According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam exported approximately 9.18 million tons of rice in 2024, with an estimated turnover of $5.75 billion. Compared to the previous year, rice exports only increased by 12.9% in volume, but the value surged by 23%.
The country’s rice industry also set a historical record in terms of both output and value since 1989 (the first year Vietnam exported rice) up to the present. Notably, Vietnam has become the first nation globally to produce large-scale high-quality and low-emission rice on one million hectares.
At the conference “Prime Minister Dialogues with Vietnamese Farmers 2024” held on December 31, 2024, Mr. Le Thanh Long from An Giang province raised questions regarding the government’s plans to boost the carbon credit market and implement the project of one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice in the upcoming time.
Minister Le Minh Hoan shares the story of carbon credits in the project of one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta. Photo: VGP |
In response to the farmer’s question, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, shared that An Giang province has been very proactive in implementing the project of one million hectares of high-quality rice. In pilot models, An Giang reported a reduction of 20-30% in production costs, which would increase farmers’ profits. This is a very positive result.
Regarding carbon credits, the Prime Minister has directed the development of mechanisms and policies for this commodity market. However, Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized that the carbon credit market is a novel concept for both the world and Vietnam. Therefore, ministries and sectors are coordinating to propose to the Government for issuance.
In addition, he noted that we should not focus on how much money the sale of these credits would bring, but rather emphasize the immense benefits that this project brings to Vietnamese agriculture.
“For instance, straw can be made into pellets or used as a preparation for the next crop. The carbon credit project aims at a broader and more comprehensive goal than just the monetary value. I want farmers to understand the objective and significance of this carbon credit project,” shared Minister Hoan.
Previously, Minister Le Minh Hoan acknowledged that the project of one million hectares of high-quality rice in the Mekong Delta is yielding positive results for rice farmers. This is considered a revolution to develop the rice industry more robustly and extensively and to build the brand of Vietnamese low-emission rice globally.
The head of the agriculture sector also emphasized the goal of restructuring the rice industry towards sustainability, adaptability to climate change, and the trend of global green consumption.
He clarified that sustainable agricultural development should not only focus on yield and output but also aim to reduce production costs, enhance the quality and value of rice grains, ensure environmental protection, and safeguard farmers’ health.
Therefore, the Minister requested that authorities, businesses, and cooperatives accompany and support farmers. Businesses should commit to purchasing rice at prices higher than the market rate to encourage farmers to join cooperatives, foster collaboration, and increase profits. Authorities and party committees need to stand side by side, listen, and promptly address difficulties, thereby building trust and strengthening farmers’ attachment to the production chain.
Tam An
– 15:18 31/12/2024
