The state utility Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) requested the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) halt operations at two of its fertilizer plants to set aside gas for power generation during the peak of the dry season between May and June.

PVN was asked to temporarily suspend the operations of the Phu My and Ca Mau fertilizer plants in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Ca Mau Province, respectively, for two months.

Commenting on the issue at a press briefing on Sunday, Hoang Trung, head of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the supply of fertilizers to local farmers will still be sufficient if the two plants are suspended.

Last year, each of the plants recorded a total output of over 900,000 metric tons of fertilizers and an inventory of more than 200,000 metric tons. Also, each one exported 798,000 metric tons of fertilizers in 2022, Trung said.

If the country encounters a severe shortfall of power and needs to halt the production of fertilizers, the Plant Protection Department will report the issue to the ministry mentioned above for consideration and approval.

In related news, Le Van Duc, deputy head of the ministry’s Crop Production Department, told the press briefing that drought and a heatwave will negatively affect rice fields, fruit plants, and others.

Therefore, localities associated with rice production are recommended to map out plans on saving water and increasing their water storage capacity.

Regarding those localities majoring in fruit tree cultivation, especially the Mekong Delta region, the Crop Production Department asked them to create water sources and store water.

During water scarcity and drought bouts, local authorities should advise local farmers not to plant new trees as it would be risky for their business, Duc said.

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