Organic farming is the inevitable direction for developing safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agriculture. Therefore, people in Ha Tinh are gradually shifting to growing fruit trees in this safe production direction.
In 2020, the family of Ms. Dang Thi Nguyet (Hamlet 6, Huong Thuy Commune, Huong Khe District) switched 0.3 hectares of pomelo orchards from inorganic production (using fertilizers and pesticides) to organic farming. This is one of the pilot models of "Intensive cultivation of Phuc Trach pomelo orchards meeting organic standards linked to product consumption" implemented by the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center.
Since the conversion, the soil environment has improved, the pomelo trees thrive, their leaves are lush green, and they are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Ms. Nguyet's family has also protected their health by not having to come into contact with pesticides. By producing organically, Ms. Nguyet also utilizes processed green manure and animal waste to fertilize the trees, helping them grow healthily and ensuring ecological balance.
Growing Phuc Trach pomelos organically has helped the family of Ms. Dang Thi Nguyet (village 6, Huong Thuy commune) increase the value of their product.
Ms. Dang Thi Nguyet shared: “Organically produced pomelos are favored by the market, so stores selling clean agricultural products buy them at prices ranging from 20,000 to 26,000 VND per fruit, about 20% higher than traditionally produced pomelos. Because they are not sprayed with pesticides, the pomelos are much sweeter and crispier.”
In Hamlet 6, Huong Thuy Commune, there are currently 5 neighboring households participating in the Huong Thuy Organic Phuc Trach Pomelo Production Cooperative, cultivating 2 hectares of pomelo. After 3 years of implementation, the pomelos of the cooperative members have been certified to meet the National Organic Agriculture Standard TCVN. Assessment shows that organic production yields a profit of 10,000,000 VND/hectare/year higher than conventional production. Not only does it bring higher economic efficiency, but organic production also creates high-quality, easily marketable, and safe products for consumers, thereby gradually increasing the value of the product.
Phuc Trach pomelos that meet TCVN organic standards are purchased at a price 20% higher than regular pomelos.
Building on the success of the pilot model in Huong Thuy commune, the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center has adopted the organic production process; gradually perfecting the organic production process for Phuc Trach pomelo trees to apply and transfer to households. Accordingly, the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center continues to expand the intensive cultivation model of Phuc Trach pomelo orchards meeting organic standards in the 2023-2025 period in Ngoc Boi village, Huong Trach commune, with 11 participating households and a scale of 4 hectares.
Mr. Tran Kim Dong, a member of the organic pomelo production cooperative in Ngoc Boi village, Huong Trach commune, said: “After nearly a year of implementation, I realize that organic agricultural production is essentially production in harmony with nature, as farmers have done before, without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, over time, due to impatience in harvesting and ‘skipping stages,’ many farmers have overused inorganic fertilizers, severely impacting soil resources and crops. As a result, the trees degenerate quickly, yields decrease rapidly, economic efficiency is low, and it has a significant impact on the environment and the health of the producers.”
Currently, according to organic standards, we use only natural water sources and utilize processed organic fertilizers... However, to be certified as organic, we must adhere to more systematic and professional procedures. This process is closely monitored by all members of the cooperative."
A pit for composting treated organic fertilizer by residents of Huong Trach commune.
In the first year of implementation, households participating in the organic Phuc Trach pomelo production cooperative in Ngoc Boi village, Huong Trach commune, received first-year organic conversion certificates for their Phuc Trach pomelo products. The pomelo trees grew and developed well; yields were comparable to conventional yields, but the selling price was 5-7% higher.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center, stated: “In reality, farmers have long focused on producing what they want, following the crowd without paying much attention to market demand. Therefore, building an ecological and organic agricultural system is an essential direction to serve the market. Over the past period, the center has implemented many intensive organic fruit farming models for people in Huong Khe, Vu Quang, Can Loc, etc. Successful models are gradually changing perceptions and production habits from traditional to organic; contributing to soil improvement, environmental protection, and consumer health.”
Organic farming is an inevitable trend in agriculture today.
Currently, the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province is assigning the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop a plan for the development of organic agriculture in Ha Tinh province for the period 2023-2030. The aim is to establish concentrated organic agricultural production areas oriented towards commercial production, with products certified as meeting organic standards, bringing high value, safety, sustainability, and environmental friendliness, linked to circular agriculture for domestic consumption and export.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is striving to complete the project by the end of November 2023 to make Ha Tinh a locality with organic agricultural production levels on par with other provinces and cities nationwide.
Phan Tram
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