Pioneer in bringing organic fertilizer to green Dong Thap fields

DONG THAP From his passion for soil improvement and environmental protection, Mr. Nguyen Van Chao pioneered the production of organic fertilizers, connecting farmers to develop sustainable agriculture.

Turning agricultural by-products into useful resources  

In the factory located in the middle of Thi Hamlet, Tan Thanh Commune, Dong Thap Province, Mr. Nguyen Van Chao, Director of Thanh Chao Company Limited, is still diligently working with his technical colleagues to check each batch of organic vermicompost fertilizer. With more than 10 years of experience in the profession, Mr. Chao is one of the pioneers in researching, producing and trading organic fertilizer on a large scale in the border area of ​​Dong Thap Province, which is considered the "rice capital" of the country.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chao (left), Director of Thanh Chao Company Limited, checks the quality of earthworms. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Chao said that at first, he just wanted to take advantage of the available cow dung resources in the area to reduce pollution and create jobs for the people. When he used cow dung to fertilize rice with obvious results, stable productivity, and especially rice with few pests and diseases, he knew he was on the right track.

Since 2016, he has started implementing the initiative of producing organic vermicompost fertilizer from vermiculture with the main ingredients being fresh cow dung, straw, and organic residue from agricultural production. With the motto of "using nature to nurture nature", this model quickly brought about clear results: loose soil, healthy plant growth, reduced pests and diseases, and reduced pesticides.

Currently, Thanh Chao Company Limited produces more than 500 tons of organic vermicompost each year, supplying thousands of farmers in and outside the province. The product is licensed for circulation by the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, ensuring technical standards of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment .

According to Mr. Chao, the special feature of the product is the application of advanced microbiological technology, which helps to maintain stable nutrition and improve the soil in the long term. “Our organic fertilizer is not only a fertilizer for plants but also a solution to regenerate the soil, reduce pollution in the rural environment, and move towards green and circular agriculture,” he shared.

The delegation of Dong Thap province visited the production area and finished organic fertilizer warehouse of Thanh Chao Company Limited. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Rice purchase for farmers

Not only producing fertilizers, Mr. Chao also expanded into linking safe and organic rice production with farmers, forming a closed chain from input to output. In the period of 2020 - 2025, Thanh Chao Company Limited has implemented many key projects: 60 hectares of safe rice in Thong Binh and Tan Phuoc communes and 109 hectares at Hoa Phat Cooperative (Tan Ho Co commune) produced according to VietGAP standards. Most recently, in 2024 - 2025, the Company expanded the production of 200 hectares of organic rice in Can Tho City - the largest rice consumption center in the Mekong Delta.

In these models, the Company transfers organic farming techniques, supports capital from 10 to 15 million VND/ha and purchases all products at stable prices for farmers. The Company makes 3 "golden commitments" to farmers: providing standard processes, purchasing products and ensuring purchase prices higher than the market. Only by doing so can farmers feel secure in production, and businesses have quality raw material areas.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chao (right) introduces organic vermicompost fertilizer products produced by Thanh Chao Company. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Van, a farmer in An Phuoc commune (Dong Thap) who cultivates 9 hectares of rice, said: Previously, he did not believe in organic fertilizers because he thought the effect was slow, so he always used chemical fertilizers and pesticides for his fields. But when using Thanh Chao Company's vermicompost, Mr. Van found that the soil was more porous, costs were significantly reduced, and diseases on rice were also reduced by about 50%. Most importantly, the yield was stable without having to spray a lot of pesticides.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, a farmer in Tan Hong commune who grows 5 hectares of rice, shared: “Thanh Chao Company not only sells fertilizer but also gives detailed instructions on how to fertilize and how to prevent pests and diseases using biological methods. We follow their instructions, the fields are cleaner, and the productivity is still guaranteed. If this model expands to a few hundred more hectares, the people will be very happy.”

Not only producing fertilizers, Mr. Chao also expanded into linking safe and organic rice production with farmers, forming a closed chain from input to output. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Through many rice crops trusted by farmers in Dong Thap and other provinces, Mr. Chao has more motivation to continue expanding the scale of production. Thanh Chao Company has created stable jobs for 50 workers, with an average income of 84 million VND/person/year, and actively participates in local social activities. The company has an average revenue of nearly 6 billion VND/year, a profit of about 463 million VND, ensuring resources for reinvestment and factory expansion. The company's organic fertilizer products are not only available in Dong Thap but are also trusted by farmers in An Giang, Can Tho, and Tay Ninh provinces.

For Mr. Nguyen Van Chao, the greatest success lies not in revenue but in farmers changing their farming mindset and reducing their dependence on chemicals. “We want to build a green value chain where both businesses and farmers benefit and work towards sustainable agriculture,” he said.

With his dedication and constant efforts, Mr. Chao has received many noble awards: Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister in 2023, Certificate of Merit from the People's Committee of Dong Thap province in 2020 - 2022 and many certificates of merit from the locality for his achievements in the movement of good farmers in production and business.

Thanh Chao Company Limited has participated effectively in the agricultural restructuring policy of Dong Thap province, especially in developing a green and circular economic model. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Phan Van Thang, Deputy Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee, assessed: Thanh Chao Company Limited has participated very effectively in the province's agricultural restructuring policy, especially in developing a green and circular economic model. The Company's products help farmers reduce costs, protect the environment, improve the quality of rice grains, and aim for export.

Mr. Thang said that Dong Thap province is encouraging businesses like Thanh Chao Company to participate in the value chain of the 1 million hectares of high-quality rice project, reduce emissions, and contribute to realizing the goal of developing green agriculture and a sustainable rural economy. He also believes that in the coming time, Thanh Chao Company will continue to develop more strongly, create more quality products, serve farmers better, and help Dong Thap rice meet export standards and compete in the international market.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/nguoi-tien-phong-dua-phan-bon-huu-co-lam-xanh-ruong-dong-dong-thap-d783683.html