The COVID-19 pandemic situation in Thap Muoi has gradually been put under control but this does not mean that this locality is indifferent to the pandemic. During the implementation of social distancing according to Directive No. 16, Thap Muoi has implemented many measures to make it as convenient as possible for people to harvest rice while ensuring safety amid the pandemic.
Because Thap Muoi is strictly implementing social distancing under Directive 16, the rice harvest is very different from in previous years.
On village roads, only rice cutters and porters are working while there is a lack of the bustling atmosphere that is usually seen during the harvest season and there are no gatherings of chatting farmers.
Hoang Anh Quoc, a farmer in Hamlet 1, Tan Kieu Commune, said that before the harvest, local people here were very worried because they were afraid that they would not be able to hire combine harvesters from other localities to help with harvesting.
Understanding the concerns of farmers, local authorities devised optimal plans to help field owners in harvesting rice.
The local commune established trade union groups to help farmers with harvesting, from arranging cutting machines to loading and transporting rice.
“Thanks to the commune’s trade unions, who are responsible for harvesting rice for farmers, the people here feel secure. Although the rice price is slightly lower than of previous years, it is good for in such a complicated epidemic situation. I am very happy that the rice harvest is being facilitated in line with ensuring safety during the pandemic,” Quoc said.
Members of trade union groups are vaccinated and tested for SARS-CoV-2 every three days while their travel schedules are closely managed.
Le Van Lap, in charge of the trade union of My Hoa Commune, said “The trade union harvests rice for people in the commune and neighbouring communes. Before moving from one locality to another, the departure and arrival of the team must be approved by the localities while paying attention to 5K recommendations on disease prevention and control”.
According to statistics, Thap Muoi currently has 389 combine harvesters, 1,597 machine workers and 940 members of trade union groups to assist farmers with harvesting rice, basically meeting the local demand during the main harvest.
In addition, about 183 rice traders are listed by the district as eligible to enter the locality to purchase rice.
“The district has created all favourable conditions for traders to approach farmers to buy rice. The district has also supported them by providing COVID-19 vaccination and rapid testing before meeting local farmers,” Vice Chairman of Thap Muoi District People's Committee Le Van Ngot said.
Thap Muoi District currently has 217 cases of COVID-19, which makes it one of the localities with the lowest number of infections in Dong Thap Province.
The district has required its communes to create the most favourable conditions for rice harvesting while closely monitoring trade union groups and traders to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
