Improving the value of rice grains from science and green production
In the atmosphere of celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South, national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026) and International Labor Day May 1st, on the evening of April 25th, Ca Mau province officially opened the Week of Science, Technology - Culture, Tourism and the 1st Mekong Delta Delicious Rice Contest in 2026.
The event gathers businesses, cooperatives, scientists and many localities in the region, creating a forum to connect production, consumption and promote the Vietnamese rice brand.
Mr. Pham Van Thieu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of Ca Mau province, Head of the Week Steering Committee, said that the Mekong Delta plays a particularly important role in ensuring national food security and rice exports of the whole country.
However, the region is facing many challenges such as climate change, saltwater intrusion, increased production costs and increasing international market demands. Therefore, increasing the value of rice grains is a strategic task.
According to Mr. Pham Van Thieu, if the rice industry wants to develop sustainably, it must be based on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, production reorganization according to the value chain and national brand building.
In recent years, Ca Mau has promoted the application of technical advances in agricultural production adapting to nature, developing green economy and circular economy. Many new models have shown clear effectiveness, including the rice-shrimp model.
The 1st Mekong Delta Delicious Rice Contest, with 28 rice samples participating. According to the assessment of the Organizing Committee, many rice samples achieved high quality in both form and flavor.
Mr. Nguyen Tran Thuc, Head of the Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Ca Mau province, member of the Organizing Committee, commented: "This year's entries show that the rice grains are very even, bright and beautiful. When cooked, the rice achieves outstanding quality.
Mr. Truong Van Day, Head of Business Department, Loc Troi Seed Joint Stock Company (An Giang), said that the unit strictly controls the production process in a safe direction, minimizing chemicals, both reducing costs for farmers and protecting the environment.
Finding stable outlets for farmers
Mr. Nong Van Thach, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director of Ba Dinh General Agricultural Cooperative (Vinh Loc commune, Ca Mau), said that the BL9 rice sample for the competition is produced according to the rice-shrimp model, using entirely organic fertilizers and biological drugs.
This is not just a story about rice grains, but the sustainable green agriculture orientation of Ca Mau," Mr. Thach said.
Not only stopping at selecting delicious rice samples, the contest is also expected to become a bridge between producers and purchasing, processing and exporting businesses.
Many cooperatives believe that what farmers need most now is stable output to feel secure in investing in long-term production.
Ms. Truong Thi Thien Trang, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Director of Phu Long Agricultural Service Cooperative (Vinh Phuoc commune, Ca Mau province), said that the unit wants to find stable consumption partners, helping people avoid the scene of bumper crops and price drops, and at the same time gradually build their own brand.
According to the Organizing Committee, the contest and in-depth seminars in the series of events are an opportunity for localities, businesses and scientists to find solutions to remove bottlenecks in seeds, cultivation, processing and consumption, bringing Vietnamese rice into the high-value segment.
Results of the 1st Mekong Delta Delicious Rice contest in 2026:
First prize: Ba Dinh General Agricultural Cooperative (Vinh Loc commune, Ca Mau).
Second Prize: Thoai Son One Member Limited Liability Company (An Giang); Maison Group Joint Stock Company (Ca Mau).
Third prize: Hat Ngoc Rice Production Trading Co., Ltd. (Ca Mau); Loc Troi Seed Joint Stock Company (An Giang); Tom Rice Co., Ltd. (An Giang).
Consolation prizes: Khoi Hoang Co., Ltd. (Ca Mau); Thanh Son Cooperative (Ca Mau); Hung Phat Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. (Can Tho); Thai Binh Seed Co., Ltd. (Dong Thap); Kiet Chinh Import-Export Co., Ltd. (Dong Thap).
Best Rice Story" Award: Hoa Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative (Bac Lieu).
