Hanoi strives to enhance the rice brand. (Photo: Finance Magazine)

High economic efficiency

After more than 5 years implementing Hanoi’s plan to grow Japonica rice, the program has so far shown high economic efficiency, exceeding the set target.

According to Hanoi Agricultural Development Center, in 2022, the unit has deployed the construction of 16 Japonica rice and high-quality commodity rice production areas, with 3 rice-fish farming systems in 19 communes in 8 districts in the city (with a total area of 1.117 hectares, including 704,5-hectare Spring crop and 412,5-hectare Late-summer crop).

In particular, 60 hectares are for organic rice production, 5 hectares for herbal rice, 12 hectares for rice-fish farming, 300 hectares for rice production towards VietGAP standard, and 740 hectares for safe rice production The economic efficiency of producing Japonica rice and high-quality rice is higher than that of Khang Dan 18 rice from 10,3 to 15 million VND per hectare per crop.

Notably, the city’s Japonica rice area has increased 2,55 times compared to 2018 (in 2018, the rice area was 3.651 hectares and in 2022, the area was more than 10.000 hectares). The results of developing Japonica rice in particular and high-quality commodity rice pursuant to export standards in general have contributed to bringing Hanoi’s high-quality rice variety structure to over 60% in 2022.

In Ung Hoa District, there are 8.350 hectares of rice grown, including more than 5.660 hectares of high-quality rice, such as: Yellow flower sticky rice, fragrant rice, and Japanese rice variety J02. In an attempt to enhance the value of rice products, the District has built the brand “Khu Chay Rice”.

The commodity rice area belongs to the Khu Chay rice chain, Ung Hoa District. (Photo: Kinhtedothi)

Head of Doan Ket Agricultural Production and Business Cooperative (Cooperative), Phuong Tu commune, Ung Hoa District Cao Thi Thuy shared that with the goal of exporting, the Cooperative has applied high technology from producing the quality J02 rice variety to applying synchronous mechanization from land preparation, rice care and harvesting for a long time. With an area of over 310 hectares, the Cooperative is currently cooperating with the consumption of J02 rice products for farmers in Ung Hoa District and neighboring districts to build the Khu Chay rice brand.

According to Ms. Trinh Thi Nguyet, Head of Dong Phu Organic Agricultural Cooperative, Chuong My District, the District is planned by the City as a high-quality commodity rice production area. Along with encouraging farmers to develop production towards a safe direction, the District has expanded the development of the Japanese Japonica variety in Dong Phu commune with an area of 47 hectares.

“With the environmentally friendly production and delicious rice quality certified by the US and Japan, the value of Dong Phu organic rice grains is much higher than traditional rice cultivation. The entire organic rice area of Dong Phu is signed to cover all products at stable prices to help farmers for a period of 5 years”, Ms. Nguyet said.

Hanoi rice went to Americas, Japanese, and Australians

Currently, in Hanoi city, there are more than 200 concentrated rice production areas, with a total area of approximately 40.000 hectares; each area is 50 hectares or more, with some areas up to more than 300 hectares.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ta Van Tuong said that through implementing the high-quality commodity rice production program, some varieties have shown higher productivity, quality, and economic efficiency, from 15% to 20% compared to traditional rice varieties.

In particular, the Japonica rice variety has been exported to some countries, such as: America, Japan, and Australia. Promoting the production of high-quality commodity rice that meets export standards not only brings high income to farmers but also enhances competitiveness in the market and meets the trend of international integration.

According to the Head of Hanoi Agricultural Development Center Hoang Thi Hoa, production consumption is the key step. Therefore, in order to develop sustainable production, right from the beginning of the crop, the Center has connected businesses to sign contracts for production consumption; at the same time directed cooperatives to develop product consumption plans for farmers.

Consequently, there were 5 businesses selling products for farmers, including: Vietnam High-tech Agricultural Materials and Seeds Joint Stock Company, Bac Hai Industrial Investment and Development Company Limited, Long Vu Company, Khang Long Company, and My Loan Company.

High quality rice products of Tam Hung Agricultural Cooperative, Thanh Oai District. (Photo: Lam Nguyen)

In addition to production development, the Center pays special attention to building production and product consumption chains to increase value and affirms Hanoi’s high-quality rice brand. Accordingly, in 2022, the Center has successfully built the product chain “Nam Phuong Tien Organic Japonica Rice” for Nam Phuong Tien Organic Agriculture Cooperative (Chuong My District).

In the upcoming time, to improve the Hanoi rice brand, in the period 2021-2025, the structure of high-quality rice varieties in the entire city must reach over 80% of the cultivated area. Consequently, Hanoi strives to maintain and develop 200 Japonica rice growing areas and high-quality rice products in the direction of safety, VietGAP, organic, and meeting export standards.

Along with promoting the development of rice brands, Hanoi will build and form from 3 to 5 domestic and rice export chains.

Mr. Tuong informed that the Hanoi Agricultural sector continues to coordinate with localities to plan production areas, build large sample fields, support farmers in applying scientific and technical advances, and also bring mechanization into high-quality commodity rice production.

“In addition, Hanoi will support investment in infrastructure, waterway traffic for areas specializing in large-scale commodity production in general and rice farming areas in particular; continue to support cooperatives and businesses in building brands and promoting trade promotion activities and promoting products in the market”, Mr. Tuong affirmed.