Vietnam's rice industry stands as a time-honored tradition and a vital pillar of an economy, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers across the nation. In recent years, Vietnam has achieved remarkable milestones in rice production, significantly contributing to national food security. The country continues to uphold its position as a leading global rice exporter, with continuously soaring export figures.
The cultivation of rice goes beyond mere agriculture – it is interwoven with the fabric of Vietnamese society, shaping its culture and sustaining generations. Rice production forms the backbone of rural livelihoods, supporting the income and well-being of countless farming families across the country.
Distinctive Marks in Vietnames Rice Journey.
Over the past decades, the government has strived to increase rice production, initially for the domestic market and later for exports. Since 1993, Vietnam has become a major global rice exporter.
Before 1986, Vietnam had to import rice due to inadequate domestic production to meet local consumption demands. In 1986, with new economic development policies, including significant agricultural development initiatives, Vietnam's rice production rapidly increased in both quantity and yield. By 1989, Vietnam began rice exports, ending the era of rice shortages and transitioning to exports. Over the course of more than 30 years of rice exports, Vietnamese rice is now present in over 150 countries and territories.
Since 1986, rice has been at the forefront of not only the agricultural sector but also various other economic domains in terms of exporting goods abroad.
In the current context of agricultural restructuring, the rice industry is being actively restructured to enhance efficiency and sustainable development, with the goal of fully meeting domestic consumption needs, ensuring national food security, building and improving the rice value chain, increasing income for farmers, benefiting consumers, and achieving high-quality, high-value rice exports.
Rice is cultivated across the entire country, with major growing regions in the Red River Delta, the Central Coastal region, and the Mekong Delta. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the total area of rice cultivation in Vietnam is estimated to reach 7.1 million hectares in 2023, with a projected production yield of 43-43.5 million tons.
Top of the best Vietnamese rice chosen by consumers.
In Asian culture, rice is an indispensable dish in every meal of a Vietnamese family. To have a delicious bowl of rice, the choice of rice is extremely necessary. Famous rice varieties such as: ST25 Rice, ST24 Rice, Fragrant Jasmine Rice, Bac Huong Rice, Nang Xuan Rice, Sen Cu Rice, etc.
The diverse tapestry of Vietnamese rice varieties reflects the country's rich culinary heritage and agricultural prowess. From the fragrant elegance of jasmine rice to the coastal charm of " Bac Huong Rice" and the northern tradition of "Nang Xuan Rice" to the global acclaim of “ST25", these rice types continue to captivate palates around the world. As consumers savor the flavors and stories behind each grain, they partake in a culinary adventure that pays homage to Vietnam's cultural and gastronomic legacy.
In agriculture, the term "crop season" or "harvest season" is commonly used. The rice crop season refers to the time of rice cultivation and harvesting. Due to Vietnam's extensive geography, different regions experience various crop seasons. So, what are the specific crop seasons in each region, and what are the characteristics of these crop seasons throughout the year in Vietnam?
Red River Delta: The Red River Delta has two main rice crop seasons: the spring crop season and the main crop season.
Central Coastal Region: The central coastal region features three primary rice crop seasons: the summer-autumn crop, the winter-spring crop, and the main crop season.
Mekong Delta: The Mekong Delta primarily experiences two rice crop seasons: the main crop season and the off-season crop. Additionally, there is a third crop season known as the summer-autumn crop. Due to favorable conditions, the Mekong Delta stands as the largest rice-producing region in the country.
These are the distinctive characteristics of rice crop seasons across different regions in Vietnam, contributing to the nation's rich agricultural diversity and ensuring a steady supply of this essential staple.
By the end of July 2023, Vietnam's rice exports have made remarkable strides in multiple markets. Estimated figures reveal that Vietnam has exported 4.83 million tons of rice, valued at $2.58 billion USD, marking an impressive increase of 18.7% in volume and 29.6% in value compared to the same period in 2022. The average export price is estimated to reach $534 per ton, showing a notable growth of 9.2% from the corresponding period in 2022.
At a conference, Tran Duy Dong, the Director-General of the Department of Import and Export under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared a comprehensive report. The report indicates that during the first six months of 2023, rice exports reached 4.24 million tons, with a total value of $2.26 billion USD, reflecting a substantial increase of 21.3% in volume and 32.2% in value compared to the same period in 2022 (as per statistics from the General Department of Customs). The average export price stood at $533 per ton, demonstrating a robust growth of 9% compared to the previous year's average.
According to inter-ministerial estimates, Vietnam's rice exports are projected to reach 4.83 million tons, valued at $2.58 billion USD by the end of July 2023. This showcases a significant surge of 18.7% in volume and an impressive 29.6% in value compared to the same period in 2022. The projected average export price is anticipated to attain $534 per ton, reflecting a noteworthy 9.2% increase from the corresponding period in 2022.
As consumers explore the depths of flavor and tradition present in these rice varieties, they partake in a gastronomic journey that pays homage to Vietnam's heritage. Whether enjoyed in traditional family gatherings or innovative culinary creations, these rice types continue to capture the hearts and palates of individuals worldwide.
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