The VnSAT Kien Giang management board said the project costs over USD 300 million from 2015-2020, USD 230 million 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 realize 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 tons 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.
Source: VNA