{"id":632,"date":"2026-03-20T15:19:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnam-agri.com\/vietnam-agri\/cantho-mekong-agriculture\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T00:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:37:23","slug":"cantho-mekong-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnam-agri.com\/en\/vietnam-agri\/cantho-mekong-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"Agriculture and Distribution in Can Tho City: A Collection-and-Distribution Hub for Mekong Delta Produce"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Can Tho city is called the \"capital of the Mekong Delta\"<\/h2>\n

The Mekong Delta is a region where the tributaries of the Mekong River, which flows through southern Vietnam, interweave in a complex pattern. At its center sits Can Tho city. With a population of more than about 1.3 million, it functions as the largest city in the delta region.<\/p>\n

We often receive inquiries from agricultural professionals and food importers saying they want to source Mekong Delta produce. The name that always comes up then is Can Tho. This article explains, in order, the reality of Can Tho city's agricultural production, how its distribution works, and the results of JICA support.<\/p>\n

Can Tho city's agricultural production: a sense of scale in numbers<\/h2>\n

Agricultural land makes up about 60% of Can Tho city's area. The main crop is rice, and the city is blessed with a climate and water resources that allow three crops a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Crop<\/th>\nAnnual production (approximate)<\/th>\nMain use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Rice<\/td>\nAbout 1.3 million tonnes<\/td>\nDomestic consumption and export<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Freshwater fish (pangasius, etc.)<\/td>\nAbout 200,000 tonnes<\/td>\nProcessing for export<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fruit (dragon fruit, durian, etc.)<\/td>\nOn the scale of tens of thousands of tonnes<\/td>\nDomestic and export<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Not only rice but also aquaculture flourishes here. In the O Mon area on the outskirts of Can Tho, pangasius (basa fish) farming has become a pillar of industry. Much of the white fish that reaches Japanese dinner tables is raised in this area.<\/p>\n

The irrigation infrastructure that supports the three-crop system<\/h3>\n

The Mekong Delta's strength is abundant water. However, it also carries the challenges of flood risk and saltwater intrusion. In Can Tho city, the development of drainage and irrigation gates is advancing, and the foundation for stabilizing the three cropping seasons (Dong Xuan, He Thu, Thu Dong) is taking shape.<\/p>\n

The floating market: still an active hub for distributing produce<\/h2>\n

When it comes to Can Tho, the \"Cai Rang floating market (Cho Noi Cai Rang)\" is famous. Its side as a tourist attraction is emphasized, but in reality it is a bona fide wholesale market for produce.<\/p>\n

From around 4 a.m., boats begin to gather, and vegetables, fruit, and rice are traded. The custom of showing what is for sale by hanging product samples on a pole (bo hang) at the bow of the boat still continues today.<\/p>\n

Coexistence with digitalization<\/h3>\n

In recent years, more traders have begun placing orders and settling payments by smartphone. Despite the physical constraint of being on the water, information is also actively sent out using social media. A distinctive distribution culture, blending tradition and digital, is growing.<\/p>\n

Its logistics function as a produce distribution center<\/h2>\n

Can Tho city is a \"hub\" where produce from the 13 provinces of the Mekong Delta gathers. The basic flow is: collection from surrounding provinces, sorting at a collection point in the city, and on to the export port via Ho Chi Minh City.<\/p>\n

Main distribution route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Shipping destination<\/th>\nMain means<\/th>\nTime required (approximate)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai port)<\/td>\nTruck or boat<\/td>\n3 to 4 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hanoi<\/td>\nRefrigerated truck<\/td>\nAbout 30 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan, South Korea, and China<\/td>\nFrozen container ship<\/td>\n5 to 10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Can Tho city has O Mon port, which also handles container transport by river boat. Road infrastructure is being developed as well, and since the Can Tho Bridge fully opened in 2019, the efficiency of truck transport has improved substantially.<\/p>\n

The cold-chain challenge<\/h3>\n

For fruit and vegetables, whose lifeblood is freshness, the development of chilled and frozen facilities is a matter of survival. There are several private cold-storage warehouses in Can Tho city, but it is not uncommon for them to fill up at peak times. This is a field with ample room for future investment.<\/p>\n

The results and current status of JICA-supported projects<\/h2>\n

JICA (the Japan International Cooperation Agency) has carried out several agricultural-support projects in the Mekong Delta region. We lay out the main areas of support in the delta region, including Can Tho city.<\/p>\n

Support for the extension of agricultural technology<\/h3>\n

Under the principle of \"valuing every single grain of rice,\" technical guidance was provided aiming to optimize sowing rates, reduce pesticide use, and lower post-harvest losses. The cost-reduction effect per farm household is reported to be around 10 to 15% a year.<\/p>\n

Food safety and quality control<\/h3>\n

Training to clear residual-pesticide standards for export produce, and support for adopting GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), were also carried out. export to Japan<\/a> is the goal for Vietnamese farmers, and for them obtaining such certification is an indispensable condition.<\/p>\n

Efforts toward climate-change adaptation<\/h3>\n

The Mekong Delta is exposed to a triple climate risk of rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and flooding. JICA has also been involved in the trial cultivation of salt-tolerant rice varieties and in supporting the renovation of drainage systems. Toward 2030, support in this field is expected to expand further.<\/p>\n

The state of exports of Can Tho produce to Japan<\/h2>\n

There may still be few occasions to be conscious of Can Tho produce in the Japanese market. However, in the form of processed goods, frozen vegetables, and seafood, a considerable amount is already coming into Japan.<\/p>\n

Notable export items<\/h3>\n