Can Tho farmers proactively integrate into the global market.

In the context of international integration, farmers in Can Tho City have been proactively entering the larger market with new thinking and innovative, professional approaches. From small-scale production to chain linkages, from "farming" to "agricultural economics," farmers are gradually adapting to the stringent standards of foreign markets. Integration not only opens opportunities but also hones the resilience of Can Tho farmers, making them strong, perceptive, and willing to think outside the box, act boldly, and innovate, contributing to the creation of a modern and sustainable agricultural landscape.

From integrated farming to modern production thinking

The winter-spring rice fields in Vi Thuy commune are ripening to a golden color, signaling a successful harvest. This season, Vi Thuy commune sowed over 3,400 hectares of rice. Thanks to proactively managing the planting schedule, ensuring water resources, and applying advanced techniques, the rice is developing uniformly, with fewer pests and diseases, and high yields. This is the result of farmers gradually focusing on processes and techniques in cultivation and economic efficiency instead of relying on experience as before. Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, a farmer in Hamlet 12, Vi Thuy commune, shared: "Thanks to applying techniques from planting to caring for the crop, the rice is developing well and the yield is higher."

In Vi Thuy commune, the highlight of agricultural production is farmers' participation in the "Sustainable Development of 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Cultivation Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030" project. In addition, the commune has 3 cooperatives covering 360 hectares, organizing concentrated and synchronized rice production, from rice varieties and planting schedules to cultivation processes.

Mr. Tran Van Huynh, Director of Hai Huynh Agricultural Cooperative in Vi Thuy commune, said: “Rice in the project area has achieved high yields and good quality. We have successfully applied the “1 must - 5 reductions” technique; in which, the 1 must is to use certified seeds; the 5 reductions are reducing the amount of seeds, reducing fertilizer, reducing pesticides, reducing irrigation water, and reducing post-harvest losses. By following the process, I see that farmers have high profits.”

According to Mr. Truong Tran Trong Hieu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vi Thuy commune, participating in the project not only improves productivity but also fundamentally changes farmers' production mindset towards modernization and adaptation to climate change. "We identify cooperatives as the core force in organizing large-scale production, linked to supply chain integration and sustainable development," Mr. Hieu emphasized.

Applying science and technology , digital transformation

Linking production and boldly applying science and technology to improve farming efficiency is a trend among farmers in Can Tho in sustainable agricultural production. In Tan Binh commune, the Tan Quoi Kinh agricultural cooperative is a prime example, having introduced drones for spraying pesticides, spreading fertilizer, and sowing rice, contributing to the mechanization of the fields, reducing costs, and addressing the seasonal labor shortage.

Mr. Nguyen Be Them, Director of Tan Quoi Kinh Agricultural Cooperative, said: “Thanks to machinery, farming is easier and more efficient, and farmers save on costs and time in caring for the rice crop.” With two drones, the cooperative can service 20-25 hectares of rice per day. Machine spraying reduces pesticide use by 20-30%, minimizes waste, and protects farmers' health by eliminating direct contact with chemicals. The cooperative has also invested in combine harvesters to speed up harvesting and reduce post-harvest losses.

Mr. Nguyen Be Them (far right), Director of Tan Quoi Kinh Agricultural Cooperative, is inspecting a drone used for spraying pesticides in the fields.

Not only are they skilled producers, but farmers in Can Tho are also gradually embracing the digital economy. To date, many local agricultural products are being effectively promoted and sold through online platforms and social media to expand markets and increase product value. A prime example is Ms. Nguyen Kim Nhien in Thoi Hung commune, who has successfully developed and sold her Kim Nhien soursop tea product.

Ms. Kim Nhien shared: “Since 2019, thanks to the application of science and modern machinery, my soursop tea product has been recognized as a 4-star OCOP product and has been exported to markets in countries such as the US, Laos, and South Korea…”. To date, Ms. Kim Nhien's business maintains a revenue of over 10 billion VND per year, opening up a sustainable development direction for the local specialty...

In the context of increasingly deep integration, farmers in Can Tho have been undergoing a strong transformation, shifting from traditional production to a modern agricultural economic mindset. Farmers are not only focusing on improving productivity and product quality, but also on building brands, expanding markets, and participating in value chains.

Mr. Pham Thanh Hoai, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City Farmers' Association, affirmed: “Many effective production models, linked with the application of science and technology, digital transformation, and the development of ecotourism… have demonstrated the dynamism, creativity, and willingness to innovate of farmers. This is an important foundation for the sustainable development of the city's agriculture, increasing the income of farming households and gradually asserting its position in the domestic and international markets.”

Text and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nong-dan-can-tho-chu-dong-hoi-nhap-a201534.html