Duong Go Lo Cooperative: From worries about food and clothing to a sustainable enrichment model

An Giang From a poor farmer, Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuong built Duong Go Lo Cooperative into a bright spot of the collective economy, helping more than 200 households escape poverty and participate in the 1 million hectare rice project.

Breakthrough thanks to Japanese rice and the strength of cooperatives

In the land of Giong Rieng (An Giang province), the story of Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director of Duong Go Lo Agricultural Cooperative is becoming a typical example of the strength of the collective economy . From a farmer who worried about daily meals all year round, he boldly innovated, introducing Japanese rice varieties into clean production. Not only helping his family to stabilize their lives, he also guided more than 200 members of the Cooperative on the path to sustainable enrichment right on their homeland fields.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Director of Duong Go Lo Cooperative, next to the DS1 Japanese rice field. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Born into a farming family, Mr. Phuong clearly understands the hardships of working hard and earning an unstable income. Unstable rice prices, increasing costs, and unstable output have caused many households to fall into debt. This concern prompted him to find another way.

Instead of resigning himself, he diligently studied new production models, learned from books and newspapers, and participated in technical training. He realized that to go far, farmers could not work alone but had to unite in a collective to share capital, experience, and harmonize interests together. From that thought, he mobilized people to establish cooperatives where collective strength converged to overcome fragmented and small-scale barriers.

After much persuasion, in 2015, Duong Go Lo Cooperative was officially established with 54 members and a charter capital of only 51 million VND. Initially, difficulties surrounded it, but the belief in the new model helped households to stick with it. With the motto of "taking myself as a pilot", Mr. Phuong always tested before expanding new varieties or farming methods to reassure members. It was this perseverance and transparent approach that created strong trust in the collective.

The highlight of the journey of change was the bold decision to introduce the Japanese rice variety DS1 into cultivation. Initially, many people were hesitant because this rice variety had a long growing period. However, when they saw its outstanding efficiency, high yield, few pests and diseases, low cost and stable selling price, all members of the cooperative switched simultaneously.

Thanks to that, Duong Go Lo Cooperative quickly built its brand. Farmers now not only escape the situation of "good harvest, low price" but also proactively connect with businesses and sign consumption contracts. In particular, DS1 rice of the Cooperative has achieved 3-star OCOP certification, contributing to enhancing the reputation of An Giang rice in the market.

Along with the development, the cooperative expanded its scale by merging with many other units. Up to now, the cooperative has more than 213 members, managing an area of ​​over 234 hectares of cultivated land, and at the same time providing a variety of services: land preparation, irrigation, spraying pesticides with drones, selling solar power... Thanks to that, people save costs from 4-5 million VND/ha, profits increased by 1.5 times compared to before.

Duong Go Lo Cooperative takes care of rice fields using clean processes, aiming to participate in the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Associated with the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project

Another important milestone is that the Cooperative actively participates in the Project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta. In 2024, the Cooperative deployed 50 hectares according to the project's process. Mr. Phuong affirmed that the Cooperative cultivates clean rice, applies smart techniques, manages water, reduces chemical fertilizers, etc., so when participating in the project, all members of the Cooperative are very favorable.

According to the plan, by 2025, 100% of the cooperative's production area will participate in the project, meaning that all members will join the path of sustainable production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the value of rice grains. This is not only a step in line with the trend but also a testament to the pioneering role of Duong Go Lo Cooperative in the modernization of agriculture .

Looking back over the past 10 years, from a few dozen households at first, Duong Go Lo Cooperative has become a “bright spot” in An Giang. The success of the Cooperative is not only in profit but also in the methodical organization of production, helping people change the mindset of “each doing their own thing”. People now understand that only by linking together can they create a large raw material area, meeting the requirements of businesses and the market.

Mr. Tran Phi Hung, a member of the Cooperative, shared: “Before, growing Jasmine 85 rice, my family worried about many things. Now, switching to DS1 rice production within the Cooperative, the cost is low, the yield is high, and the profit is stable. Thanks to the Cooperative, our family has food and shelter like today.”

Currently, Duong Go Lo Cooperative has more than 213 members, managing over 234 hectares of cultivated land, and providing a variety of services: land preparation, irrigation, spraying pesticides with drones, selling solar power... Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

The sustainability of the cooperative is also reflected in its constant innovation. Mr. Phuong is aiming to expand clean rice products directly to consumers, diversify agricultural services and call on businesses to cooperate long-term. For him, farming is not only a way to make a living but also a way to affirm his position, turning farming into a "get rich" profession.

According to Mr. Vo Van Banh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Giong Rieng Commune, in reality, not all cooperatives that are established and put into operation are successful. However, the story of Duong Go Lo Cooperative has proven that, with dedicated leadership, transparency and clear orientation, the collective economy can absolutely bring "sweet fruit". This is a model that needs to be replicated, so that farmers in many other places have more confidence and motivation.

Mr. Vo Van Banh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Giong Rieng Commune, further cited that currently, agricultural production in Giong Rieng is moving towards green production and emission reduction, and Duong Go Lo Cooperative is a bright spot showing that innovation from the grassroots will contribute significantly to the common goal. And above all, the story of Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuong affirmed that when farmers dare to think, dare to do, dare to change, they not only save their families but also lift up the whole community.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/htx-duong-go-lo-tu-noi-lo-com-ao-den-mo-hinh-lam-giau-ben-vung-d771523.html