Pioneer in circular agriculture

From a pure farmer, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien, Director of Dong Tien Agricultural Service Cooperative, Deputy Director of Thien Truong 36 High-Tech Agricultural Trade Service Company Limited, Dong Tien Ward, has become a pioneer in applying circular agriculture, multi-purpose agriculture and value chain linkage to develop a sustainable economic model. His story is a vivid proof of the spirit of daring to think and daring to do of farmers in the integration period.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien (left) introduces the model of growing Phalaenopsis orchids for high economic efficiency.

More than a decade ago, when most farmers were still accustomed to manual farming, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien soon struggled with the question: If there is no innovation, agriculture will forever be stuck in the cycle of good harvest and low price? From that thought, in 2012, he and 6 other members established Dong Tien Agricultural Service Cooperative, initially providing harvester, transplanter, soil preparation machine and tray seedling production services for more than 60 hectares per crop.

Thanks to the introduction of mechanization into production, the cost of rice production has decreased by 5-6 million VND/ha, while profits have increased by 7-8 million VND/ha. “The benefits are obvious, farmers are excited, and I believe that I am on the right track,” Mr. Thien recalled.

From the initial success, Mr. Thien and the cooperative did not stop at mechanization but shifted to high-tech agriculture and circular agriculture, with the goal of not only creating quality agricultural products but also building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. After more than 10 years, the cooperative has become one of the pioneering cooperatives in the country in applying the multi-purpose agricultural model.

In Mr. Thien's mind, modern agriculture is not just about growing plants and raising children, but an economic mindset associated with environmental responsibility. From there, Mr. Thien and the Cooperative have invested in 20,000m2 of greenhouses, 2,000m2 of Phalaenopsis orchids, and applied high technology to grow Golden Queen melons, baby cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables according to VietGAP, organic, and 3-star OCOP standards at the provincial level.

The highlight is that the circular agriculture model is systematically implemented by the cooperative. The straw after harvest is not burned but is treated with biological products and reused as organic fertilizer. The cooperative makes the most of agricultural by-products, reducing pollution, improving the soil, and reducing production costs. According to Mr. Thien: "That is how we create new value from what others consider to be waste. Circular agriculture is not only an economic solution, but also a philosophy of living in harmony with nature." Along with production, the cooperative also focuses on developing value chains, signing stable consumption contracts with supermarkets, clean food stores, and restaurants in and outside the province. Thanks to that, the cooperative's agricultural products not only have stable output but also build a reputable brand, trusted by consumers.

Currently, each year, the Cooperative supplies the market with 120 tons of Kim Hoang Hau melons, 70 tons of baby cucumbers and leafy vegetables, 60 tons of tomatoes and tens of thousands of Phalaenopsis orchids for the Tet holiday. After deducting expenses, the profit reaches 2.5 - 3 billion VND/year, creating stable jobs for dozens of local workers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien, to achieve today's results, there are 3 decisive factors: "Without the government's incentive mechanism and the support of mass organizations, it would be difficult for us to boldly invest and develop like today. Dong Tien Agricultural Service Cooperative actively applies digital transformation in agriculture, manages production processes, traces product origins, ensures quality and transparency - key factors to move towards export. The cooperative is not only a workplace, but also a "common home" for members. There, everyone is encouraged to be creative, share experiences and opportunities together. Many disadvantaged workers, who used to face difficulties, now have stable incomes and better lives."

Mr. Thien demonstrates the spirit of “farmer in the 4.0 era” not only in the production model but also in the way he manages and inspires the community. He regularly participates in sharing experiences with cooperatives and young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, helping them orientate effective and sustainable production.

Thanks to their continuous efforts, Dong Tien Agricultural Service Cooperative and Thien Truong 36 High-Tech Agricultural Trade Service Company Limited were honored to receive Certificates of Merit and the titles of Outstanding Cooperatives, Excellent Farmers in Production and Business nationwide from the Central Vietnam Farmers' Union and the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee. But for Mr. Thien, the greatest reward is not the titles, but the fact that the cooperative's agricultural products are increasingly trusted and chosen by consumers.

Not stopping at the current success, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien and the collective of Dong Tien Agricultural Service Cooperative are aiming for bigger goals, expanding production areas, registering growing area codes, standardizing VietGAP and GlobalGAP processes, aiming to export Thanh Hoa's key agricultural products to international markets.

Mr. Thien said that the cooperative will continue to replicate the circular agriculture model, promote green production, reduce emissions and use renewable energy, thereby contributing to building a modern, environmentally friendly agriculture, in line with the country's development orientation.

The story of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thien is not only the journey of a successful farmer, but also a symbol for the new generation of Vietnamese farmers - those who know how to innovate their thinking and apply science and technology to get rich in their own homeland.

Article and photos: Le Hoi

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nguoi-tien-phong-ung-dung-nong-nghiep-tuan-hoan-266943.htm