Innovating to support farmers

Over the years, the Provincial Center for Agricultural Extension and Rural Water Supply has made many innovations in providing technical advice and support to cooperatives, businesses, and farming households. These innovations are contributing to improved production efficiency, the formation of linkages, and the development of modern and sustainable agriculture.

In the context of the agricultural sector facing increasing pressure from climate change, market fluctuations, and ever-higher demands for product quality, agricultural extension work is no longer simply about imparting technical knowledge. Today's agricultural extension officers must assume the role of "partners," connecting farmers, businesses, scientists, and the government.

Previously, agricultural extension activities mainly focused on demonstration models such as planting new varieties, improving livestock farming, or using fertilizers rationally. Although many models achieved technical effectiveness, scaling them up faced difficulties due to a lack of capital, market linkages, and unstable output. Based on this reality, the Provincial Center for Agricultural Extension and Rural Water Supply boldly changed its approach. Agricultural extension officers not only provided technical guidance but also participated in advising on production planning, connecting product consumption, advising on packaging and labeling design, and product standardization.

In 2024, the Center connected four cooperatives to participate in the Cooperative Agricultural Development Project with the Thien Tam Foundation, aiming to support cooperatives in economic development and create livelihoods for poor households. A prime example is the Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative (Muong Vi commune, Bat Xat district), which implemented the project "Cooperatives linking with farmers to develop the economy and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation".

Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative received an interest-free loan of 1 billion VND from the Charitable Fund for 10 years to invest in machinery and equipment for processing Seng Cu rice. The new factory, with a processing capacity of 3 tons of paddy per day, has helped the cooperative improve product quality and create stable jobs for 25 poor and near-poor households in the commune. Through this, the cooperative is gradually building a sustainable production and consumption chain, contributing to poverty reduction and environmental protection in the locality.

Sharing about her experience participating in the project, Ms. Pham Thi Hao, Director of Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative, said: "Previously, we produced on a small scale, heavily dependent on traders, so product prices were unstable. Since receiving support from the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center (now the Provincial Center for Rural Agricultural Extension and Clean Water), we have been able to invest in a factory and machinery for processing rice to meet standards. In particular, thanks to technical training and guidance on safe production processes, our products now have a stable market, helping many poor households in the commune find employment and earn a better income."

In addition, the center also implements activities to support and advise on organic agricultural production, guiding people and businesses in installing water-saving irrigation systems, technological greenhouses, and using field diary software to digitize the production process.

The application of digital technology is one of the highlights in the innovation of agricultural extension work. The center has promoted online consultations through social media, technical videos, and live streaming tutorials – helping to reduce costs and expand reach. At the same time, the development of a database on production and consumption has also been emphasized to serve more effective market planning and coordination.

In addition, the center also participates in connecting new plant and animal breeds. A typical example is the experimental breeding model of the 18M1 chicken breed in Bao Thang district with a scale of 2,000 birds. After a period of raising, this chicken breed showed high productivity, low disease rate, good meat quality, and was favored by the market. Based on these results, the center has supported more than 2,000 parent chickens to households for breeding, aiming for self-sufficiency in poultry breeding stock in the province.

In the agricultural sector, the Center facilitated the provision of 300,000 F1 GQ2 hybrid mulberry seedlings, equivalent to 10 hectares, to farmers in two communes within the mulberry cultivation planning area, Kim Son and Cam Con (Bao Yen district), to restore the area damaged after typhoon No. 3. The new mulberry variety grows vigorously, has high yields, and is suitable for local conditions. Farmers received training on effective care, garden improvement, and silkworm rearing, contributing to increased income.

Mr. Tran Quoc Doan from Kim Son commune, who received support with the new mulberry variety, shared: "Agricultural extension officers always accompany farmers from land preparation, planting, and care. This new mulberry variety has outstanding characteristics such as good growth on barren and waterlogged soil; large leaves, high yield; silkworms grow quickly, and the quality of silkworm cocoons is improved, contributing to increased income for my family."

Currently, more and more farmers, cooperatives, and businesses are proactively contacting the center for advice on high-tech agricultural production, brand building, packaging design, and product promotion on social media platforms. In the future, the center will continue to promote digitalization, the application of information technology, and the integration of technical consulting with market support, contributing to increasing the value of the province's agricultural products and raising farmers' incomes.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/doi-moi-de-dong-hanh-with-nong-dan-post402830.html