Damaged rice, a lack of capital, and no contracts with dealers present farmers in the area with bleak prospects.
With the alkaline soil, farmers already have difficulties in suitable plants to grow. Now they are likely to be left debt-ridden because of prolonged severe drought. Trần Văn Thời District has more than 11,000 hectares of rice fields reporting 30 to 70% in losses. The district authorities have reviewed the list of affected households and the extent of damage.
To help reduce the burden of drought and increased salinity, the government will grant more than 6 million USD to 9 affected provinces. The State Bank of Vietnam has also instructed banks to suspend interest on loans for farmers in damaged regions. Farmers are encouraged to actually even more to continue farming the next crop. Close collaboration between the authorities and banks will be vital in supporting farmers going through this tough time./.
