(VOVworld) – National Assembly discussed laws and policies on public investment for agriculture, rural areas and farmers in Hanoi today/Tuesday. The discussion was broadcast live nationally on the radio and television. Most deputies agreed that the investment in agriculture, rural areas, and farmers plays a significant role in the national economic restructuring. Thanks to Party and State’s policies over recent years, Vietnam’s agriculture has experienced a comprehensive development. Much of Vietnam’s agricultural productions is becoming globally competitive while food security is ensured and farmers enjoy improved quality of life. But there are many obstacles to hinder agricultural development. Noteworthy is the confusion of various legal documents, leading to poor implementation and mismanagement. The government has issued hundreds of legal documents relating to agriculture, rural areas and farmers not even mention various resolutions issued by the Party and National Assembly. Deputy Nguyen Thanh Lam from the northern mountainous province of Lang Son says: "With so many documents and policies, overlap and inconsistency is unavoidable, causing difficulties in implementation. For example, procedures related to the construction of houses for people living in flooded areas in the Mekong Delta region requires 5 decisions from the Prime Minister. The implementation of a program piping clean water to the rural areas needs capital sources mentioned in 5 different Decisions and Decrees. Moreover, the lack of initiatives for development such as those of science and technology, measures to boost markets, the processing of agricultural produce, to improve the economy’s efficiency and competitiveness."

Much attention has been paid to investment in agriculture, farmers, and rural areas

Nguyen Van Son, who represents Ha Tinh province, shares the view and stresses the need for new regulations on science and technology, to boost agricultural production with a focus on increasing investment in agriculture at local levels. He added that it is necessary to get the local authorities involved in the supervision and assessment of projects for rural areas, to increase their flexibility in the implementation of investment policies for agriculture, farmers, and rural areas. Deputy Nguyen Van Son told VOV: "Although Ha Tinh province has gained significant industrial development, the province pays much attention to issues related to agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, especially programs of developing new rural areas. After selecting major products to develop as well as offering appropriate economic models and programs for farmers, we focus on investing in breeds, science and technology, processing procedures, and marketing."
Many deputies proposed amendments to the Land Law, extending the limitation of land possession, devising policies to encourage farmers to keep their land by increasing their land possession time. In addition, it is necessary for the government to increase funds for public investment and national target programs in rural areas. This would ensure localities have enough counterpart funding to attract ODA, while enhancing chances of approaching loans for rural areas as well as businesses investing in rural regions and agriculture. 
                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                   Anh Huyen