New technology ups rice value in Cần Thơ

The installation of automated processing lines in a major rice mill is set to boost hi-tech marking in Cần Thơ City, officials say. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The installation of automated processing lines in a major rice mill is set to boost hi-tech marking in Cần Thơ City, officials say.

The Phụng Hoàng Rice Export Import Jsc, in co-operation with Swiss group Buhler, has automated all production lines in one of its rice mills.

The automated production lines at the Phụng Hoàng 3 Rice Mill, which began operating last Thursday, allows the mill to process 60 tonnes of rice per hour.

All activities, including separating paddy from husk, whitening the rice and removing almost 95 per cent of impurities, are automated. Phụng Hoàng is the first enterprise in Việt Nam to apply this technology.

Lê Văn Tâm, Vice Chairman of Cần Thơ People’s Committee, said the new processing method deployed by Phụng Hoàng 3 Rice Mill will contribute positively to high-tech farming development in the southern city.

Tâm added that applying modern technology will also help the city attract more investment, improve its competitiveness and facilitate deeper integration into the international market.

Cần Thơ cultivates rice on nearly 240,000ha every year, with about 90,000ha dedicated to the winter-spring crop. Food production is estimated at about 1.5 million tonnes yearly, Tâm said.

The new processing technology used by Phụng Hoàng 3 Rice Mill has boosted rice consumption both in Cần Thơ City and neighbouring provinces like An Giang and Đồng Tháp, increasing the value of rice and also ensuring the quality of rice for export, Tâm said.

Othmar Hardegger, Swiss Consul General in HCM City, noted that Việt Nam was one of the world’s leading rice exporters with plenty of favourable conditions to maintain and increase its share in the world market. However, in order to compete with foreign suppliers, it is essential that the country ensures that its rice meets international quality and food safety standards.

The latest technology and expertise of the Buhler Group will help Cần Thơ rice meet the standards, leading to   improved labour productivity, safe working environment and better management on food safety and hygiene.

Huỳnh Thế Năng , Chairman of the Việt Nam Food Association (VFA), praised Phụng Hoàng’s efforts to applying modern technology in rice production. It was a bold decision by the company to adopt hi-tech farming, he said.

Phụng Hoàng Rice Export Import Joint Stock Company, established in 2007, is one of the leading rice exporters in Việt Nam. The Phụng Hoàng 3 Rice Mill, located in Thới Thuận Ward, Thốt Nốt District, has a daily capacity of 500 tonnes of rice that meets international standards.

Buhler is a leading Swiss company with more than 150 years of experience in the field of grain processing. In addition to Việt Nam, it is also present in Thailand and India, other leading rice producers and exporters.

In 2016, Buhler opened a factory in Long An, marking its presence in Việt Nam. Phụng Hoàng was the first company in Việt Nam to use Buhler’s technology in rice production and processing.