On July 30, the Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Ho Chi Minh City held a meeting with industry associations and the press to provide information on the implementation of the agricultural and rural development plan for the first six months of the year, and the tasks for the last six months of 2024.
Commenting on the agricultural sector's situation in the first six months of 2024, Mr. Le Viet Binh - Head of the Southern Region Representative Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that there were both advantages and challenges, including market fluctuations, severe hot weather, droughts in the Central Highlands and Central regions, and saltwater intrusion in the southern provinces...
"The Ministry and the entire sector have proactively coordinated with other ministries, sectors, and localities to focus on implementing solutions for production development, responding to market fluctuations, weather, and diseases; promoting trade, and opening markets to boost agricultural product consumption," Mr. Le Viet Binh said.
In particular, facing the risk of livestock and poultry diseases (especially African swine fever), the Ministry has strengthened directives to localities to prevent, detect, and handle cases of illegal transportation and trading of livestock breeds and products of unknown origin. As a result, livestock and poultry farming has developed relatively stably.
In the first six months, the total export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reached 29.2 billion USD, up 19% compared to the same period in 2023. The United States, Japan, and China are the three largest export markets for Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Imports reached 20.92 billion USD. The trade balance of the agricultural, forestry, and fishery sector achieved a surplus of 8.28 billion USD.
Mr. Le Thanh Tung - Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production also stated that despite many warnings about climate adaptation, in 2023 and 2024, the dry season had complex characteristics such as prolonged duration, although there were rains, they were not stable. The water source from the Mekong River during the dry season was less.
This also caused deeper saltwater intrusion inland, prolonged duration, and high salinity concentration; however, it did not severely affect crop and livestock production.
In the last months of 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to direct the production of rice for the Summer-Autumn, Autumn-Winter, and Winter-Spring crops in line with weather and market developments. Closely monitor the production of industrial crops and fruit trees, especially key fruit trees, to provide appropriate guidance for staggered harvesting, increasing the proportion of certified products (safe, GAP).
Implement strict control measures on the trading and transportation of livestock, poultry, and related products, especially at border gates, trails, and open paths in border areas. Strongly develop the market, remove barriers, and create favorable conditions for the consumption of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.
At the same time, accelerate the implementation and disbursement of public investment capital. Closely monitor weather, water sources, and hydrometeorological developments to decisively implement urgent solutions to prevent drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion, ensuring no water shortages for domestic use and agricultural production.
