Taking advantage of suitable land conditions, favorable climate, and years of farming experience, the people here have transformed young corn into a staple crop, closely linked with livestock farming, forming a sustainable circular production chain.
Widespread effect
Leading us through the lush green cornfields ready for harvest, Mr. Pham Xuan Tien, an agricultural technical officer of Long Kien commune, shared: "This year's weather has been favorable, the corn crop is bountiful, and the farmers are very happy." Along the winding paths through the fields, the atmosphere of labor is bustling. Under the midday sun, the people are still busily harvesting corn to deliver to traders on time.
Farmers in Long Kien commune grow corn for young ears while raising cattle. Photo: Hanh Chau
With over 20 acres of land planted with corn and nearly 30 cows, Mr. Nguyen Ut Nho, residing in My Trung hamlet, is one of the exemplary households successfully implementing this model. He said that previously, the land was mainly used for rice cultivation, but the yield was low and crop failures were frequent, so he switched to growing corn. “Corn is grown in rotation 3-5 times a year, with the most successful crop being the winter-spring season. Planting 3kg of seeds can yield a profit of 9 million VND, after deducting expenses, the profit margin is over 70%. After harvesting, the stalks can also be sold for 200,000 VND per acre to be used as feed for the cows,” Mr. Ut Nho shared.
Besides utilizing by-products, cattle farming also brings in a significant source of income. “The 2B model provides double profits. Cows are purchased for about 26-27 million VND/each, raised for 4 months, and sold for 37-38 million VND. After deducting expenses, the profit is 5-8 million VND/each,” Mr. Nho added. Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang, a household that switched from rice farming to corn farming more than 5 years ago, said: “My family grows over 3 acres of corn and raises 4 cows. Life is more stable than before, and we have savings.” Not only does this model help farmers improve their income, but it also creates jobs for local workers. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a hired corn harvester, said she can earn about 250,000 VND per day.
The effectiveness of the model is evident, from vast cornfields to densely packed cattle barns along rural roads. Product output is also guaranteed through a procurement system and business linkages. Ms. Lam Thi Tuyet Mai, owner of the Tuan Duyen agency, purchases 2-3 tons of young corn per day to supply An Giang Fruit and Vegetable Foodstuff Joint Stock Company (Antesco) and other businesses, at prices ranging from 12,000 to 15,500 VND/kg. The agency not only sells the product but also creates regular employment for many local workers.
Circular agriculture, integrated with multiple values.
According to Mr. Pham Nhut Thanh, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Long Kien commune, by 2025 the entire commune will have over 800 hectares of young corn planted, with a crop rotation of more than 4 times per year. However, continuous cultivation also poses a challenge regarding soil degradation. In response to this, the local authorities have collaborated with businesses to implement a model using organic fertilizer combined with cattle farming starting in 2025. After implementation, the model has initially yielded positive results: the soil is more porous, costs are reduced, and productivity is increased.
Currently, the entire commune has over 200 households participating in the model, with an area of approximately 100 hectares; of which 80.5 hectares have been granted planting area codes and more than 20 hectares have achieved VietGAP certification. Long Kien young corn is completing its application to be recognized as meeting OCOP standards. Nguyen Hoang Minh, General Director of Antesco Company, shared: “Farmers are supported by the company with deferred payment for seeds and organic fertilizer until harvest. The selling price of young corn using organic fertilizer is 800 VND/kg higher than that using chemical fertilizer, so farmers earn more profit.”
For households producing baby corn, most follow the 2B (Circular Agriculture) model, making a significant contribution to local economic development and providing stable income. Many families have escaped poverty, built sturdy houses, and provided their children with education thanks to the 2B model. Baby corn provides daily income for farmers, while cattle farming helps accumulate capital. Currently, the commune has approximately 4,312 cattle, raised by 784 households.
The 2B model not only provides livelihoods for the people but also instills confidence in a rural area that can become wealthy through its own hard work and land.
HANH CHAU
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/loi-nhuan-kep-tu-mo-hinh-2b-a481526.html
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