Sóc Trăng Farmers Temporarily Abandon Farmland to Avoid Saltwater Intrusion

Due to early and prolonged saltwater intrusion, many farmers in Sóc Trăng have paused their cultivation, leaving fields fallow and livelihoods at risk. What are the adaptive solutions?

Saltwater Intrusion Arrives Early – Farmers Face a Failed Season

According to Lao Động Newspaper, several districts in Sóc Trăng province—such as Trần Đề, Long Phú, and Kế Sách—are witnessing increasing numbers of farmers leaving their fields fallow or significantly reducing cultivation due to severe freshwater shortages and abnormally high salinity levels.
Irrigation systems have failed to meet water retention demands, leaving hundreds of hectares uncultivated as planned.

A Double Blow: Threats to Livelihoods and Food Security

This crisis is not only affecting thousands of farming households, but also raising alarm over the potential risk of food shortages. Sóc Trăng, known for its rice and fruit production, may face a severe drop in output this year.

Meanwhile, skyrocketing input costs combined with unstable market prices are pushing many farmers into deeper hardship. As a result, some households are seeking temporary jobs or alternative income sources during this non-cultivation period.

What Are the Solutions to Saltwater Intrusion?

The fields have cracked due to prolonged drought and saltwater intrusion. Photo: Internet

In response to these climate change-driven challenges, agricultural experts recommend the following strategies:

• Crop Transition: Switch to salt-tolerant or short-cycle crops such as okra, corn, watermelon, or salinity-resistant rice varieties.

• Use the Right Fertilizer: Specialized fertilizers like NPK CON CÒ ANTI-ALUM and ANTI-SALINITY, rich in potassium sulfate and calcium help crops tolerate salinity, resist thermal stress, and strengthen root development.

• Balance Soil pH: Apply lime and organic fertilizers (e.g., ANIMA, ORGANICONCO) to improve soil quality, retain moisture, and stimulate beneficial microorganisms.

• Water Conservation: Invest in freshwater storage systems such as canals, temporary dikes, and utilize water-saving irrigation techniques to maximize available resources.

Collaboration Needed: Government and Agribusiness Support Is Vital

To help farmers navigate these tough times, joint efforts between agricultural input companies and government agencies are essential. Timely support in the form of suitable seeds, fertilizers, and technical guidance can reduce losses and stabilize production amidst climate disruptions.

Saltwater intrusion is no longer a future threat—it is a harsh reality for Sóc Trăng and many provinces in the Mekong Delta. Leaving farmland fallow is a reluctant yet necessary response, highlighting the urgent need for climate-smart farming strategies.

Toward Long-Term Solutions for Sustainable Farming in Sóc Trăng

To overcome saltwater intrusion and build a sustainable agricultural future, cooperation among government bodies, businesses, and farmers is crucial. Developing flexible, efficient, and adaptive farming models will be key in tackling the ever-changing agricultural landscape.