Vietnam Gov’t Grants $21.5M for 21 Localities Affected by Drought, Salinization

Vietnam’s government has decided to allocate VND484.7 billion ($21.5 million) for 21 provinces and cities which have been affected by droughts and salinization in the winter-spring crop in the 215-2016, state media has reported. Central Highlands provinces of Dak Lak and central province of Ninh Thuan will receive highest government assistance of VND57 billion and VND47.4 billion, respectively. The Mekong Delta provinces of Hau Giang, Ben Tre, Tien Giang and Vinh Long will get between VND14.5 billion and VND363.9 billion. Other localities receiving the government supports are Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe an, Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long and Can Tho. Bac Hung Ha Irrigation Co. and Bac Nam Ha Irrigation Co., two irrigation companies operated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will also receive VND21.6 billion and VND12.8 billion from the sum. In March, the government also granted VND523.7 billion for 34 provinces and cities to deal with drought and salinization in the winter-spring crop in the 215-2016. (baochinhphu.vn Apr 12)