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This situation causes profits to increasingly narrow, even potentially posing a risk of loss if there is unfavorable weather or market fluctuations.

The summer-autumn rice crop is entering the tillering and panicle-forming stages, which are crucial to the yield of the entire crop. However, what worries farmers most at present is not only pests or weather changes, but also the increasing prices of agricultural materials, putting great pressure on investment costs.

Rising material prices make it difficult for farmers to maintain profits

At Dong Tam Cooperative in Chau Thoi Commune, more than 210 hectares of summer-autumn rice are growing evenly thanks to concentrated planting and few pests. However, according to Mr. Trinh Van Ngan, Chairman of the Cooperative Board of Directors, the sharp increase in input costs is a major obstacle. Specifically, the prices of many essential fertilizers such as NPK and Potassium have increased by 50-100 thousand VND/bag compared to the beginning of the season; pesticides have also increased by 10-20% compared to the previous season.

“ The rice market is unstable, while the price of materials is constantly increasing. The cooperative hopes that all levels will soon have a solution to stabilize and harmonize the interests of farmers and businesses so that production can be maintained stably and sustainably,” Mr. Trinh Van Ngan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the cooperative, proposed.

Farmers fertilize and take care of rice. Photo: ANH TUAN

Mr. Vo Minh Tien, a farmer in Chau Thoi commune, is cultivating 2 hectares of OM18 rice variety . He said that the weather at the beginning of the season was quite favorable, with few pests and diseases, and the rice grew well. However, the high price of materials has caused production costs to increase significantly. Meanwhile, the output price of rice is unstable, making him and many other farmers worried.

“Currently, the price of fresh rice is only about 6,000-6,200 VND/kg. At this price, after deducting expenses, there is almost no profit left. Meanwhile, fertilizers and pesticides have increased sharply. Farmers hope that the State will soon have a price stabilization policy, so that people can feel secure in their fields,” Mr. Tien shared.

According to records, the production cost of each hectare of rice is currently from 3 to 3.5 million VND, of which fertilizers and pesticides alone account for more than 60%. When the price of materials increases, the total investment cost also increases, causing profits to decrease. More worryingly, the quality of materials on the market is uncontrolled, counterfeit goods are still rampant, causing many households to have poor rice growth despite large investments, and uncontrolled pests and diseases, leading to crop losses.

Functional departments check fertilizer quality. Photo: ANH TUAN

Increase chain linkage, tighten material management

Farmers are struggling in a spiral of rising fertilizer and pesticide prices; unstable rice prices; increasingly unpredictable extreme weather; and constant worries about counterfeit and poor quality goods and plant diseases. These factors not only affect productivity but also directly impact the psychology and income of producers.

Therefore, the biggest wish of farmers today is a stable rice consumption market and input materials that are controlled in both price and quality. In addition, strengthening the linkage between farmers and businesses along the value chain is also a solution that is expected to contribute to stabilizing production.

Functional departments check the quality of plant protection drugs. Photo: ANH TUAN

With close links, farmers will have access to quality materials at preferential prices, and businesses will purchase their output products. In addition, the relevant authorities need to strengthen training programs on farming techniques, guide the effective use of materials, save costs, and improve rice productivity and quality./.

Huyen Trang

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nong-dan-ca-mau-lo-lang-truoc-bao-gia-vat-tu-nong-nghiep-a106417.html