Farmers in My Phu C hamlet "join together" to implement the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project

DTO - When the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project in the Mekong Delta was launched with the expectation of reshaping rice production towards green, sustainable and emission-reducing direction, many places chose cooperatives as the focal point for implementation. However, more than 45 farmers in My Phu C hamlet (Thap Muoi commune, Dong Thap province) made a special decision: "inviting each other" to implement a new farming model, not through cooperatives, but in the spirit of consensus and voluntariness. The story of "inviting each other to do big business" of farmers in My Phu C hamlet became a bright spot not only because of the area implemented up to 100 hectares in the first crop, but also demonstrated the initiative, confidence and openness of local people in accessing modern, resource-saving and environmentally friendly farming techniques.

Farmers in My Phu C hamlet (Thap Muoi commune, Dong Thap province) are excited when their rice fields grow green and lush after participating in the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project.

"Get together" to grow rice to protect the environment

Accompanying the representative of the People's Committee of My Phu C Hamlet to the 100ha rice field that is being implemented according to the cultivation model of the 1 million hectares of high-quality rice project, we could not help but be impressed by the image of the OM18 rice fields that are more than 1 month old, green, with strong leaves and thick plants. Interspersed with the green color of the rice are hopeful eyes and excitement clearly visible on the faces of each farmer.

Mr. Le Van Thao, residing in My Phu C hamlet - one of the pioneers participating in the model, shared: “At first, when I heard the hamlet People's Committee and the commune's agricultural sector instruct on reducing seeds, I and some farmers were a bit worried, afraid that the rice would be sown with less seeds and then the rice would be sparse at the end of the season and would not achieve the desired yield. But after doing it, I saw clear results. The rice was only a month old but had already started to grow quickly. Thanks to sparse sowing, the rice bushes had grown larger, had more stalks, and the roots had developed stronger and healthier... I found this an important step to increase rice yield and avoid lodging near harvest time. Thanks to following the instructions of the agricultural sector, adding organic fertilizer before sowing, helping to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer and the number of sprays, the cost was significantly reduced. With the new farming method, the cost was reduced but the rice still grew well, reducing pests and diseases, so I found this model very good for farmers to stick with.”

In fact, the farming techniques that farmers in My Phu C hamlet are applying are all aimed at reducing costs and protecting the environment, in line with the core spirit of the 1 million hectare project. Following technical guidance from the local agricultural sector, the amount of seed sown has been significantly reduced, to only 80 - 100 kg/ha. Along with that, the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has also been cut by up to 20%. In particular, the "alternating flooding and drying" method is applied to help reduce the amount of irrigation water, a key factor in saving resources, protecting the land and contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Small changes in each stage of farming have been creating clear economic efficiency, while bringing long-term benefits to the environment.

Regarding the change in production thinking when participating in the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project, Mr. Nguyen Van Viet - a household participating in the model shared: "At first, when I heard agricultural officials instruct that participating in the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project was to remove straw from the field, and the stubble was treated by spraying Trichoderma fungus to decompose it, I was very worried, because before, after each crop, to treat the stubble and clean the fields, I and many other farmers often chose to burn the fields. But this season, following the instructions, I did not burn the straw anymore but used biological products to spray on the stubble to help the stubble decompose quickly into organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. By changing the way of doing things, I saw a difference in the rice fields, the rice plants were healthier and grew better than the previous crops. After this crop, I continued to maintain the model."

The project of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice is being strongly implemented by Dong Thap farmers in many localities.

Together we bring the village fields to new heights

The most remarkable feature of the 100-hectare rice field produced according to the model of the 1 million hectare high-quality rice project in My Phu C hamlet is the way the people proactively connect. Although there is no cooperative to organize production, 45 local households still have unity, choose the same rice variety, the same crop schedule and apply advanced techniques according to the instructions of the agricultural sector. The connecting role is taken on by the hamlet People's Committee - the people "closest to the people, closest to the fields". It is the closeness, understanding and prestige of the hamlet leaders that have created a strong bond in the community.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Party cell secretary, Head of the People's Committee of My Phu C hamlet proudly shared: “As soon as we received the task of implementing the model, we organized a meeting with the people, mobilizing them to agree on the method of implementation. The people responded very quickly, after only 1 week, 100 hectares had registered to participate. We followed the agricultural sector's seasonal schedule, centralized irrigation, and agreed on the cultivation process. The people also encouraged each other to keep a field diary on their phones. At first, it was difficult for the people to access digital technology, but most of the farmers were very diligent in learning and following, this was the motivation for us to be determined to accompany the farmers of the hamlet."

The sharing of Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Party cell secretary, Head of My Phu C hamlet, shows the proactiveness, cooperative spirit and flexible adaptability of farmers. Keeping a field diary on the phone helps manage the farming process scientifically, opening the door to access digital technology for farmers, including the elderly.

With a total area of 238 hectares of rice production, the locality also arranged a water pumping station for proactive irrigation, creating maximum favorable conditions for households participating in the model of applying water-saving farming. This system helps rice plants avoid lodging at the end of the season, protecting productivity, and contributing significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions - one of the sustainable goals that the 1 million hectare project is aiming for. Investment in infrastructure, combined with people's awareness and actions, has created a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural development in My Phu C hamlet.

With a high consensus among the people, local authorities and professional sectors, the 100-hectare field in My Phu C hamlet has become a model. This is a vivid demonstration of the community's consensus, determination and will to initiate change and breakthroughs, contributing to the journey to realize the million-hectare field of the whole country.

My Ly

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/nong-nghiep/nong-dan-ap-my-phu-c-ru-nhau-thuc-hien-de-an-1-trieu-hacta-lua-chat-luong-cao-133003.aspx