Speaking at the recent seminar on reforming Vietnam’s rice industry opened on November 26 in Hanoi, several local and international experts commented that there remains several weaknesses in Vietnam’s rice production sector.
Dr. Robert Zeigler, general director of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), said that even though the country is the world’s second biggest exporter of rice, the quality remains relatively low and farmers’ incomes are modest. He added that it is time for the country to change the variety selection and cultivation methods.
Dr. Robert Zeigler, general director of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
“Normally, it is thought that the best way for farmers and those who live in rural areas to improve their living standards is to move to cities. However, reforming the rice industry could change this formula,” Rebert said.
He went on to say that economic growth has resulted in an increase in demand for higher quality rice.
“I believe this is an opportunity and a direction for the future. We can change the way rice is produced in Vietnam to better meet the needs of the world market. Vietnam really has a chance to take a leadership role in the next decade,” he emphasised.
In his opinion, in order to do this it is essential to pay more attention to the cultivation of higher quality rice varieties and better penetrate major export markets instead of exporting large quantities of low-quality rice.
He added that IRRI would provide assistance with research, development and technical programmes. Between 2015 and 2020, these programmes would focus on the selection of high quality rice varieties, developing Vietnam’s brand, reducing the rate of pre-and post-harvesting losses and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Meanwhile, Jong Ha Bae, chief representative of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation in Vietnam, said that Vietnam has made significant progress over the past 30 years, transforming from a rice importer into a major rice exporter, but that, in coming years, the sector would also face several new challenges. These, Bae said, will require the industry to conduct comprehensive reform and work out a national action plan.
