Green agriculture - Sustainable new rural development

Developing agricultural production in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner is creating significant changes in rural economic life. The formation of key crop areas not only produces high-quality agricultural products with established brands and stable markets, helping people increase their income and improve their living standards, but also serves as a foundation for localities throughout the province to complete and improve the criteria for sustainable new rural development.

Mr. Do Van Hung is one of the leading households in transforming their crop structure according to VietGAP standards. His family has 7 hectares of dragon fruit that meet the standards, of which more than 1 hectare is equipped with an automatic irrigation system.

The mark of green agriculture

From a shift in mindset to the expansion of safe agricultural production, the achievements over the past period have clearly marked a significant step in the province's green agricultural development. Currently, the entire province has nearly 5,700 hectares of crops certified according to safe and sustainable production standards. Of these, over 3,200 hectares meet VietGAP standards, 1,561 hectares meet organic standards, nearly 915 hectares meet Rainforest Alliance standards, and 8 hectares meet GlobalGAP standards – the most stringent standard in safe agriculture. In addition, nearly 2,000 hectares have been granted 149 planting area codes, with 25 codes for export to China and Europe. This is an important foundation for the province to continue improving product quality and securing stable and sustainable markets.

Along with expanding the area of ​​standardized production, the province also focuses on restructuring crop varieties towards high quality, preserving and developing advantageous native varieties such as Shan Tuyet tea, mandarin oranges, and specialty pomelos. The application of drip irrigation, greenhouse production, and traceability labels is being widely adopted, helping to protect the environment and control product quality. Green agriculture is being implemented in conjunction with the value chain, aiming for a stable consumer market, especially the export of key products such as tea and pomelos, creating motivation for people to confidently expand production.

Comrade Do Tan Son, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: “Developing green agriculture is a continuous task aimed at ensuring livelihoods for the people, protecting resources, and responding to climate change. In the coming time, the sector will focus on building ecological, modern, and efficient agriculture based on three pillars: ecological agriculture - professional farmers - modern rural areas; shifting strongly from a production mindset to an economic mindset, strengthening production linkages along the value chain and applying science and technology, and digital transformation; and not sacrificing the environment for short-term growth.”

The above results show that the province's green agriculture is not only about applying technical processes but also about orienting sustainable production, harmonizing economic growth, environmental protection, and social development, creating a foundation for localities to maintain and improve the criteria of the New Rural Development program in a long-term and stable manner.

The ripple effect of safe production

Hung Tam village is currently a prominent area for growing clean fruit in Hung An commune. In 2018, the Hung Tam Village Clean Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative was established, promoting support and guidance for people to apply organic fruit cultivation and care techniques. Many households have boldly converted their less productive orchards and hillsides to growing fruits such as pomelo, guava, apple, longan, and sapodilla… Thanks to the correct implementation of technical procedures, the farmers' products are always highly valued for their quality and stable selling prices, especially during the Tet holiday.

The people of Xín Mần commune cultivate clean vegetables using a linked production model based on organic farming practices.

Mr. Hoang Hong Son from Hung Tam village shared: “Since applying organic fruit tree cultivation and care techniques, our family's pomelos have yielded higher productivity and are easier to sell. Currently, our family has over 200 pomelo trees of various types, earning over 100 million VND per year.”

Yen Phu commune has developed a 60-hectare red dragon fruit cultivation area according to VietGAP standards in villages 1 Minh Phu, 1A Thong Nhat, 3 Minh Phu, Km 61, and Km 68. Thanks to its good quality and attractive appearance, the product is consistently purchased by traders, helping people to have a sustainable livelihood.

Ms. Le Thi Cuc, Head of Minh Phu Hamlet 1, Yen Phu Commune, said: “In 2021, a few households in the hamlet started growing red dragon fruit according to VietGAP standards and achieved clear economic results. Since then, many households have boldly converted their land previously used for growing oranges, tea, and rice, which yielded low productivity, to dragon fruit cultivation. Currently, the income from dragon fruit for households in the hamlet reaches over 50 million VND per year, improving their living standards and bringing them joy as they prepare for a more prosperous Tet holiday.”

Benefiting from a cool climate, Xin Man commune has focused on developing clean vegetable production by converting less productive corn fields. In 2023, the Moi Hanh Agricultural Products Cooperative linked with consumption units, guiding people to produce vegetables according to safe procedures and ensuring stable output. Mr. Hoang Van Moi, Chairman of the Cooperative, said: "When the products are highly valued and the output is favorable, the people feel confident in expanding the area and adhering to better techniques."

The entire Xín Mần commune currently has nearly 3 hectares of land dedicated to growing clean vegetables, yielding four harvests per year. Producing clean vegetables not only provides people with a stable path to economic development but also contributes to environmental protection, moving towards green and sustainable agriculture.

It is clear that green production models are spreading throughout people's lives, contributing to making the province's agriculture more stable in terms of quality, confidently expanding markets, and aiming for higher added value. When production is organized in a chain, linked to branding, and technology is applied, green agriculture not only provides clean agricultural products but also opens up a path to modern, efficient, and distinctive development for the locality.

Hong Nhung

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/kinh-te/nong-lam-nghiep/202602/nong-nghiep-xanh-nong-thon-moi-ben-vung-ce419ad/