Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum: A true reflection of the farming profession

Recently, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam held a working session with the People's Committee of Vinh Long Province regarding the agricultural raw material area of the province and discussed the proposal to establish the Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum from Wago Group (Japan).

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam emphasized that the establishment of the Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum would offer significant advantages in attracting tourists. This is largely due to the region's strengths in aquaculture and fruit cultivation, combined with its unique waterways and landscapes. Farmers in this area are known for their creativity, having developed a variety of innovative models in both crop production and livestock farming. This diversity will provide visitors with a deeper insight into the everyday lives of those who inhabit the Mekong Delta.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the museum should authentically portray the lives of farmers over generations, capturing everything from their living environments to their production practices. It is essential for the museum to preserve the traditional values of the region while also serving as an educational hub. This space will not only inform young people but also enrich the understanding of tourists regarding the realities and contributions of farmers in the Mekong Delta.

Additionally, the museum will serve as a venue for showcasing agricultural products, creating a space to connect various crops. “Currently, the exhibition centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi do not have sufficient space for agricultural exhibitions. Can Tho is also preparing to establish an agricultural center, but it still falls short. When foreign corporations need to display their products, we need to have a solution in place”, the Deputy Minister emphasized.

The Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum is expected to be constructed in Rach Truc hamlet, Vung Liem town, Vung Liem district, Vinh Long province. The total planned area is approximately 11.7 hectares, with 1.1 hectares allocated for a center to introduce products such as machinery and agricultural tools.

The museum's construction area will cover about 10.6 hectares, including 7 hectares dedicated to recreating typical agricultural landscapes with a collection of crops, livestock, architecture, and daily life, where visitors can interact directly. The remaining area, around 2.6 hectares, will be designated for the museum's architectural structures.

After viewing the simulated video of the museum, Kiuchi Hirokazu, Chairman of Wago Group, expressed the importance of establishing an exhibition area dedicated to connecting agricultural supply and demand. He pointed out that, for example, in the museum in Paris, there are designated sections for showcasing various products and livestock, such as cows, chickens and ducks, which effectively facilitate this connection.

"I think that the museum grounds could feature numerous sections specifically designed to cultivate a wide array of crops that are characteristic of the region, including sweet potatoes, mangoes, bananas, and jackfruit. Each section could cover approximately 1 hectare and produce fruit throughout the year. This would allow visitors, particularly young people, to come and engage with the environment - exploring, taking photographs and learning about plant care. By creating such interactive spaces, we can provide young people with a tangible experience that not only nurtures their appreciation for agriculture but also helps establish a lasting bond with this important profession", Mr. Kiuchi Hirokazu elaborated.

Mr. Lu Quang Ngoi, Chairman of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee, acknowledged the valuable contributions from the Deputy Minister and various experts. Regarding the design of an open space for exhibitions, he noted that this has already been incorporated into the design plan.

Mr. Ngoi mentioned that, in terms of progress, the province has successfully organized a competition for the "Planning and Architectural Proposal for the Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum".

Since the launch on June 12, more than 50 domestic and international entities have registered to participate in the competition. The organizing committee has selected 10 capable and experienced firms in planning and architectural design to move forward.

After selecting the winning proposal, the Project Management Board will proceed to prepare and submit a detailed planning scheme for the Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum at a scale of 1:500. Additionally, in 2025, the province plans to initiate the development of a comprehensive outline for the exhibitions. This outline will serve as the foundation for creating an investment project and starting the construction of the museum, which is expected to be completed between 2025 and 2030.

Mr. Ngoi elaborated that the Mekong Delta Agricultural Museum, upon its completion, will provide visitors with not only the chance to tour the exhibits but also opportunities to participate in various recreational activities that celebrate the agricultural production and cultural heritage of the region. The museum aims to become a central hub, linking itself with other museums in the vicinity.

In addition to being an attractive tourist destination, the museum will organize specialized workshops focused on agriculture, alongside activities aimed at scientific research and education. It will engage in partnerships with both domestic and international entities to gather artifacts and documentation. Moreover, the museum will serve as a platform to promote the region's agricultural products through the hosting of fairs and events.