Farmers in Chu A Thai village use science and technology as the key to success.

GIA LAI Many farmers in Chu A Thai commune (Gia Lai province) are boldly applying science and technology to 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 crop cultivation, livestock farming, and processing, creating a closed value chain right in the locality.

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

A prime example is the mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing model applying biotechnology by Mr. Doan Van Thuy (Doan Ket village). After participating in training courses on mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, and agricultural byproduct processing, Mr. Thuy boldly converted more than 4 hectares of garden land to a production model following VietGAP standards.

Mr. Thuy said that previously, using traditional methods was not very effective. After being guided on applying the techniques, he clearly saw the benefits, such as mulberry leaves being used as food for silkworms and composted with microbial preparations to fertilize the trees. This closed-loop cycle helps reduce costs, improves soil aeration, and makes the mulberry trees healthier.

"Thanks to the application of effective techniques, our family's mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming model generates 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 recirculating water treatment technology in a model of raising freshwater prawns combined with fruit tree cultivation. He invested in a biological filtration system and used microbial preparations to treat the water source, ensuring a clean and stable environment in the ponds.

"Previously, shrimp farming using traditional methods often faced risks due to water pollution. Now, I've applied water treatment technology, so the shrimp are healthier, grow faster, and there are fewer losses. Each harvest brings in over 50 million VND, resulting in high profits while also protecting the environment," Mr. Tan shared.

The application of technological advancements has not only helped the people of Chu A Thai master the production process but also expanded into processing and brand building.

Ms. Bui Thi Vui (Doan Ket village) is one of the leading households in the high-tech swiftlet farming and processing model. After receiving technical advice and access to preferential loans, Ms. Vui invested in building a modern swiftlet farm, installing an automatic sensor system to adjust temperature and humidity according to technical standards. As a result, the swiftlet colony grows steadily, yielding consistent production throughout the year.

Ms. Vui shared: “Previously, I only harvested raw bird's nests, which had low value. Since receiving guidance on the processing, packaging, and labeling with traceability information, my products have gained more trust from consumers. I will soon complete the application process to obtain OCOP certification.”

Leaders of Chu A Thai commune visit the model farm for growing and processing star fruit at Mr. Phan Quoc Truong's family farm. Photo: Tuan Anh.

Mr. Phan Quoc Truong (Nam Ha village) has developed a pig farming operation combined with the cultivation and processing of star fruit. He invested in a biogas system to treat waste and uses probiotics to compost organic fertilizer, making full use of agricultural waste.

“Thanks to the application of a closed-loop waste treatment technology, the farm is always clean and no longer smells bad like before. The manure is composted into organic fertilizer for the gooseberry trees, saving costs and helping the trees grow well. The gooseberries are harvested, dried, and made into jam, which is sold on the market, generating an annual profit of 500-600 million VND,” Mr. Truong shared.

“Applying science and technology to agricultural production is a key strategy of the commune. We encourage people to change their mindset, considering science and technology as the key to success. When farmers master the techniques, understand clean production processes, and establish consumption linkages, they will develop agriculture in a more sustainable direction,” shared 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