Labors in agricultural commodity chain should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination

“During the first period of social distancing, only necessary items were permitted to circulate, and we assumed that these commodities were food and medicine. However, we overlooked the dual goal and mission of product development. As a result, the delivery of materials, fertilizers, and pesticides has been neglected,” MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan said.

He highlighted why agricultural materials have been congested in recent times during an online conference with two Working Groups to direct production, link supply, and consumption of agricultural goods on August 3.

According to Hoan, because of the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19, localities accepted short-term economic sacrifices in order to contain the pandemic.

However, it is essential to reconsider agricultural processing facilities that not only contribute to short-term economic growth but also supply raw materials, impacting the lives of millions of farmers.

“If such businesses are forced to close, it would have a significant impact on farmers' lives and potentially disrupt the production cycle. As a result, local governments should prioritize vaccination for workforces of agricultural production chain,” the Minister recommended.

According to the Minister, without a system of industrial organizations, the agricultural sector would face difficulties similar to those now. Thus, the Minister suggested the foundation of a Rice Association and a Fruit Tree Association in the Mekong Delta, with the involvement of MARD-affiliated organizations and units, to create an information system chain capable of quickly resolving farmer issues.

Additionally, MARD will submit a document to the State Bank requesting assistance for companies that are qualified for storage and have a sufficient market potential to sell agricultural goods to farmers.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien at the meeting expressed his appreciation for the result of Working Group 970's implementation: "To date, approximately 580 Southern business units have been linked to supply and consumption.  MARD continues to guarantee value chain growth throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Agriculture must be integrated into the value chain.”

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien said that the Working Group 970 has aided in the supply chain in 19 provinces that are implementing social distancing measures, most notably in Ho Chi Minh City. The next time, demand will rise since the pandemic will be reduced after it reaches its peak. 

"The SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to studies and publications by international organizations, is not spread through forms of transports, materials, or food. As a result, local governments must be certain that they grasp the government's direction for facilitating transportation "Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.