Philippines’ Deputy Minister of Agriculture Acknowledges Vietnam’s Remarkable Progress in Rice Industry
Published on: December 18, 2023.
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18 December 2023, Vietnam: Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines, Leocadio Sebastian, praises Vietnam’s agricultural development.
In a conference on December 13 in Hau Giang, Leocadio Sebastian, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines, expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s agricultural development. Having spent a significant amount of time in Vietnam and gaining a deep understanding of Vietnamese agriculture, Sebastian commended the progress that the country has made in this sector.
During his time in Vietnam as the chief representative of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Sebastian worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This collaboration involved providing consultations on scientific advancements, technology, and policy development for the ministry. Sebastian played an integral role in the development of the rice value chain in Vietnam, establishing a strong foundation for the production of high-quality rice.
One notable project in which Sebastian directly participated is the Smart Map, also known as CS-MAP. This initiative aids in predicting saltwater intrusion and climate change, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. The CS-MAP tool enables efficient rice production management by identifying areas at risk of drought, floods, or saltwater intrusion based on climate forecasts. This information allows authorities at various levels to provide technical recommendations and minimize damage to rice productivity and output.
Reflecting on his more than six years of collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sebastian commended Vietnam’s achievements in developing the rice industry. During his initial discussions with Former Deputy Minister Le Quoc Doanh a decade ago, the focus was on enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese rice. Sebastian acknowledged the significant progress made since then, including increased rice prices, improved productivity, and higher-quality rice.
However, Sebastian also emphasized that Vietnam’s emphasis on rice exports poses challenges to production. To ensure the sustainability of this sector without harming the environment and maintaining a balanced market economy, clear roadmaps need to be established by managers.
As international guests attending the conference observed, Vietnam demonstrates openness by hosting thematic seminars. As a leading rice-producing country, Vietnam is committed to sharing expertise, knowledge, and stories of scientists and farmers who exemplify perseverance.
The Philippines is also striving to enhance its rice production chain to better suit its needs. With Vietnam being a major rice-exporting nation and the Philippines importing approximately 15 million tons of rice annually, there are ample opportunities for both countries to collaborate.
Sebastian noted that many farmers in Vietnam are transitioning towards producing high-quality and sustainably grown rice, rather than intensively cultivating rice. Vietnam’s success in developing its agriculture serves as a catalyst for sharing knowledge and assistance with other countries.
By sharing expertise and aiding in the development of rice production in other nations, Vietnam benefits not only itself but also the global community. Countries worldwide aim to promote green and sustainable production practices in line with the changing times. Adaptation of production methods to suit specific contexts and fostering comprehensive regional connectivity are crucial aspects of this transformation, as highlighted by the Philippine Deputy Minister.
Rice has long been a vital industry in Vietnam, supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. In recent years, Vietnam has achieved significant milestones in rice production, contributing significantly to national food security. Additionally, it maintains its position among the world’s leading rice exporters, with a consistently increasing export turnover.
However, Vietnam’s rice industry faces numerous challenges, particularly in the current context of fluctuating global markets, changing consumer preferences, and climate change. To overcome these obstacles, the rice industry must adapt by improving rice quality, reducing input costs, adjusting to climate change, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring national food security. By expanding consumption markets and focusing on building a sustainable rice brand in the international market, Vietnam can overcome these challenges and secure a prosperous future for its rice industry.
Source: [Krishak Jagat](https://www.en.krishakjagat.org)
