Commercial banks have introduced preferential loan packages and lower interest rates to assist enterprises and cooperatives in purchasing and stockpiling rice for the winter–spring season.
Credit Support Amid Falling Rice Prices
During the 2024–2025 winter–spring crop, rice prices dropped by 1,000–2,000 VND per kilogram compared to the previous season. In Trà Cú District, Trà Vinh Province, traders purchased OM5451 rice for 5,600–5,800 VND/kg and Đài Thơm 8 rice for 6,100–6,300 VND/kg. At these prices, most farmers barely break even or make no profit.
In response to the Prime Minister’s directive, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) issued an official dispatch instructing commercial banks to proactively allocate funds and timely meet credit demands for individuals and businesses engaged in rice production, processing, purchasing, temporary storage, and trading — particularly those buying winter–spring commercial rice in the Mekong Delta provinces.
Following this directive, many commercial banks have rolled out credit programs with preferential interest rates for clients in the rice value chain. A growing number of enterprises and cooperatives have successfully accessed these funds, with banks providing fast-track documentation support and disbursement.
At present, capital sources for the rice sector are abundant, and banks are showing strong willingness to expand lending in this area.
Agribank Takes the Lead in Trà Vinh
In Trà Vinh Province, the Agribank branch has taken proactive steps to connect with and provide rapid financial support to cooperatives in the local rice value chain — especially those participating in the One-Million-Hectare High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Project.
This credit initiative not only strengthens the local OCOP product value chain but also helps farmers sell their rice during periods of price decline.
Cooperatives Ready to Stockpile Rice
The Long Hiệp Agricultural Cooperative (Long Hiệp Commune, Trà Cú District, Trà Vinh Province) has quickly completed legal and financial procedures to apply for preferential loans in order to purchase and store rice for its members.
The cooperative has prepared sufficient warehouses and capital to buy and stockpile between 300 and 500 tons of rice.
Mr. Trầm Minh Thuần, Director of the Long Hiệp Agricultural Cooperative, stated:
“The Government’s policy is extremely practical in the current context of falling rice prices. Rapid and decisive financial support enables enterprises and cooperatives with storage capacity to purchase and reserve rice for farmers — effectively giving the market a much-needed ‘breath of life’ to stabilize prices in the Mekong Delta.”
In summary, this wave of financial support marks a timely and powerful intervention. By mobilizing capital through preferential loan programs, banks are revitalizing the rice industry, empowering cooperatives and enterprises, and protecting farmers’ livelihoods amid volatile market conditions.