The installation of automated processing lines in a major rice mill is set to boost hi-tech marking in Can Tho city, officials said.

The Phung Hoang Rice Export Import Joint Stock Company, in co-operation with Swiss group Buhler, has automated all production lines in one of its rice mills.

The automated production lines at the Phung Hoang 3 Rice Mill, which began operating on April 20, allows the mill to process 60 tonnes of rice per hour.

All activities, including separating paddy from husk, whitening rice and removing almost 95 percent of impurities, are automated. Phung Hoang is the first enterprise in Vietnam to apply this technology.

Le Van Tam, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, said the new processing method deployed by Phung Hoang 3 Rice Mill will contribute positively to high-tech farming development in the southern city.

Tam added that applying modern technology will also help the city attract more investment, improve its competitiveness and facilitate deeper integration into the international market.

Can Tho cultivates rice on nearly 240,000ha every year, with about 90,000ha dedicated to the winter-spring crop. Food production is estimated at about 1.5 million tonnes yearly, Tam said.

The new processing technology used by Phung Hoang 3 Rice Mill has boosted rice consumption both in Can Tho city and neighbouring provinces like An Giang and Dong Thap, increasing the value of rice and also ensuring the quality of rice for export, Tam said.

Othmar Hardegger, Swiss Consul General in HCM City, noted that Vietnam was one of the world’s leading rice exporters with plenty of favourable conditions to maintain and increase its share in the world market. However, in order to compete with foreign suppliers, it is essential that the country ensures that its rice meets international quality and food safety standards.

The latest technology and expertise of the Buhler Group will help Can Tho rice meet the standards, leading to improved labour productivity, safe working environment and better management on food safety and hygiene.

Huynh The Nang, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), praised Phung Hoang’s efforts to applying modern technology in rice production. It was a bold decision by the company to adopt hi-tech farming, he said.

The Phung Hoang Rice Export Import Joint Stock Company, established in 2007, is one of the leading rice exporters in Vietnam. The Phung Hoang 3 Rice Mill, located in Thoi Thuan ưard, Thot Not district, has a daily capacity of 500 tonnes of rice that meets international standards.

Buhler is a leading Swiss company with more than 150 years of experience in the field of grain processing. In addition to Vietnam, it is also present in Thailand and India, other leading rice producers and exporters.

In 2016, Buhler opened a factory in Long An, marking its presence in Vietnam. Phung Hoang was the first company in Vietnam to use Buhler’s technology in rice production and processing.