Where knowledge ' sprout ' from the soil
The fact that the People's Committee of Noi Bai commune coordinated with the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association to organize a training course on organic vegetable production techniques is not only a regular knowledge transfer session but also affirms the locality's determination to turn organic agriculture associated with experiential tourism into a pillar of development.
Vice Chairman of Noi Bai Commune People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tan spoke at the training session. Photo: Nguyen Ha.
Vice Chairman of Noi Bai Commune People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tan affirmed that ecological agriculture is a link in the diverse livelihood chain, connecting land, people and markets. Persistently pursuing this model, despite the difficult starting point, we have great determination.
In the 'field class', there are not only dry theoretical lectures. Under the guidance of members of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, farmers go directly to the fields, observe the field process, compare theories on farming techniques, record production diaries and conditions for participating in the PGS chain (participatory guarantee system) right on their own land.
According to PGS Vietnam standards, farmers must adhere to the rule of 100% non-use of synthetic chemicals and maintain a quality inspection cycle at least 3 times/year. Only with this transparency can Noi Bai organic vegetables maintain their brand and achieve a stable selling price, 1.5 - 2 times higher than conventionally grown vegetables.
This model helps farmers move from the role of manual workers to process owners. At the same time, it helps them understand that organic farming is not just about not using chemicals but a comprehensive technical system that requires meticulousness, patience and high responsibility.
'Keeping the fire' of livelihood amid challenging currents
Although local vegetable products have entered strict supermarket chains such as AEON, the journey to develop organic agriculture in Noi Bai is still full of obstacles. These difficulties are a true picture reflecting the 'tug of war' between the traditional economic model and modern agricultural trends.
Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agriculture Service and Business Cooperative. Photo: Nguyen Ha.
Analysis by Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agricultural Service and Business Cooperative, pointed out two core challenges. Firstly, the strictness of the modern market with meeting high quality standards means that production risks are always present, just a small mistake can cause agricultural products to be eliminated.
With support in taxes, fees and output, Noi Bai commune expects to expand the organic farming area to 20 - 25 hectares in the next 3 years.
Second, the biggest difficulty lies in human resources, because organic production requires high technology, meticulousness and patience, but has to compete fiercely with industrial zones. To ensure organic production, about 100 - 120 workers/ha per crop are needed, 30 - 40% higher than conventional production.
Ms. Tran Thi Tho, one of the pioneers, shared her concerns about consumption. When supermarket purchasing power decreases, while traditional markets still prefer cheaper conventional vegetables, the cooperative's output is directly affected. This is a systemic problem, requiring intervention and support in stronger market connections from local authorities and related organizations.
A corner of the organic vegetable growing area. Photo: Nguyen Ha.
Faced with these concerns and worries, Noi Bai commune has committed to continue to coordinate with the Association and the PGS system to support farmers in terms of technology, production organization and market connection, demonstrating a sense of responsibility. The ultimate goal is to form a complete organic vegetable chain, turning ecological agriculture into a local highlight.
Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/canh-dong-tri-thuc-o-noi-bai-d784998.html
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