Food production reached an all-time high.

In 2017, despite facing many severe difficulties, the basic targets of agricultural and rural development production were all completed and exceeded the assigned plan.

The industry's annual growth rate of production reached 4.50%; the total area of ​​food crops was 244,586 hectares, reaching 100.65%, the output of grain crops reached 1.266 million tons, the highest ever.

The economic structure of the sector continued to shift in a positive direction, by the end of 2017, agriculture reached 78.69%, forestry 6.89%, fishery 14.41%, the proportion of livestock in agriculture reached over 48%. The structure of crops, livestock, and seasons was strongly transformed, increasing added value, sustainably following the direction of restructuring the agricultural sector and adapting to climate change; productivity, quality, and economic efficiency of many crops and livestock increased significantly.

Harvesting rice in Long Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district. Photo: Phu Huong

Forestry production continued to change dramatically in quality, ensuring both the ecological environment and the people's economic livelihood, sustainable and effective development. The forest coverage rate reached 57.2%, other indicators on new planting, timber output, forest protection, etc. were all completed, exceeding the assigned plan.

Aquaculture production grew strongly, offshore fishing capacity developed, output increased, aquaculture productivity was quite good. The number of vessels with capacity of over 90 CV was 1,402/3,891 vessels; Total aquatic product output reached 182.24 thousand tons, aquaculture area was 21,100 hectares.

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development inspects damage after storms. Photo: Phu Huong

In addition, other areas such as salt production, irrigation, dike management and flood control, clean water and rural environmental sanitation programs, etc. have all received attention and achieved positive results.

Investment attraction has achieved many results, agricultural and rural infrastructure has been invested in and upgraded; processing industry has been developed, mechanization in production has been promoted, production value has been increased; export and cooperation activities have been carried out. Linking production and consumption of agricultural products has been expanded.

In particular, the National Target Program on New Rural Development continued to be implemented vigorously, exceeding the plan. The number of communes meeting the New Rural Development standards by December 31 was 181/431 communes, reaching 42%; 3 district-level units completed the task of meeting the New Rural Development standards.

At the conference, three individuals were awarded the Labor Medal by the President. Photo: Phu Huong

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong acknowledged and commended the excellent results that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has strived to achieve in the past year. At the same time, he pointed out some shortcomings and limitations that need to be overcome, such as the area of ​​some crops has not met the plan, the production scale is still small, violations of the Law on Forest Protection still occur, and the accumulation of large-scale production land is still limited.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also stated: In 2018 and the following years, agricultural production will still have to face many difficulties in terms of weather, market trends, etc.

Therefore, the Agriculture and Rural Development sector needs to focus on solutions to restructure the sector, quickly shift to commodity agriculture, apply CNC, encourage land accumulation, build large fields... increase productivity and quality of agricultural products, ensure sustainable development. Proactively and actively integrate internationally to attract foreign investment, develop markets, promote agricultural exports. At the same time, manage, protect and use resources and the environment sustainably and effectively.

Collectives and individuals receiving Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister. Photo: Phu Huong

At the conference, 1 individual received the Second Class Labor Medal; 2 individuals were awarded the Third Class Labor Medal by the President; 1 collective and 5 individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister.