Dong Thap builds new rural areas: Spreading good models and innovative approaches.

Not only is Dong Thap province a leader in the implementation of the new rural development program, but it is also a pioneer in new, creative models and approaches that are both practical and deeply rooted in the unique identity of the "Land of Pink Lotus".

From farmers' meeting halls to new-style cooperatives

Speaking of Dong Thap today, it's impossible not to mention the "Farmers' Club" model – a unique initiative stemming from practical experience. These clubs are not administrative organizations, but rather places where farmers voluntarily gather to discuss production, learn from each other, and make changes together. The slogan "voluntariness - democracy - sharing" has become the motto of 153 clubs with 7,823 members throughout the province.

From heartfelt conversations, many community centers have developed into new-style cooperatives, operating effectively and helping thousands of households increase their income. Typical examples include the My Xuong Mango Community Center, the Thap Muoi Lotus Community Center, and the Lai Vung Mandarin Community Center – all now key hubs for agricultural production and consumption along the value chain, contributing to the formation of large-scale commodity production areas.

Harvesting and packing mangoes at a mango orchard in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap. Photo: VNA.

A highlight of Dong Thap's new rural development approach is the innovation in production thinking. The province doesn't pursue superficial forms but focuses on applying modern science and technology , combined with the indigenous knowledge of farmers. Many new models have emerged: "Smart rice fields" in Thap Muoi use IoT sensors to regulate irrigation, saving 30% of water; "Sa Dec ornamental plant greenhouses" combine tourism and experiential activities; "Organic lotus fields" in Cao Lan and Tam Nong utilize the entire lotus plant for processing export products; and "Digital cooperatives" in Lai Vung manage crops and trace origins using mobile phones. These models help increase productivity, reduce costs, protect the environment, and create a class of "digital farmers"—proactive, flexible, and integrated.

The four-party linkage creates new momentum.

One of Dong Thap's strengths is the close linkage between the four stakeholders: farmers, businesses, scientists, and the government. This linkage forms the foundation for sustainable agricultural development.

In the aquaculture sector, the pangasius value chain is organized synchronously from breeding, feed, farming, processing to export. Businesses invest in technology, scientists transfer techniques, and farmers are confident in producing under stable consumption contracts. As a result, aquaculture production reaches over 1 million tons per year, and Dong Thap maintains its leading position nationwide in pangasius production.

In agriculture, sustainable value chains for rice, mangoes, and ornamental plants are developing; businesses sign contracts for guaranteed purchase, provide technical support, and certify quality. As a result, the province's agricultural products are increasingly gaining a foothold in domestic and international markets.

New Rural Development - From Movement to Culture

In Dong Thap, the New Rural Development program is not just a program, but has become a community culture. From the "road and bridge construction" movement to "flower-lined roads" and "safe religious communities," all stem from the voluntary spirit of the people. Spacious houses and clean, beautiful residential areas are evidence of comprehensive transformation. Average rural income reaches over 70 million VND/year, the poverty rate is only 0.81% , 100% of communes in the province meet the New Rural Development standards, and more than half meet the advanced standards – these figures speak volumes about a livable Dong Thap.

Entering the 2026-2030 period, the province will continue to promote effective models, aiming for the goal of "the province completing the task of building new rural areas." The province will focus on improving the quality of life, developing green infrastructure, community culture, and a sustainable ecological environment. The new rural areas in Dong Thap are a testament to the power of innovative thinking and solidarity. From a purely agricultural province, Dong Thap today has become a model of creativity and humanism in building new rural areas, worthy of being the "green heart of the Mekong Delta," a place where the faith, aspirations, and wisdom of the people of the Lotus Land converge.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/dong-thap-xay-dung-nong-thon-moi-lan-toa-nhung-mo-hinh-hay-cach-lam-sang-tao-10400333.html