Agricultural extension services to foster production sustainability for food and cultural security of glutinous rice farmers in Vietnam

Abstract

     In Vietnam, while glutinous rice farming represents a very small sub-sector of rice production, it plays an important role in the food and cultural security of farming households in many remote areas. This paper examined glutinous rice farming in households, as a food and for cultural security, and the extension services in areas producing glutinous rice. Data were collected from 400 local farmers based on interview schedules and statistical analysis using the percentage, arithmetic mean, and hypothesis testing with logistic regression. It was found that most glutinous rice farmers were small-scale producers, with an average glutinous rice-growing area of 0.15 ha and a yield of 3,200 kg per ha. Local as well as breeding varieties of seeds were supplied. Most farming households had sufficient glutinous rice for regular food and cultural consumption. Other starchy products were also consumed as part of their traditional diets. Supporting extension services were found to be very active and comprehensive, playing a key role in fostering the sustainable production of glutinous rice and helping to ensure local food and cultural security in Vietnam.