People of Can Tho concerned about production connectivity

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National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) meets with people in Truong Long commune of Phong Dien district, Can Tho city, on November 26

The legislators met with citizens in Truong Long commune of Phong Dien district to inform them about the outcomes of the freshly concluded sixth session of the 14th parliament.

A resident in Truong Long commune said that farmers, including those in the Mekong Delta - the biggest agricultural hub of Vietnam - want to connect with one another in value chains to satisfy the export demand, but they haven’t been able to access support policies in this regard, while their production activities remain unplanned. This has led to the modest added value of their products.

NA Chairwoman Ngan shared the view that unstable prices as a result of agricultural production not being aligned with the market have made it hard for farmers to improve their livelihoods.

She noted although there has been a big amount of high-quality farm produce, they have yet to generate corresponding incomes for their producers. Meanwhile, they are being sold at high prices at supermarkets and in big cities, generating profits for others.

It is obvious that farmers are not the biggest beneficiary, the top lawmaker said, adding that forming connectivity in all steps, from input materials and seed supply to farming techniques and consumption, will help to raise product prices.

The Law on Cooperatives was issued in 2012. Cooperatives are an economic connection model in which members voluntarily cooperate to support one another and work to meet market demands.

Ngan asked local authorities to help residents access and implement this law as to help with the sustainable development of agriculture.

At the meeting, local citizens also called for stricter punishments for corrupt officials.

In terms of this issue, the NA Chairwoman said that at the recent sixth session, the parliament approved the law amending and supplementing some articles of the Anti-Corruption Law. The revised version includes regulations enabling people to monitor the anti-corruption work, along with stipulations on the protection of and rewards for whistleblowers, she said.

The mechanism for corruption prevention and control has been further specified in this law, she said.

Also on November 26, Chairwoman Ngan and other deputies of Can Tho met with people in An Phu ward of Ninh Kieu district. Meetings between legislators and voters are regular activities before and after each session of the NA.