Japonica rice is set to become one of the main export rice categories of Viet Nam in the coming time, according to the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA).

This variety earlier accounted for a small share of the rice export structure, but it has grown significantly over the past year, comprising 4.4 per cent of rice export by 2017, said the VFA. The variety and quality of Viet Nam’s export rice has changed dramatically in recent years. Fragrant rice has witnessed a dramatic growth from 6.6 per cent in 2011 to 23.5 per cent in 2017. In addition, sticky rice exports have witnessed the same growth during the same period.

According to VFA, this is a positive trend as it will gradually reduce low-grade rice and enable the switch to high-quality rice, improving the efficiency of rice production and export business. Last year, Viet Nam earned US$2.6 billion by exporting 5.8 million tonnes of rice. In 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development expects the country to export 6.5 million tonnes of rice. — VNS