In the context of the agricultural sector facing increasing pressure from climate change, market fluctuations and increasing demands for product quality, agricultural extension work is no longer simply about imparting technical knowledge. Agricultural extension officers today must take on the role of “companion”, connecting farmers - businesses - scientists and the government.
Previously, agricultural extension activities mainly implemented demonstration models such as planting new varieties, improving livestock farming or using fertilizers properly... Although many models achieved technical efficiency, replication encountered difficulties due to lack of capital, lack of market linkage and unstable output. Based on that 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 consulting on production planning, connecting product consumption, consulting on packaging design, branding and product standardization.
In 2024, the Center connected 4 cooperatives to participate in the Agricultural Development Project in cooperation with Thien Tam Fund, to support cooperatives in economic development and creating livelihoods for poor households. A typical example is Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative (Muong Vi Commune, Bat Xat District) which has implemented the Project "Cooperatives linking with farming households to develop the economy and escape poverty sustainably".
Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative was supported with a 1 billion VND interest-free loan from Thien Tam 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 rice per day has helped the Cooperative improve product quality and create stable jobs for 25 poor and near-poor households in the commune. Thereby, the Cooperative has gradually built a sustainable production and consumption chain, contributing to poverty reduction and environmental protection in the locality.
Sharing about the process of participating in the project, Ms. Pham Thi Hao, Director of Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative said: Previously, we produced on a small scale, depending heavily on traders, so product prices were unstable. Since receiving support from the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center (now the Provincial Agricultural Extension and Rural Water Supply Center) to access the project, the cooperative has been able to invest in factories and standard rice processing machinery. In particular, thanks to technical training and guidance on safe production processes, the unit's products now have stable outputs, helping many poor households in the commune have jobs and better incomes.
In addition, the center also carries out support activities and provides advice on organic agricultural production, instructing people and businesses on installing water-saving irrigation systems, technological greenhouses, and using field diary software to digitize the production process.
Applying digital technology is one of the highlights in innovation in agricultural extension work. The Center has promoted online consultation via social networks, technical videos, and livestream instructions - helping to reduce costs and expand reach. At the same time, the construction of a database on production and consumption is also focused on to serve the work of planning and coordinating the market more effectively.
In addition, the center also participates in connecting new plant and animal breeds. A typical example is the experimental model of raising 18M1 chicken breed in Bao Thang district with a scale of 2,000 chickens. After a period of raising, this chicken breed showed high productivity, few diseases, good meat quality, and was favored by the market. From that result, the center has supported more than 2,000 parent chickens for breeding households, aiming to be self-sufficient in poultry breeds in the province.
In the field of cultivation, the Center has connected and supported 300,000 F1 GQ2 hybrid mulberry trees, equivalent to 10 hectares, for farmers in two communes in the mulberry planning area, Kim Son and Cam Con (Bao Yen) to restore the damaged area after storm No. 3. The new mulberry variety grows well, has high productivity, and is suitable for local conditions. Farmers are trained in the process of caring for, improving gardens and raising silkworms effectively, contributing to increasing income.
Mr. Tran Quoc Doan, Kim Son commune, who was supported with the new mulberry variety, shared: Agricultural extension officers always accompany farmers from the stages of land preparation, planting and care. This new mulberry variety has outstanding characteristics such as growing well on barren, waterlogged soil; large leaves, high yield; silkworms grow quickly, the quality of silkworm cocoons is improved, contributing to increasing family income.
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 networking platforms. In the coming time, the center will continue to promote digitalization, apply information technology, integrate technical advice with market support, contributing to increasing the value of agricultural products in the province and increasing farmers' income.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/doi-moi-de-dong-hanh-voi-nong-dan-post402830.html
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