The success story of Thanh Hoa’s organic rice brings an optimistic outlook on the future of Vietnam’s organic agricultural produce.
This hundred-hectare paddy field, which belongs to the Thiệu Hưng Co-operative in Thanh Hóa Province, is cultivating LDA – a strain of high quality rice. This strain was chosen by Lam Sơn Sugarcane JSC. Here, everything is grown organically to reduce greenhouse emissions. Biofertilizer is used to protect the environment and ensure the quality of the rice.
"We have received orders for our rice from the US, Japan, and South Korea, and at great quantities." - Le Van Tam, Chairman of the Board, Lam Son Sugarcane JSC.
This organic rice is being sold at about $1/kg. Lam Son Sugarcane JSC has signed contracts to rent land from farmers for a 20-year period. This brings long-term benefits to both sides and enhances Vietnamese rice’s competitiveness.
"Each year the Co-operative gives the farmers 230kg of rice for each plot. In return, they can be employed with a stable income." - Nguyen Van Duong, Director, Thieu Hung Co-operative, Thanh Hoa Province.
Thanh Hoa province is calling for authorities to assist Lam Son Sugarcane JSC in expanding the model, to up to 10.000 hectares of organic rice. Meanwhile, an agricultural produce processing factory with a capacity of 100.000 tonnes of produce per year is to be built in the near future.
