News

Quarantined Farmers Can’t Harvest Ripened Rice, Local Police Help Them Out

Local police help quarantined farmers harvest rice


If you’ve ever played farm simulation games such as Animal Crossing or Harvest Moon, you know the excitement of looking forward to a harvest.

Now imagine the anticipation of actual farmers when it’s real planting we’re talking about – harvests are when their months of hard work on the field finally come to fruition.

Unfortunately, many farmers at Sông Lô District, Vĩnh Phúc Province couldn’t make it to their harvest, as they were quarantined following reports of COVID-19 infections in the area.

It was then that local police and volunteers came to their rescue.


Rice fields faced risks of over-ripening as farmers were under quarantine



Image credit: Zing News

For our fellow city folks who are un-savvy in the art of agriculture, here’s a tidbit about the rice we all consume daily: if you leave ripened rice unharvested for too long, the grains will either fall off and get blown away by the wind, or become food for birds, mice, and other vermin.


Image credit: Zing News

That fate would have awaited several rice fields in Sông Lô District, Vĩnh Phúc Province, where many farmers can’t harvest them in time as they’re still under quarantine due to COVID-19 risks. That is, if local police and volunteers hadn’t intervened in a timely manner.


Local police and volunteers lend a helping hand



Image credit: Zing News

On 18th May, dozens of local police officers and volunteers flocked to the rice fields around the quarantined area. Despite the intense heat, they worked outdoors all day to do the harvesting in the quarantined farmers’ stead.

By the end of the day, nearly 2.5 tons of rice had been reaped, reported Zing News. The rice belonged to 10 underprivileged households currently living in quarantine.


Image credit: Zing News

The rice was then taken back to storage for preservation so that farmers could process them into edible grains at a later date.

Authorities are also planning future actions to help disadvantaged citizens affected by the pandemic get back on their feet, a local leader told Zing News.


All government workers deserve recognition


Ever since the fourth COVID-19 wave began in Vietnam back in late April, we’ve seen constant online posts and pictures honoring medical workers for their efforts in containing the virus. The white-coated heroes deserve all the credits, of course, but let’s not forget that the police force is also working no less diligently.

While not every police officer is out there battling the pandemic directly, their contributions from the backline play a crucial part in maintaining stability – providing support to affected citizens and frontliners alike.

Let this story be a reminder to us to show all government workers the respect they are due.

For more stories, check out:


Cover image adapted from Zing News

Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more stories like this. If you have a story to share, email us at pressvn@thesmartlocal.com. 

Toan Ngo

Recent Posts

6 Things To Do In Saigon In February 2023: Anime Convention, Silk Painting Exhibition, & A Woodcut Workshop

Now that Tết is over, Saigon is now a bustling hub of activity once again.…

February 3, 2023

9 Things To Do In Hanoi For Tết 2023 – Fireworks, Flower Shopping, And Traditional Festivals

If you're in Hanoi this Tết, here are some activities you can look into to…

January 17, 2023

6 Gorgeous Vietnamese Calendars for 2023: From Dancing Cats, Trippy Cyberpunk To Giant Towels

Vietnamese Calendars for 2023 - made with love by local craftsmen Now that the new…

January 13, 2023

Mầm Coffee Tea Beer, Saigon: Country-Style Cafe With Nostalgic Decor And Flowing River

Mầm coffee tea beer is a perfect getaway for those who are tired of the…

January 5, 2023

Ante Café – An European-Style Café In Da Nang For A Cozy Drink & Photo Session With Friends

With a chic decor featuring wooden floors, raw brick walls, and European-style furniture, Ante Cafe…

January 4, 2023

9 Things To Do In Saigon – From Visiting A Floating Temple To Munching On Local Comfort Food

Saigon features some of the best of what Vietnam has to offer. If you're at…

January 4, 2023