Organic Rice-Ragworm Farming Festival celebrates sustainable agroecology

On June 6, the People’s Committee of Chi Minh Commune, in coordination with the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment, organized the 2026 Organic Rice and Worm Farming Festival and Trade Promotion Event for Chi Minh's Agricultural and OCOP Products.

A signature coastal agricultural production area

As Viet Nam’s agricultural sector moves toward a more agroecological, modern, and sustainable development model, organic rice-ragworm farming has emerged as one of Hai Phong’s most notable success stories. With its dense network of rivers and major estuaries flowing into the sea, the city is endowed with distinctive brackish-water ecosystems that provide ideal conditions for native aquatic species such as ragworms and crabs. Leveraging these natural advantages, many localities have successfully developed organic rice-ragworm farming systems, creating specialty production areas that reflect the unique character of coastal agriculture.

Hai Phong currently has approximately 1,700 hectares dedicated to organic rice-ragworm farming, concentrated in riverine and coastal agroecological zones. Each year, these production areas supply the market with around 8,000 tonnes of high-quality organic paddy rice and between 2,200 and 2,500 tonnes of commercial ragworms. The total annual production value of the sector is estimated at between VND 700 billion and VND 1 trillion.

Against this backdrop, Chi Minh Commune has emerged as one of Hai Phong’s leading localities for the successful development of the rice-ragworm-crab farming model. The commune currently has 478 hectares of rice fields integrated with ragworm and crab production, yielding approximately 2,400 tonnes of organic rice and 500-600 tonnes of commercial ragworms and crabs each year. Average revenue reaches VND 500-600 million per hectare annually, while profits range from VND 350-450 million per hectare, significantly higher than those generated by conventional rice cultivation.

What makes the organic rice-ragworm farming model unique is the symbiotic relationship between rice cultivation and the natural ragworm ecosystem. Ragworms are widely regarded as an “ecological indicator” of farmland because they can only thrive in clean water, organically rich soil, and environments free from harmful chemical inputs. The use of pesticides or herbicides can quickly reduce or even eliminate ragworm populations. As a result, farmers in rice-ragworm production areas must strictly adhere to environmentally friendly cultivation practices, avoid the use of agricultural chemicals, and carefully manage water quality throughout the production process.

Creating multiple layers of value

The rice-ragworm farming model generates multiple streams of value from the same production area. In addition to rice and ragworms, farmers also harvest crabs, bananas, vegetables, and various aquatic species. This diversified production approach helps reduce market risks, increase household incomes, and create more sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Importantly, products from rice–ragworm fields carry not only commercial value but also a compelling story of nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Beyond primary production, many businesses and cooperatives have invested in value-added processing, brand development, and market expansion. Products such as organic rice from ragworm fields, ragworm spring rolls, ragworm patties, braised ragworms, and frozen ragworms have received 3- to 4-star OCOP certification. These products have gained strong consumer recognition and helped enhance the reputation of Hai Phong’s agricultural products in the marketplace.

This year’s festival featured a wide range of activities, including both ceremonial and cultural components. The formal program highlighted achievements in the development of organic rice–ragworm production areas, promoted outstanding agricultural products, and strengthened connections between producers, businesses, and buyers. Meanwhile, the festival activities offered visitors hands-on experiences that reflected the unique character of rural life, including traditional fish-catching competitions using bamboo traps, an organic rice harvesting contest, and the “Organic Hometown Meal” cooking competition.

According to Ms. Luong Thi Kiem, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment, the festival serves as an opportunity to honor farmers who have quietly preserved the paddy field ecosystem over many years, while reaffirming the right direction for modern agriculture - one in which economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Products marketed under the Hai Phong organic rice-ragworm brand are more than agricultural commodities; they embody the story of the land, its people, local culture, and a deep sense of responsibility toward nature.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Bui Thi Manh Hieu, General Director of Bao Minh Agricultural Products Processing and Trading JSC, emphasized that the model’s greatest value lies not merely in rice fields or harvest yields, but in its ability to conserve a precious ecosystem, protect clean water resources, and sustain ragworm populations - an important indicator of a healthy natural environment. She noted that this foundation is essential for developing large-scale raw material production areas, promoting agroecological and low-emission agriculture, and creating greater added value for local communities.

$ 1 = VND 26,329 - Source: Vietcombank.