Due to the increasing demand for safe vegetables from consumers, localities in the province have recently guided farmers to produce according to VietGAP standards; at the same time, they have promoted linkages and product distribution. This has increased production value per unit area, contributing to higher incomes for farmers.
The hydroponic vegetable farming model of Phu Loc Agricultural Services Cooperative, Phu Loc commune (Hau Loc district).
Visiting Hoang Hop commune, a locality with a long tradition of vegetable farming in Hoang Hoa district, you'll find that this season, the vegetable fields of farmers in the villages of Quy Tho, Thanh Minh, Binh At, etc., are covered in a lush green of various vegetables and fruits such as kohlrabi, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, kale, lettuce, spinach... and various herbs.
While trimming kohlrabi bulbs to prepare for sale to traders, Ms. Le Thi Tam from Quy Tho village said: "This season, my family planted 1.5 sao (approximately 1500 square meters) of kohlrabi. The entire area is grown and cared for according to clean and safe vegetable farming practices. To avoid a situation where vegetables are sold in large quantities and fetch low prices, I planted in staggered batches. Currently, half of my kohlrabi is ready for harvest, and the rest will be harvested after Tet (Lunar New Year)." According to Ms. Tam, with a wholesale price of 5,000 VND per bulb sold to traders directly in the field, her family's 1.2 sao of kohlrabi will yield an income of 3.5 million VND after 40 days.
Besides Ms. Tam's family, many other families involved in vegetable farming in Hoang Hop commune have recognized the importance of growing vegetables safely and implementing staggered planting, which brings high income.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Cong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoang Hop commune, said: The entire commune currently has 70 hectares of land dedicated to growing vegetables such as kohlrabi, cabbage, mustard greens, climbing beans, tomatoes... and various herbs. To meet the demand for clean vegetables from consumers, households have been producing vegetables in a safe manner, with 27.5 hectares producing according to VietGAP standards (ensuring safe soil and irrigation water sources, using decomposed organic fertilizer, using pesticides only when necessary and strictly adhering to the quarantine period, ensuring safe products for the market). As a result, the vegetable products of Hoang Hop commune are widely accepted by consumers. Currently, the vegetables produced by the people are available in supermarkets, restaurants, collective kitchens and markets in the province.
According to Mr. Cong, growing vegetables allows for multiple harvests per season, and farmers have experience in vegetable cultivation, especially staggered planting, thus avoiding low prices. As a result, the income value of specialized vegetable production areas reaches 220 million VND/ha. For off-season vegetable cultivation, the income value can reach over 300 million VND/ha/year.
The Phu Loc Agricultural Service Cooperative in Phu Loc commune (Hau Loc district) has also established a specialized vegetable farming area and has linked with many businesses for product distribution. Mr. Hoang Van Toan, Director of the Phu Loc Agricultural Service Cooperative, said: On 200 hectares of specialized vegetable land, the cooperative has partnered with its members to guarantee product distribution, with 40 hectares cultivated according to VietGAP standards. The main crops grown on this specialized land are sweet corn, potatoes, soybeans, spinach, and other leafy vegetables. The cooperative has signed contracts with three businesses for guaranteed product distribution: Dong Giao Export Food Joint Stock Company (Ninh Binh), Duc Cuong Co., Ltd. ( Hai Duong ), and Long Phuong Nam Co., Ltd. (Hau Loc).
Recognizing the trend and demand for clean products, the cooperative invested billions of VND to install a greenhouse system, growing frames, and automatic irrigation on an area of 1,000m2 for hydroponic vegetable cultivation. The vegetables grown include cabbage, lettuce, celery, etc., primarily serving the local population. Thanks to the effective collaboration and the experience and techniques in specialized vegetable cultivation, the income per hectare of cultivated land in Phu Loc commune has reached approximately 300 million VND/hectare/year to date.
Not only have specialized vegetable production areas focusing on safe farming been established in Hoang Hop commune (Hoang Hoa district) and Phu Loc commune (Hau Loc district), but many other models in localities throughout the province have also proven effective, generating high income per hectare of cultivated land, thereby contributing to increased income for the people. Therefore, the province is paying close attention to and directing the development of specialized vegetable production areas focusing on safe farming practices. Simultaneously, policies are being implemented to support funding for infrastructure upgrades, control, and VietGAP certification, in accordance with Resolution 185/2021/NQ-HĐND of the Provincial People's Council on policies for the development of agriculture, rural areas, and farmers in Thanh Hoa province, giai đoạn 2022-2025. In the two years (2022-2023), localities in the province have established 82 hectares of safe vegetable production areas; notably in the districts of Hau Loc, Nga Son, Vinh Loc, Yen Dinh, and Nong Cong...
Text and photos: Minh Ly
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