1. Rice – The Soul of Vietnamese Civilization
Table of Contents
For millennia, rice has bonded with Vietnamese villages and people, symbolizing the Red River wet-rice civilization. It represents not only abundance but also cultural grace and resilience.
2. The Economic and Historical Role of Rice
Rice reflects Vietnam’s transformation — from subsistence farming to a global rice powerhouse. Today, Vietnam ranks among the world’s top rice exporters, second only to Thailand.
3. Red River Delta – Birthplace of Wet-Rice Culture
Covering 15,000 km² and enriched by the Red River and Thai Binh River, this region is the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilization. Now, a 300,000 ha high-quality rice zone is being developed to meet export demands.
4. Mekong Delta – Vietnam’s Largest Rice Granary
The Mekong Delta spans 36,000 km², producing 40% of Vietnam’s food and over half of its rice exports. New varieties such as IR64, OM1490, and ST25 sustain its dominance in global markets.
5. Preserving Genetic Diversity
High-yield monoculture threatens biodiversity. Conserving rice genetic resources is vital to sustain ecological balance and protect valuable native traits for future generations.
6. Science and Innovation in Rice Breeding
Since 1985, Vietnam’s National Gene Fund has invested heavily in crop genetics, producing nearly 30 nationally recognized rice varieties with improved yields and resistance to pests, drought, and salinity.
7. Toward Sustainable Agriculture
Combining indigenous knowledge with biotechnology and “nature-aligned” cultivation will ensure rice continues to nourish not just Vietnam but the world — upholding a 4,000-year legacy of civilization.