HANOI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- By producing 43 million tons of unhusked rice, Vietnam is likely to supply 7.5 million tons of rice to the world this year, contributing to ensuring global food security, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday, citing Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien.
Once a food importer, Vietnam can now ensure food security in any circumstances, he said.
Given the context that many countries in the world are facing food shortages and rising rice prices, Vietnam's agricultural sector had directed localities in the Mekong Delta region to expand their rice farms in the autumn-winter crop, and start the 2023-2024 winter-spring crop early to avoid salinity season in the region, he said.
Vietnam exported 6.6 million tons of rice with value of 3.66 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of 2023, according to the ministry. That was the highest revenue in 34 years.
The country has set a target of exporting 7.5-7.8 million tons of rice worth about 4.3 billion dollars this year. ■
