Decision No. 580/QD-TTg on support policies for seeds to shift from rice cultivation to cash crops in the Mekong Delta region

Pursuant to …;

On policies to support seeds for transitioning from rice cultivation to cash crop cultivation in the Mekong Delta region

____________________________

PRIME MINISTER

Based on the Law on the Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Considering the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in document number 1140/TTr-BNN-TT dated April 4, 2014,

DECISION:

Article 1. The central budget will provide funding for purchasing seeds for implementing the transition from rice cultivation to cash crop cultivation in the Mekong Delta region as follows:

1. The subjects applying this policy are cooperatives, production groups, households, and individuals.

2. Scope of application: Spring-Summer, Summer-Autumn, Autumn-Winter seasons in 2014 and Winter-Spring season in 2014-2015 in the Mekong Delta region;

3. Cash crops eligible for support include corn, soybeans, sesame, peanuts, cucumbers, various types of vegetables.

4. Conditions for support: Cooperatives, production groups, households, and individuals who implement the transition from rice cultivation to cash crop cultivation must be confirmed by the People's Committee of the commune:

a) Have implemented the crop transition in the Spring-Summer, Summer-Autumn, Autumn-Winter seasons in 2014 and Winter-Spring season in 2014-2015 on paddy fields;

b) The transition meets the conditions for changing from rice cultivation to annual crop cultivation according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

5. Level of support:

a) Support for seed costs for transitioning, but not exceeding VND 2 million per hectare. On the same area of transition, only one-time support is provided.

b) Entrust the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities to specify the level of support for each type of crop in their respective areas.

6. Mechanism of support: The central budget will fully support localities in the region to implement the policy of supporting the transition from rice cultivation to cash crop cultivation. Can Tho City will receive 50% support. In cases where revenue shortfalls occur due to objective reasons or low revenue increases, after using 50% of the increased local revenue (if any) and 50% of the local budget reserve according to the approved budget estimate,

7. Source of support: Utilize the central budget reserve.

Article 2. Implementation

1. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall take the lead in guiding the implementation of the transition from rice cultivation to cash crop cultivation on paddy land as stipulated in this Decision; coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to inspect and supervise the implementation of this Decision.

2. The Ministry of Finance shall allocate funds and provide support to localities to implement the transition from rice cultivation to cash crops on paddy land as stipulated in this Decision; compile and report the results of implementation.

3. Provincial People's Committees under the Central Government:

a) Investigate the market and consumption capacity to determine suitable types of crops and areas for transition; guide farmers in using new seeds and technical procedures for transition;

b) Determine the cost of seeds for each type of crop in their respective areas;

c) Based on the actual demand for transition on paddy land in their respective provinces and cities, study and consider additional support policies beyond those specified in this Decision;

d) Compile and report to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the results of implementing the policy in their respective areas.

Article 3. This Decision shall take effect from the date of signing.

Article 4. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of agencies under the Government, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities in the Mekong Delta region are responsible for enforcing this Decision./.