An Giang asked to improve food products for export

Thứ Tư, 15/03/2017, 15:05

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 14 met with leaders of An Giang province, a rice bowl of the Mekong Delta and the country, during which he asked the locality to improve the quality and added value of food products for export.

Leaders of the province asked for the PM’s approval on a hi-tech agriculture zone covering 200-300 hectares, a project to enhance connectivity in tra fish farming and to build a pig breeding centre with a capacity of about 650,000 piglets each year.

They also proposed that the PM consider the implementation of a VND4.75 trillion solar energy project with a capacity of 210MW

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked An Giang to decide key products to be produced at the hi-tech agriculture zone in order to determine a suitable production scale.

He also assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to help the province build connections for tra fish production, while approving the province’s proposal to recognise hi-tech enterprises.

He agreed on the implementation of the solar power project, but said that the project must not harm the environment.

An Giang is one of the four provinces in the Mekong Delta key economic region with high potential for agricultural and tourism development. However, the province’s agricultural sector has faced many difficulties due to climate change and extreme weather.

An Giang has also worked to transform its agricultural sector with a focus on aquaculture,  rice and livestock breeding, while developing fruit farms.

Also on March 14, the PM visited the Dinh Thanh Scientific Research Centre in Thoai Son district of An Giang, a rice research institute owned by the Loc Troi Group.

According to MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong, the production model developed by the centre is effective in rice production chains from research, varieties selection to cultivation and selling.

General Director of Loc Troi Group Huynh Van Thon suggested that the Government design strong measures and complete institutions and policies to protect intellectual property rights of rice scientists.

It is also necessary to reform land limitation policies to untie farmers and businesses, he said.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded the firm’s success in building an organic agricultural production model with high economic value, which is a good way to increase agricultural economic effectiveness.

Hailing the firm’s efforts in transferring agricultural technology to farmers, he expressed hope that the group will popularise its rice products in the Mekong Delta and northern regions.

With about 1,200 agricultural experts, the centre has successfully introduced Hat Ngoc Troi-branded rice, which was recognised as one of the three best rice varieties in the world during a recent rice conference held by The Rice Trader in Malaysia.
VNA