The history of wet rice agriculture in Vietnam dates back thousands of years and has developed into an important part of the country's culture and economy. Vietnam was one of the first regions in the world to begin cultivating wet rice, with archaeological evidence showing that rice cultivation took place about 7,000 years ago (Vietnamese Culture and Tradition).
Wet rice growing techniques are developed mainly in the delta areas, where there are abundant water sources from large rivers such as the Red River and Mekong River. The system of terraced fields on hillsides in high mountainous areas is also an indispensable part of the picture of wet rice agriculture in Vietnam.
Historically, wet rice was not only the main source of food but also contributed to the social, cultural, and even political development of Vietnam. Festivals and customs related to wet rice, such as the Lunar New Year or harvest praying ceremonies, show the close connection between Vietnamese people and rice.
The development of wet rice cultivation techniques has brought many major changes to Vietnam's agricultural sector, including the shift from manual farming methods to mechanization. These changes have helped increase productivity and production efficiency, while also opening up opportunities to export rice to international markets, turning Vietnam into one of the world's leading rice exporters.
Vietnam today continues to face challenges such as climate change and water resource management, requiring continuous transformation and adaptation in wet rice agriculture to ensure sustainable development in the future. .
