Quang Tri converts crops to cope with drought

Using drought resistant plants in rice paddies is one of the most effective ways to limit the damage caused by drought, and ensure stable earnings.

At the beginning of the Summer-Autumn crop season this year, Hai Lang district in Quang Tri province actively encouraged farmers to use new short-duration rice varieties that are highly resistant to drought and climate change.

""In the rice fields likely to be affected by drought next season, we will prepare short-duration rice varieties, such as Thien Muu 8 and Ma Lâm 48", said Nguyen Trien - Deputy Head of Division of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hai Lang District, Quang Tri Province.

In the summer-autumn crop season, Quang Tri Province will convert rice crops on over 16,000 hectares, 80% of all rice fields in the province. The varieties which are not resistant to drought will be replaced by high quality, short-duration rice varieties like PC6, HN6, and TL6. Local agricultural departments will focus on pest prevention in the summer-autumn crop season.

"We focus on the short-duration varieties which bring high quality and yield. Some popular rice varieties will be replicated. We need local authorities to raise awareness about rice variety conversion", said Vo Van Hung - Director of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

However, farmers will face difficulties when using new rice varieties, so local authorities need to provide support. This will help farmers successfully convert their crops in the coming summer-autumn crop season.