Determinants of rice production in remote areas of Vietnam: a case study in Lao Cai province

Seng Cu rice, a special product in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, provides high economic value and it is one of the main crops for poverty reduction and rural development. Lao Cai, a moutainous province, has various natural advantages for growing Seng Cu rice such as soil, climate, water resource and so on. However, Seng Cu rice production are facing with several challenges including: (i) low investment; (ii) poor farming practices; (iii) weak linkages between farmers and input/output suppliers; (iv) lack of supporting services regarding to agricultural extension and technology; (v) poor economic infrastructure. The main reasons mentioned above caused to low productivity produced at 60% of the potential, low income and high poverty rate at 50%, especially in upland communes the province. Besides, smallholder farmers have high levels of food insecurity and unsustainable livelihood. This paper aims to review the reasons why smallholder farmers in the region fail to plant Seng Cu rice. Then, various recommendations will be proposed to increase productivity and price for smallholders to improve incomes and living standard for the local farmers.