3:26:37 PM | 7/8/2005
The Vietnamese government has spent VND64 billion (US$4 million) to build three wholesale agricultural markets in the Mekong Delta region - the country's largest rice growing area - under a new pilot program with the aim of helping farmers receive better prices for their goods.
At the new wholesale markets in Dong Thap, Long An and Tien Giang provinces, agricultural traders are able to bid for goods sold in bulk at auction. Rice exporters and processors can buy rice directly from farmers or authorize the market management board to buy rice on their behalf.
Cao Duc Phat, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the markets also serve as an information clearinghouse for farmers, scientists and business people. The wholesale markets will supply plant varieties, animal breeds, agricultural materials, market information and farm consulting services.
The markets are equipped to dry and process 5 tons of rice an hour, and can store large quantities of rice.
The Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2) and the People’s Committees of each province oversaw the markets’ construction. The 7.7 hectare Thanh Binh market in Dong Thap province’s Thanh Binh town opened on March 24. The market is expected to purchase 114,000 tons of local rice a year.
In addition, the 3.9 hectare Phu Cuong market in Cay Lay district’s Phu Cuong commune in Tien Giang province will be capable of purchasing 75,000 tons of local rice a year. Meanwhile, in Long An province’s Tan Thanh district, the 3.8 hectare Hau Thach Dong market is expected to see 60,000 tons of rice a year change hands.
According to Vinafood 2, the markets are expected to play an important role in agricultural product transactions in the Mekong. All three markets are located near major roads and waterways.
Vietnamese
