Model cooperative combining technology with organic production

BINH DUONG Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative has many inventions to save costs, protect the environment, help the organic agricultural production process go smoothly, and bring high value.

Determined to change

Organic agriculture is becoming a trend for sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam. Consumers are increasingly concerned about health issues, so organic agricultural products are increasingly popular. In Binh Duong, Dong Thuan Phat Agricultural Cooperative (Bac Tan Uyen District) is a typical unit in the journey of converting from traditional agriculture to organic agriculture associated with the application of scientific and technological advances in production.

Although Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative's orange-leaf pomelos are small, they have a distinctive aroma and a sweet, slightly sour taste, so they are very popular in the market. Photo: Tran Phi.

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Safe, quality fruit thanks to fruit fly monitoring technology

Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative has 22 members, with the goal of providing safe agricultural products to consumers. Previously, farmers in Thuong Tan Commune (Bac Tan Uyen District) mainly cultivated using traditional methods, using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to promote plant growth. However, these methods could not eliminate concerns about product quality and safety for consumers' health.

Although highly effective in the short term, the farming method that relies solely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides has made the land increasingly barren and reduced the quality of agricultural products. With passion and determination to change, the cooperative has switched to organic farming, entering a new and challenging field.

Mr. Trinh Minh Thanh, Director of the Cooperative, shared: "Previously, we cultivated spontaneously, abusing pesticides, which resulted in low product quality. But now, we apply science and technology to organic grapefruit care, and the results are surprising, the products are well received by the market, and the selling price is much more stable."

The main product of the cooperative is small orange-leaf pomelo with a fragrant aroma and a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The cooperative's pomelo is not only delicious but also safe because it is produced in an organic way. Each pomelo carries the heart of the farmer.

Products made from grapefruit of Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative. Photo: Provided by the Cooperative.

Orange leaf sugar pomelo is a testament to the change and aspiration to build sustainable agriculture of Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative. Thanks to the OCOP program, the Cooperative not only promotes its products but also connects with domestic and foreign trading partners. However, the path to converting from traditional to organic farming is not always easy. The Cooperative faces many challenges, especially pests such as fruit flies - a dangerous enemy of pomelo trees.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Tien, a member of the cooperative, shared: "Before receiving support from experts, I had to try many methods, sometimes harming the trees. When applying organic technology, although sometimes the grapefruit garden is not as beautiful as before, the fruit is tastier and sweeter. Consumers love it very much." It is these difficulties that have urged the cooperative to persevere in pursuing organic methods, protecting public health and the environment.

Inventions help reduce production costs

In conjunction with organic farming methods, the cooperative has also invented tools and equipment to help save production costs and improve labor productivity. One of the notable inventions is the automatic irrigation system combined with a fertilizer mixer by Mr. Nguyen Van Co, a member of the cooperative. The automatic irrigation system not only helps farmers save time watering their gardens but also reduces production costs and protects the environment.

Mr. Nguyen Van Co's automatic irrigation system combined with a fertilizer mixer not only helps save time but also reduces production costs and protects the environment. Photo: Tran Trung.

Mr. Co shared: "The process of watering and fertilizing is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, I invented a fertilizer mixer combined with an automatic irrigation system. Just turn on the switch, the system will operate automatically, helping to save time and labor. This irrigation system costs only a few million VND, while similar devices on the market cost up to tens of millions of VND."

Mr. Co's machine not only saves production costs but also significantly increases grapefruit productivity. His grapefruit garden has 800 trees, harvesting more than 100 tons of grapefruit in 2024, bringing in nearly 1 billion VND in income after deducting expenses.

Thanks to this invention, the cooperative has saved a lot of costs and increased labor productivity. In addition, Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative also applies science and technology to production to improve product quality, protect public health and the environment. Members are always looking for creative solutions to improve the farming process, from choosing plant varieties to caring for plants to ensure the highest quality products.

Thanks to this combination, the cooperative has built a prestigious brand not only domestically but is also researching a number of products to bring to the international market such as grapefruit juice, essential oils... The goal of the cooperative is not only to create quality organic products but also to build a green, sustainable agriculture. Cooperative members always want to create an organic agricultural ecosystem, where products are not only the result of production but also carry sustainable living values.

Mr. Trinh Minh Thanh, Director of Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative (left) said that although organic farming faces many difficulties, thanks to its high quality and safety, Thuong Tan commune's grapefruit has gained a foothold in the market. Photo: Tran Phi.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Quoc Viet, Head of the Economic Department of Bac Tan Uyen District shared: “We are very impressed with the inventions and application of technology in agricultural production of Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative. These inventions not only help optimize labor efficiency but also contribute greatly to environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.

The Bac Tan Uyen district government is committed to providing maximum support to replicate this model, encouraging other cooperatives to apply modern technology, thereby improving product quality and promoting sustainable development for local agriculture."

“Dong Thuan Phat Cooperative not only has solutions to increase labor productivity but also creates safe agricultural products for consumers. The cooperative model is gradually affirming its position in the local agricultural community and can become an ideal model for other cooperatives in applying science and technology to agricultural production,” emphasized Mr. Nguyen Hoang Quoc Viet, Head of the Economic Department of Bac Tan Uyen district.

Source: https://nongnghiep.vn/hop-tac-xa-hinh-mau-gan-cong-nghe-voi-san-xuat-huu-co-d744867.html