Mekong Delta hosts Vietnam-Hau Giang International Rice Festival 2023

26/12/2023
The Vietnam-Hau Giang International Rice Festival 2023, a showcase of Vietnam’s growing role in the global rice market, brought together experts and delegates from around the world to explore the latest innovations and strategies in sustainable rice cultivation.

Doctoral students from India and Can Tho University visit the Cirad stand, welcomed by Ms. Tran Thi Chau, Cirad Assistant, at the Vietnam-Hau Giang International Rice Festival 2023. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

The Vietnam-Hau Giang International Rice Festival 2023 (, organized from December 11 to 15 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in coordination with the province of Hau Giang, highlighted Vietnam's growing role in the international rice market. For the first time since its inception in 2009, the festival achieves international reach, capturing the essence of Vietnam's aspirations in global agriculture.

Bringing together 214 international delegates from 37+ countries and territories, as well as 19+ organizations and 12+ international companies, the festival hosted numerous global figures, including the Ministers of Agriculture of Nepal and Venezuela, Deputy Ministers of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nigeria, the Philippines and Sierra Leone, as well as the ambassadors of Australia, Canada, Denmark and Singapore. Additionally, the active participation of international organizations as well as various research institutes also illustrated the festival's multi-faceted approach to global rice production and sustainability.

Green Rice for Life - Green Rice, Healthy Life

Themed "Green Rice for Life - Green Rice, Healthy Life," the festival featured an array of exhibitions showcasing rice products, One Commune One Product (OCOP) items, and other regional culinary delights. Industry leaders from the private sector such as Dai Thanh, Thai Binh Seed, Loc Troi Group, etc. exhibited cutting-edge agricultural technology and new rice varieties, showcasing both scientific advancements and engineering innovations. The festival also hosted multiple conferences and workshops at the Hau Giang Provincial Convention Center, providing a platform for discussions on Vietnam-Africa policy dialogue, South-South cooperation, support for food system transformation, responsible and sustainable development of Vietnam's rice value chain, and global rice market trends.

The festival showcased technical and scientific advancements in the agriculture industry with demonstrations of automation and mechanization of farming practices. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

The festival began with the record-setting "Vietnam Rice Road" inaugurated on December 11. It is a 1.3 km-long visual narrative along Xang Xa No Canal and Tran Hung Dao Street that ends with an impressive 3 x 9m map showing rice varieties from all 63 Vietnamese provinces and cities, tracing the evolution of Vietnamese rice cultivation over a millennium. This illustrative journey from humble beginnings to Vietnam's current status as a global rice powerhouse highlights the value of rice deeply entrenched in Vietnamese culture.

The ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â stand at the International Rice Festival - © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

A dedicated exhibition area was set up to highlight the newest scientific and technological innovations, highlighting research, international cooperation projects, and advanced machinery and technology. In this vibrant milieu, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â marked its presence with a colorful booth, presenting its various activities and projects in Vietnam.

The exhibition area garnered attention from various local and foreign delegations, and was notably visited by the Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Son, Director of Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, presents his booth to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Minister of MARD Le Minh Hoan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology Tran Hong Thai and Party Secretary of Hau Giang Province Nghiem Xuan Thanh. © L. Vo, ÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â

Launching the One Million Hectares Initiative

The opening of the festival was marked by the official announcement of the project of “Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Carbon Rice Cultivation in the Mekong Delta by 2030”. This ambitious initiative, at the heart of the festival, represents a shift towards an ecological approach in agriculture, combining technological advances and traditional knowledge.

In his address to the festival, broadcast live on Vietnam's national news channel, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the festival's role in showcasing Vietnam's commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in his address, broadcasted live at the event and on Vietnam’s national news. © VTV news

Vietnam is the first country to build the One million hectares rice project to improve people's lives and demonstrate its responsibility for the global community in tackling climate change and building a low-emission agriculture.

Pham Minh Chinh
Prime Minister of Vietnam

MARD minister Le Minh Hoan highlighted the importance of reversing the environmental impact of food production:

Embracing science and technology, along with a shift in perspective, is crucial. We must reverse the trend of overstepping ecological boundaries and move towards an agriculture that is in harmony with nature.

Le Minh Hoan
Minister of the MARD

Ms. Carolyn Turk, the World Bank's Country Director for Vietnam, emphasizes their support: "The World Bank supports this initiative, aiming to scale up from 180,000 hectares to 1 million. This project not only reduces carbon emissions but also increases profitability for farmers. Our role is to provide technical support, access to carbon markets, and resources to transform Vietnam's agricultural sector." Following this, Minister Le Minh Hoan and Ms. Carolyn Turk signed a letter of intent, cementing their partnership.

As Vietnam continues to cement its position as a leading rice exporter, focusing on low-emission, high-quality rice cultivation is poised to set new standards in the global market. The Vietnam-Hau Giang International Rice Festival 2023 marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's agricultural and environmental journey, promising a greener, more sustainable future.