Vietnam rice farmers face crop failure and low profits

Farmers in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region are facing significant challenges during the 2026 summer-autumn rice crop. In some areas, such as Ha Huy Tap ward, widespread issues with empty or underdeveloped grains have been reported. Despite the rice appearing golden and mature from a distance, many stalks contain unfilled grains, leading to fears of total crop loss. Varieties like Khang Dan 18 have been particularly affected.

Beyond biological crop issues, economic pressures are mounting for rice growers in provinces including An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Can Tho. While some farmers are managing to harvest, they report that rising costs for seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor are significantly eroding profit margins. In some instances, farmers renting land are facing net losses due to the combination of high input costs, weather-related yield reductions, and fluctuating market prices.