Exemplary agricultural cooperatives create momentum for rural economy in Lam Dong.

Supporting the development of exemplary agricultural cooperative models has become a crucial driving force for the development of Lam Dong's rural economy, contributing to the sustainable implementation of new rural development criteria.

Dragon fruit farm exporting its produce. (Photo: Archival image)

The "core" of sustainable production organization.

Building new rural areas is not just about investing in infrastructure or beautifying the landscape, but the core is to sustainably improve the income and living standards of people in rural areas.

In that spirit, implementing Government Resolution 106 on the development of agricultural cooperatives in the restructuring of the agricultural sector and the construction of new rural areas, Lam Dong province has proactively issued many specific plans and programs to select, refine, and replicate new models of agricultural cooperatives.

As a result, 15 exemplary agricultural cooperatives in the province were selected to participate in the model of a model cooperative that operates effectively.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment stated that the selected cooperatives fully met the mandatory criteria, including: operating in accordance with the Cooperative Law, having efficient production and business operations, not owing taxes, and being rated as good or higher.

This also serves as the "nucleus" for reorganizing agricultural production in rural areas, helping farmers gradually shift from small-scale production to concentrated production, linked along the value chain.

Through these models, the role of cooperatives in building new rural areas is increasingly affirmed, especially in criteria related to production organization, income, employment, and rural economic development.

Caring for cassava squash plants at a cooperative in Da Lat. Photo: IT

Improving the quality of agricultural products

One of the most noticeable benefits of typical agricultural cooperative models is the application of high technology and product consumption linkages, leading to improved productivity and quality of agricultural products, reduced production costs, and stable output.

Many cooperatives have established concentrated raw material areas, producing according to VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic standards, meeting the increasingly high demands of the market.

In fact, many agricultural products in Lam Dong are not only consumed domestically but are also gradually being exported to demanding markets, thereby increasing the added value of local agricultural products.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the development of OCOP products with 3 stars or more, linked with cooperatives, has contributed to diversifying rural products, creating more local jobs and income for people in the area.

This is a crucial factor in helping communes maintain and improve income criteria in the construction of new rural areas. Furthermore, organizing production along the value chain not only helps cooperatives operate more efficiently but also creates a ripple effect, encouraging surrounding cooperatives and farmers to participate in linkages, contributing to the completion of the production organization criteria in the construction of new rural areas.

GlobalGAP-certified dragon fruit farm in Ham Thuan Nam commune. (Photo: Archival image)

Reportedly, based on Government Resolution No. 106, the province also organizes training courses on rural tourism for officials and cooperatives, helping units gradually build agricultural models combined with experiential services and sightseeing, contributing to diversifying revenue sources and enhancing the cultural and ecological value of rural areas.

Developing rural tourism in conjunction with cooperatives not only creates additional livelihoods but also helps preserve the landscape and environment, meeting the environmental and cultural criteria in building advanced new rural areas.

It can be said that, despite many remaining difficulties, practical experience shows that typical agricultural cooperative models have been contributing to changing production mindsets, strengthening community linkages, and promoting the leading role of farmers in rural development.

Certainly, with the achievements and directions in restructuring the agricultural sector and building new rural areas according to Government Resolution 106, favorable conditions will continue to be created to comprehensively and sustainably improve the quality of new rural area criteria in the province.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/htx-nong-nghiep-dien-hinh-tao-da-cho-kinh-te-nong-thon-lam-dong-410273.html