Chu A Thai farmers take science and technology as the key to success

GIA LAI Many farmers in Chu A Thai commune (Gia Lai province) boldly apply science and technology in production, aiming for green, clean, and circular agriculture.

In recent years, many agricultural production models in Chu A Thai commune have gradually shifted towards applying technology, ensuring biosafety and environmental friendliness. Many households have boldly invested in circular production models, combining cultivation, livestock and processing, creating a closed value chain right in the locality.

Giant freshwater prawn farming model of Mr. Tong Van Tan's family. Photo: Tuan Anh.

A typical example is the biotechnology-based mulberry growing and silkworm raising model of Mr. Doan Van Thuy (Doan Ket village). After attending training courses on mulberry growing, silkworm raising and agricultural by-product processing, Mr. Thuy boldly converted more than 4 hectares of garden land to a production model following VietGAP standards.

Mr. Thuy said that before, the traditional method was not very effective. After being instructed to apply the technique, he clearly saw the benefits such as mulberry leaves being used as food for silkworms, composting with microorganisms to fertilize the plants. This closed cycle not only helps reduce costs but also makes the soil loose and the mulberry plants healthier.

“Thanks to the application of effective techniques, the family's silkworm farming model brings in an income of over 800 million VND per year,” Mr. Thuy shared.

Also in Doan Ket village, Mr. Tong Van Tan pioneered the application of circulating water treatment technology in the model of raising giant freshwater prawns combined with growing fruit trees. He invested in a biological filtration system and used microbiological products to treat the water source, ensuring the pond environment is always clean and stable.

“Previously, raising shrimp in the old way often faced risks due to polluted water sources. Now I apply water treatment technology so the shrimp are healthy, grow quickly, have little loss, and each crop brings in more than 50 million VND, which is both highly profitable and protects the environment,” Mr. Tan shared.

Applying technical advances not only helps Chu A Thai people master the production process but also expands into the processing and branding fields.

Mrs. Bui Thi Vui (Doan Ket village) is one of the pioneers in the high-tech bird nest farming and processing model. After receiving technical advice and access to preferential loans, Mrs. Vui invested in building a modern bird nest house, installing a sensor system that automatically adjusts temperature and humidity according to technical standards. Thanks to that, the bird nests grow stably, giving a steady yield all year round.

Ms. Vui shared: “Previously, I only exploited raw bird’s nests, which were not of high value. Since being instructed on the process of processing, packaging and labeling for traceability, my products have gained more trust from consumers. In the near future, I will complete the application to obtain OCOP certification."

Leaders of Chu A Thai commune visited the star gooseberry growing and processing model of Mr. Phan Quoc Truong's family. Photo: Tuan Anh.

Mr. Phan Quoc Truong (Nam Ha village) developed a pig farm combined with growing and processing star gooseberries. He invested in a biogas system to treat waste and used microorganisms to compost organic fertilizer, making full use of agricultural waste.

“Thanks to the application of closed waste treatment technology, the barns are always clean and no longer have bad odors like before. The manure is composted into organic fertilizer for star gooseberry plants, which not only saves costs but also helps the plants grow well. Star gooseberry is harvested, dried to make jam, and sold to the market, earning an annual profit of 500-600 million VND,” Mr. Truong shared.

“Applying science and technology to agricultural production is the core strategy of the commune. We encourage people to change their thinking, considering science and technology as the key to success. When farmers master the techniques, understand the clean production process and link consumption, agriculture will develop in a more sustainable direction,” said Ms. Trinh Thi Hong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Chu A Thai commune.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/nong-dan-chu-a-thai-lay-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-lam-chia-khoa-thanh-cong-d783864.html