Can Tho (VNA) – Several residents in Can Thocity demonstrated their interest in agricultural production connectivity whilemeeting with National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and otherdeputies representing the Mekong Delta locality on November 26.

The legislators met with citizens in Truong Longcommune of Phong Dien district to inform them about the outcomes of the freshlyconcluded sixth session of the 14th parliament.

A resident in Truong Long commune said thatfarmers, including those in the Mekong Delta - the biggest agricultural hub ofVietnam - want to connect with one another in value chains to satisfy theexport demand, but they haven’t been able to access support policies in thisregard, while their production activities remain unplanned. This has led to themodest added value of their products.

NA Chairwoman Ngan shared the view that unstableprices as a result of agricultural production not being aligned with the markethave made it hard for farmers to improve their livelihoods.

She noted although there has been a big amountof high-quality farm produce, they have yet to generate corresponding incomesfor their producers. Meanwhile, they are being sold at high prices atsupermarkets and in big cities, generating profits for others.

It is obvious that farmers are not the biggestbeneficiary, the top lawmaker said, adding that forming connectivity in allsteps, from input materials and seed supply to farming techniques andconsumption, will help to raise product prices.

The Law on Cooperatives was issued in 2012.Cooperatives are an economic connection model in which members voluntarilycooperate to support one another and work to meet market demands.

Ngan asked local authorities to help residentsaccess and implement this law as to help with the sustainable development ofagriculture.

At the meeting, local citizens also called for stricterpunishments for corrupt officials.

In terms of this issue, the NA Chairwoman saidthat at the recent sixth session, the parliament approved the law amending andsupplementing some articles of the Anti-Corruption Law. The revised versionincludes regulations enabling people to monitor the anti-corruption work, alongwith stipulations on the protection of and rewards for whistleblowers, shesaid.

The mechanism for corruption prevention andcontrol has been further specified in this law, she said.

Also on November 26, Chairwoman Ngan and otherdeputies of Can Tho met with people in An Phu ward of Ninh Kieu district.Meetings between legislators and voters are regular activities before and aftereach session of the NA.–VNA