The discovery of fake and low-quality fertilizers has distressed agricultural communities across the country.

Samples taken at Thuan Phong Company in Dong Nai Province

All 11 units under the Cultivation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that are responsible for testing fertilizer quality and issuing quality certification to production and business nationwide have been found to have engaged in various violations by the ministry inspectorate. The units issued dozens certificates for firms with fake documents or don't even have business licences.

It's not common that the inspectorate is brave enough to announce violations of another agency under the same ministry.

Talking about tighter management and better transparency in approving projects while state budget was having difficulties, former Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh said an official once told him that he was throwing stones on his own feet because who would seek help from the ministry when it was so transparent. Well, people hope the ministers throw more stones on their own feet.

The uncovering of so many wrongdoings at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development probably stems from Minister Cao Duc Phat’s blunt approach.

Nghiem Phu Thuong, head of the investigation team said, "We have to be strict, no cover ups, with wrongdoings. The minister said there were no restricted areas in this case and we'll get to the bottom of this investigation."

If the police find concrete evidence to show that bribes were offered to cheat the customers into buying fake fertilizers then it will be a huge crime against the people, especially the farmers who are already facing many difficulties.

A reader shared their pain upon reading the news.

"Vietnam has over 60 million farmers. They are the force that protected our country. Most hardship fell on the farmers but their most valuable assets are their wheat, potatoes and fertilizers. Now even fertilizers are faked.

"Meanwhile dishonest traders are rampant everywhere. Why this situation is allowed to happen? Who is backing up those traders and let them carry out dirty deeds, trampling on the farmers? Only those who don't have conscience can make fake products or support it, cheating farmers and poor people.

"A cafe owner was almost prosecuted for illegal business just because he had started the operation a few days before the licence arrived. But then here, 11 units had violated various regulations to issue certificates for fake and low-quality fertilizers.

"Let's hope that the government will not betray its integrity and really serves the people. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc once said that we had to strictly deal with violators for the people. Let's hope the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the government will deal with this case quickly and aggressively."