Co To shifts towards high-quality rice production.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Environment visit a high-quality rice farming model in Co To commune. Photo: DUC TOAN

Tan Lap fields are flourishing.

The journey to change small-scale, fragmented farming practices is not easy for farmers who have dedicated their lives to rice cultivation. In Tan Lap hamlet, Co To commune, a demonstration model of the project to develop 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice monoculture linked to green growth in the Mekong Delta, covering 50 hectares and involving 6 farming households, demonstrates the effectiveness and superior economic advantages compared to traditional farming methods.

According to Mr. Nguyen Chi Loi, residing in Tan Lap hamlet, his family cultivated 12 hectares of OM 18 rice, and the recent winter-spring crop yielded over 10 tons per hectare. At a price of 5,900 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, Mr. Loi earned a profit of over 25 million VND per hectare. Mr. Loi said: “By participating in the model, I received support from the local government covering 50% of the seed cost, 30% of the pesticide cost, and 210 kg of fertilizer per hectare. I plan to continue implementing the model in the future.”

Thanks to the application of advanced technical processes, the total production cost of the entire 1 million-hectare model of high-quality rice cultivation, with reduced emissions, is nearly 3 million VND/ha lower than traditional farming. Meanwhile, the average yield reached 10.28 tons/ha, 0.608 tons/ha higher than traditional farming (which only reached 9.6 tons/ha). With a stable selling price of 5,900 VND/kg, the total revenue of the model increased by 3.6 million VND/ha. Combining the two factors of reduced costs and increased revenue, farmers participating in the model earned a profit nearly 6.5 million VND/ha higher than traditional farming.

Change production practices

The key to the model's breakthrough lies in the radical change in the farming process, starting with seed selection. The OM 18 rice variety is preferred due to its high yield, good grain quality, and ability to meet the stringent standards of the export market.

The change also lies in the "less is better" mindset. Farmers are guided to apply methods to reduce the amount of rice seeds to about 80 kg/ha. Mr. Truong Van Lieu, residing in Co To commune, said: "With a sowing rate of 6-8 kg/hectare, the benefits are clear. Sowing sparsely helps farmers save significantly on rice seed costs from the beginning of the season, creating a spacious growing environment for the rice plants. The rice plants are healthier, absorb sunlight better, making it easier to control diseases and minimize pest attacks."

Besides the seed variety, the model is also a perfect combination of ecological processes. Farmers are trained to apply integrated pest management programs and alternating wet-dry irrigation techniques. This contributes to saving freshwater resources, playing a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ecological environment.

According to Nguyen Van Van, Chairman of the People's Committee of Co To Commune, the local government's orientation is to gradually change the fragmented and small-scale farming practices, replacing them with concentrated, high-quality production areas. In the next phase, Co To Commune will encourage farmers to join cooperatives and production groups to improve management capacity and facilitate access to science and technology. In addition, the commune will strengthen connections and invite businesses to participate in production and consumption linkages through guaranteed purchase contracts, ensuring stable outlets for rice. The commune will continue to disseminate information and provide technical training to farmers to ensure a synchronized production process, aiming for green growth and adaptation to climate change.

DUC TOAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/co-to-chuyen-huong-lam-lua-chat-luong-cao-a485581.html