Help farmers change their production mindset

In the context of agriculture increasingly requiring professionalism and adapting to the market, changing production thinking from traditional to modern, applying science and technology and mastering skills are key factors to help farmers become rich sustainably. Farmers' Associations (FAs) at all levels in the province play an active role in bringing knowledge, technology and career opportunities closer to farmer members, opening up new directions on their own fields and hills.

Báo Hòa Bình•27/05/2025

3T Farm Cooperative (Cao Phong) uses modern vacuum concentration technology to produce orange jam products.

Coming to Bu Cham hamlet, Thinh Minh commune (Hoa Binh city), we were impressed with the effective economic model of Mr. Do Van Chien - an outstanding Vietnamese farmer in 2021. Stemming from the desire to find a new direction for cassava and arrowroot plants in his hometown, Mr. Chien boldly invested in a starch production line, making arrowroot vermicelli from local materials. He shared: Thanks to the support of the Farmers' Association at all levels, I was able to participate in many training courses on science and technology (KHKT) and production management. From there, I applied technology to processing, gradually building the Chien Tho arrowroot vermicelli brand. The product is recognized as a 3-star OCOP and is widely consumed in and outside the province.

In recent times, activities to support farmers in accessing science and technology and participating in vocational training have been focused on by all levels of the Farmers' Union. In the first quarter of 2025, the Union at all levels coordinated to organize 13 vocational training classes for over 420 Farmers' Union members in Lac Thuy, Luong Son districts and Hoa Binh city. These classes provide farmers with the necessary skills for many different occupations, not only in the agricultural sector but also in related fields, or non-agricultural occupations in rural areas, helping people diversify their livelihoods and increase their adaptability.

Along with training and vocational training, the transfer of science and technology has been promoted. 44 training courses on science and technology transfer on crops and livestock were organized, attracting the participation of nearly 1,800 HVND members. Along with that, the Association supported bringing agricultural products to e-commerce platforms, with 43 OCOP products produced by HVND members being introduced, helping Hoa Binh agricultural products gradually reach further. The Association also paid attention to the supply of fertilizers and quality plant varieties. In the first quarter of the year, 518 tons of fertilizers and 3.4 tons of rice seeds were supplied, worth more than 4.2 billion VND, ensuring that people have good materials to produce according to new techniques. These efforts, along with support for the construction of model residential areas and model gardens, are gradually changing the face of the countryside and the way farmers think.

In addition, the movement of farmers competing in production, good business, uniting to help each other get rich and sustainably reduce poverty has been set as the top priority goal and task by the Executive Committee and Standing Committee of the Provincial Farmers' Association for leadership, direction and implementation. In localities, many Farmers' Associations dare to think, dare to do, boldly explore, test and replicate new types of plants, animals and fields to diversify production, develop rural economic industries and services. Up to now, in the whole province, there have appeared many new and effective economic models led by farmers such as: growing organic vegetables, raising livestock and poultry according to biosafety methods, growing citrus fruit trees according to VietGAP, GlobalGAP standards, homestay model...

"However, the application and transfer of science and technology into production is still limited in some places. The reason is partly because farmers are not bold enough to invest and apply scientific and technological advances into production. This shows that support does not stop at opening training classes, but more importantly, how to make farmers truly trust, dare to change old production thinking, and boldly apply new things into practice," said Mr. Bui Duc Bien, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association.

To overcome this limitation and promote a change in thinking, the Farmers’ Association at all levels continues to implement many support activities. These include promoting the establishment of farmer groups and organizations with similar interests, collective economic development models, supporting the introduction of agricultural products to e-commerce platforms to expand consumption channels, or consulting on the renovation of mixed gardens. Thereby providing knowledge and skills, creating an environment for farmers to exchange experiences, learn from each other, and work together to do business in a more modern and sustainable way.