Ca Mau to host first Mekong Delta rice quality competition

This activity, organized by the People’s Committee of Ca Mau Province in coordination with several units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, aims to honor the value of rice.

The Science, Technology, Culture, and Tourism Week, in conjunction with the 1st Mekong Delta rice quality competition 2026 in Ca Mau, is being carefully prepared to elevate the Vietnamese rice brand and promote sustainable development.

As part of the 2026 Science, Technology, Culture and Tourism Week, Ca Mau Province will host the first Mekong Delta Rice Quality Competition in 2026. This activity is jointly organized by the People’s Committee of Ca Mau Province and several units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, aiming to honor the value of rice and promote linkages to develop the regional rice sector.

Taking place from April 24 to May 1, 2026, the Week is not only a promotional event but also a platform connecting production, science, and the market, helping to shape new directions for the rice sector amid climate change and increasingly stringent market demands.

The 1st Mekong Delta rice quality competition 2026 is held to honor high-quality rice products, thereby promoting the development and elevation of the Vietnamese rice brand in both domestic and international markets.

Beyond quality evaluation, the competition also aims to encourage the adoption of advanced farming practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance climate change adaptation. This orientation aligns with the requirements for sustainable agricultural development, especially as the Mekong Delta faces growing impacts from climate change.

Participants include a wide range of entities, from cooperative groups and cooperatives to farms and rice production and trading enterprises in the region. Entries must ensure clear and transparent traceability from rice varieties and cultivation processes to production areas, thereby enhancing product competitiveness and credibility.

According to the plan, application submissions will be accepted from April 13 to April 18, 2026; rice samples will be received from April 20 until 5:00 PM on April 23, 2026; judging will take place on April 25, with results announced immediately thereafter.

Connecting value chains toward sustainable development

In addition to the competition, the Science, Technology, Culture and Tourism Week will also feature a wide range of activities such as product exhibitions, seminars, culinary spaces, and cultural programs, contributing to a comprehensive picture of the rice and agricultural sector in the Mekong Delta.

One of the key highlights is a seminar on linking rice production and consumption, scheduled for April 26, with around 150 delegates in attendance. The event is expected to focus on assessing the current state of the rice value chain, identifying bottlenecks in production and distribution, and proposing practical solutions to strengthen stakeholder linkages.

In parallel, an exhibition space with about 130 booths will showcase rice, salt, and OCOP products, providing opportunities for enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to promote their products, seek partners, and expand markets.

This year’s competition features 12 awards, including 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 3 Third Prizes, 5 Consolation Prizes, and 1 award for the "Best Story of Rice". These awards not only recognize product quality but also honor the stories behind each grain of rice from farmers and production processes to the journey of bringing products to market.

The People’s Committee of Ca Mau Province is also calling on businesses, organizations, and individuals to support and sponsor the event, thereby helping to spread the value of Vietnamese agricultural products and expand cooperation opportunities within the agricultural value chain.

It can be seen that the Science, Technology, Culture, and Tourism Week and the 2026 Mekong Delta Rice Quality Competition are not only promotional events but also concrete steps toward enhancing rice value, strengthening production linkages, and promoting sustainable development. The event is expected to provide further momentum for the Mekong Delta rice sector to consolidate its position and gradually expand into international markets.

Vietnamese rice has become a globally recognized product for both volume and quality. High-value, fragrant varieties such as DT8, Jasmine, Japonica, and especially ST25, which won the World's Best Rice award in 2019, have gained a foothold in international markets.