Reforming the activities of farmers' associations.

Innovating the content and methods of operation, and focusing strongly on the grassroots level, is becoming a requirement for all levels of farmers' associations in order to improve operational efficiency and support members in developing production.

The province currently has over 270,000 farmer association members, with 102 association branches, 1,660 sub-branches, and more than 10,400 groups. This is considered an important foundation for the association to play its role as a bridge between farmers and the government, businesses, and programs supporting production development. After the merger, many localities have larger administrative areas than before, the number of sub-branches and groups has increased rapidly, leading to a greater workload for grassroots association officials.

High-tech cantaloupe farming model of farmers in Son Kien commune. Photo: DANG LINH

According to Nguyen Van Cop, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province and Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association, this is both a pressure and an opportunity for the association to strongly innovate its working methods. Mr. Nguyen Van Cop believes that to improve the quality of the association's work in the new phase, association officials must be closer to the people, more deeply involved at the grassroots level, and know how to apply technology in management and operation. “With a large geographical area and many members, the grassroots associations must innovate their methods; they cannot operate in the old, bureaucratic way. The grassroots associations must strengthen the application of information technology, promote the role of the branch associations and the core group of farmers to connect members and promptly understand the needs of members and farmers,” Mr. Nguyen Van Cop said.

In Vinh Trach commune, after the merger, the number of members increased significantly, leading to many new tasks ranging from propaganda and mobilization to supporting production and building collective economic models. According to Tran Van Duc, Chairman of the Vinh Trach Commune Farmers' Association, the biggest challenge currently is that association officials have to cover a large area, while the need for support from members is constantly increasing. “Some days, our staff are constantly out in the fields from morning till evening. Many hamlets are far from the commune center, so we have to go there in person to get an update. To overcome this, the association has increased the assignment of officials to specific areas, promoted the role of branch and group leaders, and created Zalo groups to quickly disseminate information to members,” Mr. Tran Van Duc said.

In line with the practical needs of farmers, the Farmers' Association of Binh An commune focuses on innovating the activities of its branches and groups in a practical direction. According to Tran Hai Dang, Chairman of the Binh An Commune Farmers' Association, if activities remain too formal, it will be difficult to attract members in a large area with increasingly demanding work. "Each meeting of the branch and group is linked to a specific topic such as technical guidance, market information, or loan support. When farmers find it practical, they participate more actively, and the mobilization efforts become easier," said Mr. Tran Hai Dang.

The Provincial Farmers' Association has identified its key tasks as improving the quality of grassroots association officials, strengthening digital transformation in operations, and building effective production models to attract members. In addition to propaganda work, associations at all levels in the province are stepping up support for farmers in accessing science and technology, building ecological agricultural production models, linking along value chains, developing OCOP products, and bringing agricultural products to e-commerce platforms. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Cop, the most important thing now is to ensure that the association truly becomes a support system for farmers in this new phase.

In the new post-merger conditions, despite many difficulties regarding geographical area, human resources, and workload, the farmers' associations at all levels in the province have gradually adapted and innovated to improve the quality of their activities, meeting the requirements of agricultural and rural development in the new period. The movement of farmers competing in excellent production and business continues to spread strongly with nearly 49,000 households registered. Social welfare activities are given attention, mobilizing more than 3.9 billion VND to build bridges, houses, and support people in difficult circumstances; and giving 1,400 gifts to members during Tet.

The Provincial Farmers' Association actively promotes the development of the collective economy and supports cooperatives and cooperative groups. The province currently has nearly 3,700 cooperative groups and 850 cooperatives, with over 160,000 members. The Farmers' Support Fund operates effectively, with a total capital of over 125 billion VND, contributing to providing capital and creating jobs for members.

According to Nguyen Van Cop, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province and Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association: "To keep members committed to the association, association officials must do good work for farmers and accompany them in production and daily life. The quality of the association's activities is measured by the effectiveness it brings to its members."

DANG LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doi-moi-hoat-dong-hoi-nong-dan-a485938.html