Preservation and development of native plant and animal varieties

With its diverse ecosystem, Thanh Hoa province boasts many rare and valuable native plant and animal species with high economic value. However, due to the impact of climate, soil conditions, and cultivation practices, some species are at risk of degradation. In response to this situation, the province has implemented several solutions to restore and preserve original genetic resources, propagate, and develop native breeds.

Wild boar breeding farm in Cam Thach commune (Cam Thuy district).

The yellow cattle breed is a long-standing livestock breed in the mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa province, belonging to one of Vietnam's valuable cattle breeds that has been included by the State in the list of rare and valuable livestock genetic resources requiring conservation and development. However, in recent years, the number of yellow cattle has been declining due to confinement by farmers, causing males and females to be separated from their lineage, leading to breed degeneration. In addition, the pressure of market mechanisms prioritizing high productivity has led to programs and projects aimed at improving the size and stature of the cattle herd, increasing the proportion of Zebu crossbreds – a larger, higher-yielding breed – while the smaller size of the yellow male cattle risks the loss of purebred genetic resources. Furthermore, farmers' improper care and feeding practices have resulted in substandard meat quality.

Faced with this situation, to maintain the genetic resources of the yellow cattle breed, the Center for Research, Testing and Livestock Services (Thanh Hoa Agricultural Institute) has conducted research and conservation of the yellow cattle breed, establishing a conservation area for yellow cattle. In addition, it has organized training for local people on techniques for growing grass for cattle feed, livestock farming techniques, upgrading barns to meet technical standards, and providing vaccination support. Simultaneously, it has implemented in-situ conservation, selecting yellow cattle that meet breed standards for breeding. Currently, the center maintains a herd of 20 female cattle and 1 male cattle and is selecting the second generation to ensure the genetic resources. Mr. Le Tran Thai, Deputy Director of the Center for Research, Testing and Livestock Services, said: Besides yellow cattle, the center also conducts research and conservation of the genetic resources of Co Lung ducks and lotus geese. Through restoration projects and programs, the center will continue to conduct research and select high-economic-value native livestock breeds to conserve, store, and protect valuable native genetic resources, thereby serving as a core for production and supplying breeding stock to production facilities. At the same time, it will focus on transferring scientific and technical knowledge in the selection, breeding, conservation, and preservation of livestock breeds to ensure high quality and productivity.

In Ba Thuoc district, recognizing the potential of developing the native "bitter mandarin" tree into a commercial crop, along with support programs for restoration and propagation, the district has been actively implementing genetic resource conservation and applying new scientific and technical advancements to the selection and production of high-quality seedlings. In addition, efforts have been made to encourage people to expand their cultivation area and provide technical support for planting and caring for the trees. To date, the entire district has over 80 hectares of "bitter mandarin" trees in the communes of Ban Cong, Thanh Son, Lung Cao, Lung Niem, etc. The product has been granted geographical indication certification.

Along with support, restoration, and breeding programs, Ba Thuoc district is actively applying new scientific and technical advancements to the selection and production of high-quality plant varieties, introducing the cultivation of the "stinky mandarin" tree into households to expand both the scale and quality of the product, increase people's income; and create a distinctive product under the OCOP program to serve tourism development. The goal is to develop 100 hectares of "stinky mandarin" trees in the district by 2025.

Currently, our province has implemented several research projects and conservation programs for the genetic resources of valuable native plant and animal species, such as: Luận Văn S0, 27 pomelo, Ngọc Lặc mandarin orange, Quan Hóa mandarin orange, cinnamon tree (Thường Xuân), Vân Du orange (Thạch Thành), Mai An Tiêm watermelon (Nga Sơn), Cổ Lũng duck, lotus goose, wild boar, Ri chicken, yellow cattle, etc. Thanks to the coordination between different levels and sectors, and the mobilization and integration of programs and support funds, the conservation and development of native plant and animal breeds in the province have initially achieved positive results. However, many native plant and animal species are still declining in number because people do not fully understand their value and therefore do not pay enough attention to caring for and developing them. Therefore, in the coming time, relevant departments and units of the province need to evaluate and select rare genetic samples for preservation to serve research and breeding. In addition, through restoration and development projects and programs, support and encourage people to replicate the model; focusing on the transfer of science and technology, plant and animal care, disease prevention and control, and livestock construction techniques... To sustainably develop native plant and animal breeds, localities need to focus on building brands, promoting consumption, and improving economic efficiency for the people.

Text and photos: Le Ngoc

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bao-ton-phat-trien-giong-cay-trong-nbsp-vat-nuoi-nguon-goc-ban-dia-218156.htm