• Proactive and innovative in implementing the project to develop 1 million hectares of high-quality rice.
  • Reduced-emission rice production: The direction for sustainable agricultural development.
  • Launching the Project for 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality Rice and Reduced Emissions.

Productivity increases, costs decrease.

Specifically, the project has been implemented at Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative (Vinh Thanh commune) and Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative (Da Bac commune). In Kinh Don Cooperative, 42 members participated in a pilot model of high-quality, low -emission rice cultivation linked to green growth, covering a total area of ​​60 hectares, using the ST24 rice variety. Currently, the rice has been harvested completely, with an average yield of 6-6.5 tons/ha, higher than the same summer-autumn crop.

According to Ms. Thai Thi Dung of Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative, the process of producing high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth is relatively easy, and most importantly, it contributes to environmental protection.

Mr. Pham Tan Luu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative, happily stated, "I harvested over 17 tons of rice, an increase of about 2 tons compared to previous years, from nearly 3 hectares of land. Participating in the model reduced the amount of rice seeds sown from 112 kg/ha to about 70 kg/ha. Planting the rice sparsely means less fertilizer and pesticides, and especially fewer pests and diseases. This result exceeded expectations."

In addition, after harvesting , farmers proactively spray Trichoderma fungi to treat rice straw into fertilizer, helping to enhance beneficial microorganisms in the soil and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in the next crop.

"This year, thanks to the cooperative's linkage, the price of rice sold for 8,400 VND/kg, 200 VND higher than the market price, helped farmers increase their income. We propose that relevant agencies and localities replicate this model to not only increase productivity and reduce production costs, but also contribute to environmental protection so that everyone can benefit," shared farmer Nguyen Truong Doi, a member of the Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative.

According to farmers, thanks to sparse sowing at the end of the season, the rice grains are firm and beautiful, reducing the amount of seed used but increasing the yield.

According to calculations by the Sub-Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development (Department of Agriculture and Environment), the summer-autumn rice crop at Kinh Don Agricultural Service Cooperative reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 3.02 tons/ha, equivalent to 37% compared to before the model was implemented. The model also achieved 6 out of 6 emission reduction targets according to Decision No. 145/QD-TT-CLT of the Department of Crop Production.

For Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, this model was piloted on a scale of 50 hectares, using certified OM18 rice seeds at a rate of 70 kg/ha. 24 out of 43 cooperative members participated and received training in rice cultivation techniques; they also monitored the water drainage process according to the MRV procedure guided by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Some initial positive results include reduced input costs from seeds and thinning to reduced fertilizer and pesticide use.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, said: "Although this is the first year implementing the model, the rice crop is developing well, creating excitement among farmers. It is estimated that farmers have reduced the amount of rice seeds by 50%, reduced fertilizer use by about 20%, and on average, farmers save about 1 million VND in input costs per hectare of rice production land."

Sensor systems are placed in the rice fields to measure data, helping farmers comply with regulations on draining water between seasons.

Maintain and expand the model.

Based on the effectiveness of the high-quality, low-emission rice production model associated with green growth, Mr. Phung Son Kiet, Deputy Head of the Cooperative Economic and Rural Development Sub-Department (Department of Agriculture and Environment), said that in the coming time, the Sub-Department will coordinate with relevant units and the People's Committees of communes and wards to select capable cooperatives and cooperative groups to continue implementing the model.

At the same time, support cooperatives and cooperative groups in developing brands, promoting trade, and selling products... thereby achieving the goals of the Project "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission specialized rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030".

The OM18 rice variety, certified at Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, is developing well, and the row planting method also reduces the risk of lodging during unfavorable weather conditions.

Along with support from relevant authorities, to successfully implement the model, cooperatives also need to reorganize production, gather members and production areas into large, standardized fields with synchronized planting schedules and cultivation processes. They should continue to invest in modern infrastructure and machinery to provide production services for members. Furthermore, cooperatives must build strong links with businesses that guarantee the purchase of output products and with suppliers of input materials to ensure a stable value chain.

“Above all, farmers need to change their mindset and habits, such as: shifting from traditional farming methods to modern production processes; proactively learning and actively participating in training courses and workshops; and applying new technologies to production. At the same time, they should join cooperatives to produce on a large scale, access support policies, and have stable markets,” Mr. Phung Son Kiet emphasized.

Trinh Hai

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nong-dan-phan-khoi-voi-mo-hinh-lua-phat-thai-thap-a121991.html