Agriculture "takes off" from integration thinking

Delegation from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) visited Thang Loi Agricultural Service Cooperative, My Quy Commune.

Farmers “Think Globally”

My Tho is a commune located on the Tien River of the province with the strength of agricultural production. Aiming to exploit the value of the main product, the PGS Farmers' Group - specializing in organic mango cultivation, held a meeting to review the production process, preparing for the important content of signing a cooperation agreement on mango consumption with a business from Japan. The image of honest farmers discussing international standards and export contracts is a vivid demonstration of the change in farming thinking.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tho - a farmer in My Tho commune shared: “Now, people can no longer cultivate according to habit. Instead, production needs to comply with standards and market demand. Before, I did not understand what PGS was, but when I implemented it, I clearly saw the practical benefits it brings.”

With the initiative in changing farming thinking, My Tho today has become a convergence of many new production models. In addition to farming according to VietGAP process, in recent years, with the support of Seed To Table Organization (Japan), standards such as GlobalGAP, PGS organic have been introduced, trained and transferred to people. Good farmers are also able to study organic models at home and abroad, broadening their horizons and improving their knowledge in farming.

Ms. Ino Mayu - Chief Representative of Seed to Table Organization in Vietnam (3rd from left) meets with PGS Farmers' Group specializing in organic mango growing in My Tho commune.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thach - a farmer in My Tho commune said that, facing the trend of global sustainable development, farmers must change their farming mindset, produce according to market demand, and protect consumer health.

The integration mindset has also spread to rice fields, bringing a new breeze to modern agriculture. At Thang Loi Agricultural Service Cooperative, My Quy Commune (former My Dong Commune) and some localities of Dong Thap Province, the emission reduction rice model is being implemented with technical and financial support from the Netherlands Development Organization SNV. This is part of a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, towards sustainable development and green agriculture.

After more than 1 year of implementation, this model has brought remarkable results. Ms. Christie Getman - Country Director of SNV in Vietnam said: "We are really impressed with the results when implementing the model in Dong Thap. The rate of farmer participation reached 100%, this is very rare in the cooperation programs that we have implemented in many countries".

This model not only helps farmers reduce input costs (fertilizer, pesticides, water, etc.) but also contributes to making rice plants healthier, with fewer pests and diseases, thereby significantly improving rice quality. What is more valuable is the change in farmers' thinking. Many farmers say that currently, rice cultivation does not only think about the crop but also cares about environmental factors and the future of agriculture. That thinking shows the longer-term vision of Dong Thap farmers, not only stopping at productivity but also aiming at sustainable development for future generations.

Mr. Ono Masuo - Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City (4th from left) and Head of Seed to Table Organization (Japan) visited the organic vegetable garden of Dong Thap Community College.

Towards ecological agriculture , civilized farmers

It is easy to see that the models are not only technical support but also contribute to changing farming thinking, creating initiative from farmers. Now, farmers know how to follow standards, understand traceability, food safety, emission reduction, organic certification... Concepts that seemed strange have now become familiar right on their own fields and gardens. Science and technology have truly become a bridge for Dong Thap farmers to confidently integrate.

During a recent visit to Dong Thap, Mr. Ono Masuo - Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City shared: “I see the positivity and desire to learn of the farmers here. With that spirit, I believe that agricultural products from Dong Thap can conquer not only the Japanese market but also many other markets”.

The results show that Dong Thap is on the right track by putting farmers at the center of the transformation process. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pointed out that to develop modern agriculture, it is necessary to “build farmers suitable for the new stage, with a cooperative, cooperative, creative and civilized mindset”. From practice, it shows that in Dong Thap, farmers are no longer alone but are connected with businesses, scientists and international organizations.

Having been deeply attached to the farmers of his home province, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan shared: “The story of new rural areas in Dong Thap opens up a new development space - where farmers know how to learn, know how to change, and know how to cooperate with each other. That is the result of more than 10 years of agricultural restructuring”.

From organic mango trees, emission-reducing rice fields, to clean agricultural fairs, agricultural e-commerce platforms... the image of Dong Thap farmers today has changed positively. People not only know how to cultivate but also know how to connect, integrate and take control of their own future. The path to modern, sustainable agricultural development and global integration is not easy, but Dong Thap is on the right track with proactiveness, openness and strong commitment from the government to the people. On that journey, science and technology and international cooperation are the two strong arms helping farmers in the homeland go further...

Van Khanh

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-cat-canh-tu-tu-duy-hoi-nhap-132929.aspx