2017: Nghe An's agriculture sector strives to achieve a growth rate of 4.5%.

(Baonghean.vn) - On the afternoon of January 10th, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a conference to summarize its work in 2016 and implement tasks for 2017. Mr. Dinh Viet Hong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, chaired the conference.

Agricultural production in 2016 took place under difficult conditions due to complex weather patterns, with a prolonged period of severe cold at the beginning of the year, and temperatures dropping to record lows (-3°C).^oIn mountainous areas (where snow and ice appear), there is widespread hot weather in the middle of the year, followed by heavy rains and flash floods at the end of the season, causing significant damage to production.

Comrade Dinh Viet Hong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee - delivered a speech at the conference.

However, thanks to the efforts of the entire sector and localities, the agriculture and rural development sector still achieved positive results. The productivity and output of many crops increased significantly, so the growth rate of the sector's production value for the whole year reached 4.35% (compared to the target of 4-4.5%); the number of communes meeting the new rural standards reached 43 (compared to the target of 30 communes); the internal economic structure of the sector continued to shift in a positive direction, with continued positive shifts in pure agriculture, the proportion of crop cultivation gradually decreasing, while the proportion of livestock and services increased significantly.

On behalf of the authorized representative, Comrade Dinh Viet Hong presented the Third-Class Labor Medal from the President of Vietnam to the individuals.

The Government awarded the Emulation Flag to the Nghe An Plant Breeding Center.

Production structures and cropping patterns have been adjusted towards increasing added value and sustainability, in line with the restructuring of the agricultural sector and adaptation to climate change. Productivity, quality, and economic efficiency of many crops have increased significantly. Forestry production has undergone a strong qualitative transformation, ensuring both environmental protection and socio-economic development, leading to sustainable and efficient growth. In particular, despite facing numerous difficulties due to marine environmental incidents, the fisheries sector has seen increased production, the development of offshore fishing capacity, and a significant increase in aquaculture productivity.

The Prime Minister's Certificate of Commendation was awarded to individuals.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture and Rural Development sector; at the same time, he noted that in 2017 the sector will face many difficulties due to the impact of the global economy, agricultural product prices will be on a slight downward trend due to abundant supply and low consumer demand. The impact of climate change is also becoming increasingly evident, with unusual and extreme developments.

Under these circumstances, the sector needs appropriate solutions to achieve the goal of restructuring the agricultural sector. Continue to vigorously implement restructuring, build a modern, high-value-added, and efficient agricultural sector; prioritize directing and mobilizing resources for rural development, focusing on implementing the National Target Program for building new rural areas, poverty reduction, and social security. Strive for a 4-4.5% increase in agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production value in 2017.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development awarded the 2016 Emulation Flag to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

On this occasion, two individuals were awarded the Third-Class Labor Medal by the President, one collective received the Government's Emulation Flag, and nine individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister for their outstanding achievements; the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was awarded the Emulation Flag for 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Phu Huong