The proposal was made at a workshop on reforming the rice industry toward raising added value and sustainable development for building new rural areas, which was held by the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and IRRI in Hanoi on November 26.

To help Vietnam’s agriculture fulfil its 2015 – 2020 target, IRRI will focus its assistance on hybridization of high quality rice varieties, commercializing the production of rice specialities to meet domestic and export demands and building Vietnam rice brand name.

IRRI will also focus on measures to reducing pre and post-harvest losses and losses caused by climate changes. 
 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said the rapid and sustainable growth of the agricultural sector, particularly rice, creates a firm foundation for national comprehensive development. However, the agricultural sector faces a demanding task as its contribution to GDP dropped from 20% in 2010 to 19% in 2013. This requires the sector to overcome challenges to further contribute to national development.

Doanh added that IRRI assistance will also help rice farmers improve their income.

IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler suggested that Vietnam’s rice production sector should further renew its work to help rice farmers improve their lives.

Vietnam has exported rice to many countries in the world but its rice is not of high quality and not competitive. However, Zeigler hoped with its potential and IRRI support, Vietnam’s rice industry will further develop.