As the world’s third-largest rice exporter, behind only India and Thailand, Vietnam plays a crucial role in global food security, with more than 8 million tons of rice exported annually (as of 2024). The Mekong Delta serves as the country’s agricultural powerhouse, contributing nearly 90% of Vietnam’s rice exports and approximately half of its total rice output. Meanwhile, the Red River Delta remains a key domestic supplier. To better understand Vietnam’s rice supply chain, it’s essential to explore the country’s crop calendar and seasonal characteristics across its key rice-growing regions.  

Key Rice- Growing Regions and Crop Calendar in Vietnam: 

Vietnam’s rice production is divided into three primary regions: the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta, and the Central Coastal region, each with distinct climate patterns and cultivation schedules.  

Mekong Delta – The Rice Bowl of  Vietnam  

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s most fertile and productive region for rice cultivation, accounting for over 50% of the country’s national output and 90% of its exports. Favorable weather, abundant water resources, and a dense canal network allow the region to grow two to three crops per year, including:  

  • Winter – Spring Crop (Main Crop): 

Sowing: November- January | Harvesting: February- April

This is the largest crop by area (~1.6 – 1.7 million ha) and yield (6-7 tons/ha). With stable weather and premium varieties such as Jasmine, St24, and St15, this crop supplies the highest-quality rice for export markets.

  • Summer- Autumn Crop

Sowing: April- June | Harvesting: July- September

Covering ~1.5-1.6 million ha, this crop is susceptible to flooding, pests, and erratic weather. It yields large volumes of mid-to-low-quality rice varieties like OM 4900 and IR 50404, primarily for domestic use and low-end export.

  • Autumn–Winter Crop (Third Crop)

Sowing: July- September| Harvesting: October- December

Limited to ~700,000- 800,000 ha in flood-controlled zones, this crop has lower yields (4.5-5 tons/ha_ and quality, featuring varieties like OM 429 and Nang Hoa 9

Red River Delta – Vietnam’s Traditional Rice Heartland  

This region, home to Vietnam’s ancient wet-rice civilization—focuses on two main rice crops per year, mainly for domestic consumption:  

  • Spring Crop (Winter-Spring)  

Sowing: January- February | Harvesting: May- June

With an area of ~1.1 million ha and yields of 5.5- 6.5 tons/ha, this crop uses varieties such as Bac Thom 7 and Japonica, catering to specialty markets and domestic demand.

  • Summer Crop  

Sowing: June- July | Harvesting: September- October

This crop (~1 million ha) faces challenges from typhoons and floods, producing lower yields (4.5 – 5 tons/ha) with varieties like Khang Dan 18 and BC15

Central Coastal Region – Adaptive Farming Under Harsh Conditions  

Despite facing frequent droughts and storms, farmers in this region have adapted to the climate and maintain two main crops

  • Winter-Spring Crop 

North Central: January- February| South Central: December- January

Harvesting: April- May

  • Summer- Autumn Crop:  

Sowing: April-June| Harvesting: August-September

Other Regions (Central Highlands & Southeast Vietnam)  

These regions contribute modestly to Vietnam’s rice supply. Farmers typically grow two crops annually (Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn), though schedules vary based on local microclimates. 

2025 Rice Crop Outlook:  

Assessment of the 2024–2025 Winter-Spring Crop (Harvested) 

The Winter-Spring crop, traditionally the most important for exports, achieved solid yields comparable to or slightly better than previous years. The improvements stem from enhanced farming techniques and high-yielding varieties. However, challenges remain:

  • Saline Intrusion: Some areas, especially in the Mekong Delta, experienced early and severe saltwater intrusion, which affected yields and cultivation scope.

  • Input Costs: Rising prices for fertilizers and pesticides continued to pressure smallholder farmers, limiting investment in intensive farming practices.

Despite these challenges, quality remains high due to the use of certified seeds and compliance with VietGAP and Global G.A.P. standards.

Summer–Autumn 2025 Crop (In Progress)

While the Summer–Autumn crop typically faces greater weather risks, efforts to standardize cultivation and adopt resilient varieties are expected to help stabilize output. Nonetheless, quality is likely to vary depending on region and weather.

Autumn–Winter 2025 Crop – Mekong Delta

The success of this crop will depend heavily on the Mekong River’s flood season. A well-timed and moderate flood can enrich the soil with alluvial deposits and boost yields. However, excessive flooding could reduce cultivation areas. Farmers are prioritizing salt-tolerant and high-quality varieties for this cycle.

Main Season Crop in North and Central Vietnam

Scheduled for later in 2025, this crop is vulnerable to typhoons and heavy rains. The use of short-duration, resilient rice varieties and strict adherence to sowing timelines are essential to minimize crop losses.

Total Rice Output for 2025

Vietnam’s total rice production in 2025 is forecast to remain stable or show slight variation compared to 2024. The outcome will depend on climate behavior, pest control efforts, and input cost trends in the remaining crop cycles. Balancing domestic food security and export priorities continues to be a national strategic goal.

What’s Next?

In Part 2, we will delve deeper into the 2025 rice forecast, analyze evolving weather patterns, and assess their implications for global rice trade, particularly regarding export availability, pricing trends, and logistics planning. 

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