Viet Nam's rice production this year is estimated at about 45.2 million tons. The production amount is 230,000 tons higher than the target, despite the fierce weather effects. Viet Nam's rice production this year is estimated at about 45.2 million tons, 230,000 tons higher than the target, despite the harsh weather effects of El Nino. According to the news of Vietnam Breaking News, estimates for the rice production of Vietnam were shared at a conference to review the performance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in Ha Noi. Around 50,000 hectares of land for rice cultivation in the central region were hit by severe droughts this year, of which 10,000 hectares had to be shifted to more drought-resistant crops, Ma Quang Trung, head of the ministry's Cultivation Department, said. Meanwhile, more than 9,000 rice hectares in southern provinces have been seriously affected by saltwater intrusion, he added. Despite these, average output rose by 0.1 per cent to 57.7 quintals per hectare, making up for the damaged areas. The increase was attributed to timely weather forecasts and accurate analysis of the situation from the ministry. The ministry also reported the country earned VND82.5 million (US$3,661) per hectare of cultivable land, up VND3.8 million ($168) from 2014.