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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Assessment of the Impact of Plastic Recycling on Agricultural Land Prices in Van Lam District Hung Yen Province

(Vietnam), Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Thesis Abstract:

The study evaluated the impact of water pollution from plastic recycling on agricultural land prices in Minh Khai, Van Lam district. The results showed that the level of pollution in the study site is serious. The indicators of air quality, noise pollution and water pollution showed that these have exceeded acceptable levels. The wastewater is discharged into the general sewer system of the residential areas resulting to the pollution of surrounding waters. Results of the analysis of surface water samples from the pond water of Minh Khai village, the Minh Khai area wastewater receiving canal (in western Minh Khai) and the Nam Bac Bac canal system (belonging to Bac Hung Hai system) showed that these are affected by the pollution from the wastewaters from plastic recycling. In addition, the poor air quality from the dust and smoke from the plastic recycling also adversely affect farmers' activities.

The main source of income of one hundred and twenty-three farm household respondents included in the study is from rice production. In addition, they also raise vegetables and fruit trees. About 69% of these households mentioned that pollution from plastic recycling has reduced the yield and quality of their crops as well as reduced the price of agricultural lands in the area.

The analysis also showed that there are a number of factors affecting the value of their agricultural lands. Land prices are positively related to crop yields, soil quality and land size while distance to the highway and quality of the irrigation water are negatively related. The value of agricultural lands tended to decline as they came closer to the Minh Khai plastic area. A one-percent increase in distance from the plastic recycling area increased agricultural price by 0.0245% or by VND 0.97/m2. Based on the hedonic pricing analysis, the estimated loss in land value due to pollution from the plastic recycling was about 79 billion VND.

The study recommends that the local authorities should identify common areas where plastic recyclers can locate. In these common areas, the plastic recyclers should be required to invest in wastewater treatment plants to address wastewater and air pollution that affect agricultural production.