Request for conversion of 12 thousand hectares of poor quality rubber forest

Secretary of Gia Lai Provincial Party Committee Ho Van Nien reported the results from the implementation of socio-economic development tasks at the meeting.

According to the report, the province's total GRDP product in 2021 increased by more than 9.7% compared to 2020. The production value of the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors in 2021 at current prices reached over 49,600 billion VND, an increase of nearly 14% compared to the same period last year. The total planted area for the entire year reached 557,685 hectares, which is equivalent to 101.32% of the plan. The province has 352 permanent irrigation works with a total capacity for 67,411 hectares of crops. Productivity and output of most crops reached goals set in the plan as well as increased compared to the same period of previous year. Livestock production in the area has seen positive changes. There are currently 184 livestock projects in the province under investment with a total capital of over 29,400 billion VND.

Total state budget revenue reached VND 7,881 billion, 173.1% of the estimate assigned by the Central Government, 156.2% of the amount proposed in the Resolution, an increase of 72% over the same period.

In addition to these results, Mr. Ho Van Nien proposed to the Central Committee and the Government to resolve difficulties at the Ia Mor irrigation project (Chu Prong district). According to the design approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the total irrigation area planned for ​​the project is 12,500 hectares, 8,500 hectares of which is planned for Gia Lai province. However, after a long period of implementation, many Codes, Decrees and policies have changed. There are currently 4,757.52 hectares of natural forests in need of conversion.

Gia Lai province has reviewed and adjusted three types of forests, accordingly, the entire irrigation area is removed from the forestry planning as a basis to convert the forest use purpose.

Therefore, the province requested the Central Governmen to allow the regulations on projects in implementation with incurred national important criteria following the Government's guidance on national important projects: "The unit responsible for Investment Decision (MARD in this case) reports to the Prime Minister for consideration and direction to report to the National Assembly on the project implementation status".  

Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee has also submitted a report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the proposal of the Ia Mor Irrigation project phase 3 in order to stabilize the population in the border area and to build a canal system incurring national important project criteria.

Another important issue that Gia Lai province requested the Central Government to resolve is the Government's project to convert poor forests to rubber plantations. From 2008 to 2011, the province approved 44 projects for 16 rubber plantation units on forestry land. Businesses have reclaimed and planted more than 25,000 hectares of rubber. This rubber area was dead and underdeveloped by 2017.

The Provincial People's Committee reported that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has examined and proposed to the Prime Minister to allow the conversion to other crops. Excluding the 12,039 ha area currently permitted to convert by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the remaining rubber area continues to be underdeveloped and wither.

At the proposal of Gia Lai province, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that regarding the Ia Mor irrigation project and the conversion of rubber forests, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has coordinated with the province to survey to forest-related projects. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to consult and work with relevant ministries and branches to find a solution.

According to Minister Le Minh Hoan, the draft Law on Land in association with forest land requires a comprehensible mechanism. On the other hand, the aspect of closing the forest for strict protection as well as the current regimes for forest preservation is not ideal. Forest conservation and development need to create livelihoods under the forest canopy such as tourism, conservation. Forest promotion needs to be multi-functional and multi-purpose.

Regarding the Ia Mor forest, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development does not abdicate responsibility but must accompany Gia Lai to solve issues.

"More than 12,000 hectares of dead rubber has been proposed to switch to other crops, and approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, but regarding responsibility, the Ministry will need time to work in detail. Rubber was not effective, however, we must consider other suitable models and crops when converting to ensure the market", said Minister Le Minh Hoan.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was very impressed with the potential of Gia Lai province when converging the 3 factors of people, land, and historical, cultural traditions. The issue of local economic development can be decided with these factors.

According to the Prime Minister, Gia Lai has potential, the province just need further motivation to actualize this matter. With that goal in mind, it is necessary to attract external resources and create momentum for future development.

However, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is also concered that Gia Lai has not developed to its full potential due to limited policy mechanism. In addition, strategic infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure, is still inadequate. Gia Lai has National Highway 19 connecting with central provinces, but the road is too narrow to meet demand.

Central ministries and branches have not paid enough attention to support Gia Lai's development in recent years.

Regarding the resolution of issues in Ia Mor irrigation project, the Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to preside over the research and propose mechanisms, policies. For projects that affect the national food security program, different mechanisms and policies will be needed compared to other localities. The Government will handle whatever falls under its authority; if the issue is more significant, the National Assembly will be responsible.

Regarding the conversion of nearly 13,000 hectares of underdeveloped rubber forest, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to re-evaluate the land effectiveness in this area, in combination with forest protection and climate change adaptation. The Government will consider and handle based on these assessment, analysis and recommendations