustainability of rice production, which is not only central to the regional economy but also to the livelihoods of many farmers and their families.
Kicking off the discussion, Minister Đỗ Đức Duy emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable rice production and addressing the pressing challenges the industry faces. Given the region's prominence as one of the leading rice-producing areas of Vietnam, authorities are well aware of the increasing difficulties posed by climate change, market fluctuations, and the challenges of adhering to international quality standards.
The Mekong Delta, often referred to as the country’s ‘rice bowl’, has been subject to adverse environmental changes, impacting both yield and quality. The Minister’s remarks shed light on the growing need for innovative agricultural practices and investments aimed at enhancing the resilience of local farming communities. This message resonates across various stakeholders within the agricultural sector, who are increasingly advocating for strategies to combat climate variations and promote efficient water management.
During the conference, it was highlighted how collaboration among various government levels would be necessary to optimize resources and share knowledge, which is pivotal for addressing the bottlenecks faced by rice producers. The focus was directed toward developing comprehensive policies encompassing technology transfer, financial support mechanisms for farmers, and adjusting the management of water resources to fit the new realities of climate impact.
Local food security stands at the forefront of these discussions, and officials voiced the urgency to create initiatives aimed at not only boosting rice exportability but also ensuring sufficient supplies for domestic consumption. Following the presentations, participants were encouraged to present innovative ideas on how the industry can tackle these multifaceted challenges effectively.
The conference attracted attention from various segments of the agricultural community, raising awareness of the pressing issues and facilitating experiential learning from shared best practices across different provinces within the Mekong Delta. Moving forward, the vision painted by the Minister reflects hope and determination among stakeholders to revitalize the sector and establish Vietnam’s rice production as competitive on the global stage.
By working collaboratively, combining resources, and committing to shared innovation, the participants believe there is potential to not only overcome existing challenges but also fortify the rice industry against future uncertainties. The effects of climate change and market unpredictability continue to loom large, but through these efforts, there is optimism for the future of rice production.
This online conference serves as just the beginning of broader reforms aimed at ensuring the longevity and sustainability of one of Vietnam’s key agricultural sectors. Continued dialogue between government officials and local communities will be pivotal as the country navigates the complexity of agricultural dynamics worldwide.