Diversifying agricultural markets, anticipating the Chinese market when the epidemic ends
(Baonghean.vn) - That is the requirement and also the industry's goal that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development put forward at the Conference on promoting agricultural production in the context of the Covid 19 epidemic taking place this afternoon (March 12).
On the afternoon of March 12, under the chairmanship of Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development held an online conference to promote agricultural production in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Attending the Nghe An side, comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development chaired.
 |
| Speaking at the conference, Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong stated: Agricultural production must ensure meeting both domestic and export needs. Photo source: sggp.org.vn |
A report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shows that: In the first two months of 2020, Vietnam's agricultural production has maintained and continued to grow. The whole country has cultivated over 3 million hectares of rice, many crops are being harvested, livestock and aquaculture production have all achieved positive results. However, due to the strong impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, the industry's export turnover only reached 5.34 billion USD, down 2.8% over the same period in 2019. Import turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products is estimated at about 4.3 billion USD, down 6.7% over the same period in 2019.
In addition to the Covid 19 pandemic directly affecting production, import-export activities and consumption of agricultural products, the agricultural sector also has to face the impact of climate change causing drought and saltwater intrusion appearing from the beginning of the year; the risk of epidemics in livestock; the yellow card for exporting marine seafood has not been removed...
Directing at the Conference, Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong said: In times of difficulty, it is even more necessary to stay calm, have appropriate solutions, and produce to meet food and food demand. At the same time, meet export demand, avoid interruptions that cause loss of market; meet the "explosive" demand for food and food after the epidemic ends.
 |
| Nghe An participated in the online conference chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van De - Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Photo: Phu Huong |
“Industries and localities must strengthen production to have enough food, ensure supply in all circumstances, focus on disease control measures, prevent outbreaks, prevent food prices from climbing to prevent profiteering, maintain production so that when the epidemic ends, there will continue to be momentum to develop production, ensuring export targets.
In particular, continue to develop the market in key localities of China, immediately after China controls the epidemic and announces normal reopening. Organize forums and promote trade, boost domestic consumption" - the Minister directed.
Vietnam's target for 2020 is to produce 43.4 million tons of rice; 4.7 million tons of corn; 18.2 million tons of vegetables and 13.3 million tons of fruit. In addition, it is expected to produce 5.8 million tons of meat of all kinds; 8.5 million tons of seafood. The target for agricultural, forestry and fishery export turnover is 42 billion USD.
 |
| In 2020, Vietnam aims to export 6.7 million tons of rice, worth over 3 billion USD. Photo: Phu Huong |
Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong stated: To achieve the set goals, the first thing is to identify early and clearly the risks and challenges to propose appropriate solutions; focus on directing strongly and synchronously with the participation of the state, businesses and people; discover advantages, turn risks into opportunities, exploit all opportunities; clearly define the responsibility of the leader in implementing the targets.
In Nghe An, the province has so far planted over 124,903 hectares of various crops. The whole province currently has nearly 730,000 buffaloes and cows, a total herd of over 864,000 pigs, over 26 million poultry... Faced with the difficulties caused by the Covid 19 epidemic, Nghe An has proactively and resolutely organized agricultural production, especially essential goods such as rice, meat, fish, green vegetables... to ensure adequate supply for consumer demand. Strongly transform the structure of crops and livestock towards diversifying products and diversifying consumption markets. At the same time, strengthen disease prevention in livestock, not letting one epidemic overlap another.