On the basic features of farming system in the Mekong Delta-Vietnam

Occupying about 12% of total land area of Vietnam, and 22% of its total population, The Mekong Delta contributes about 60% of aquaculture production, nearly 50% of the food production, and 70% of exported rice. Mekong Delta is considered as the most important agricultural region in Vietnam. Therefore, a deep understanding about characteristics of farming systems, main problems and constraints for the development of farming systems in Mekong Delta is always very necessary for any further research in farming systems of Mekong Delta. The paper is to overview some main features of Mekong Delta. The natural features such as geography, climate, soil conditions and the latest socio-economic conditions like population, education, income of farming systems are briefly introduced. The classification of agro-ecological region; the main production systems, the land use systems are described here. Then some main problems and constraints that hinder from development of farming system in Mekong Delta are also mentioned.