Conference reviews Party resolution on agriculture, farmers and rural areas

The conference was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh; representatives from ministries, sector, and localities; along with members of the Steering Committee on the implementation of the Party Central Committee's Resolution 7 (10th tenure) on agriculture, farmers and rural development.

The event aims to evaluate results of the five-year implementation of the Party resolution, as well as to propose mechanisms and policies to promote agricultural development, and improve the efficiency of the State management on agriculture.

After five years implementing Resolution on agriculture, farmers and rural areas, the agricultural sector has developed in a comprehensive manner, and contributed to ensuring national food security as well as poverty reduction.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat reported that during the 2009-2013 period, the agriculture-forestry-fishery sector enjoyed an annual GDP growth of 2.9%, of which, agriculture increased 2.5% while forestry and fishery rose 5% and 4%, respectively. Total export earnings growth rate from agricultural, forestry and fishery is estimated at 15.2% and expected to reach US$27.5 billion in 2013.

The living standard of farmers has also improved, with the average income per capita in rural areas reaching VND19.97 million (nearly US$950) in 2013, a 2.18-fold increase compared to 2008, the minister said, adding that the poverty rate dropped 2% a year. The expansion of the large-scale rice field model is on the right track with around 100,000 hectares in 43 provinces across the country. The number of private enterprises investing in agriculture and rural areas also saw a sharp increase, the minister noted.

Speaking at the conference, NA Chairman asked the delegates to review the model of new rural areas, and poverty reduction, especially the mastery role of farmers in the campaign.

He also stressed the need to restructure agriculture production, ensure quality and output of farm products and continue to build new-style rural areas for sustainable development.

The NA Chairman also asked for clearer roles and involvement of the State management agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front as well as mass organisations and the business community in agricultural development.

(Source: Nhandan newspaper online)