Developing organic rice farming and natural farming methods still faces many obstacles.

Recognizing the positive signs, in recent times, more and more businesses and people in the area have been planting and developing organic rice cultivation and natural farming. However, these efforts are being hampered by difficulties and obstacles that need to be addressed soon.

Farmers in Trieu Phong district introduce the process of producing organic rice using natural farming methods - Photo: Provided

Development has not met expectations.

In late February 2024, a delegation from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted an inspection to assess the actual situation in four key rice-growing districts of the province: Hai Lang, Trieu Phong, Gio Linh, and Vinh Linh. During the trip, the delegation focused on understanding the difficulties and obstacles related to the development of organic rice cultivation and natural farming practices.

From this point, the emerging issues were identified quite specifically and thoroughly. Immediately afterwards, the leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invited relevant businesses and representatives from districts and specialized agencies to discuss and find solutions to expand the area of organic rice cultivation and natural farming.

The aforementioned activities are part of many efforts by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to remove difficulties and obstacles in developing organic and naturally cultivated rice areas in the province. Resolution XVII of the Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025, sets a target of having over 1,000 hectares of organic and naturally cultivated rice in the province by 2025.

However, achieving the above target faces many challenges. According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, by the end of 2023, the entire province had 1,149 hectares of organic rice, naturally cultivated rice, and rice produced according to organic, VietGAP, and food safety standards. Of this, the area of organic rice production and naturally cultivated rice reached 351.7 hectares, mainly concentrated in Trieu Phong and Hai Lang districts.

During the 2023-2024 winter-spring crop season, the area of organic rice, naturally grown rice, and rice produced according to organic, VietGAP, and food safety standards in the area reached 865.65 hectares. Of this, 167.55 hectares continued to maintain production according to certified organic standards and natural farming methods. The area of rice grown by farmers expanded to 502.2 hectares following organic farming practices.

Although not yet high, these results are the product of the efforts of all levels of government, sectors, businesses, and the people. To develop organic rice cultivation, some localities have issued specific resolutions and projects. These resolutions clearly stipulate specific policies to encourage businesses and people to expand the area of organic rice cultivation and natural farming. Some localities have planned clean rice growing areas to create the most favorable conditions for the people.

Many challenges remain.

Compared to the past, businesses and the public have increasingly raised awareness of the importance of organic rice farming and natural cultivation. Farmers understand that producing rice using this method not only brings economic benefits but also helps protect the environment and does not affect their own health or the health of consumers.

However, it is worth noting that for various reasons, some people still choose to grow rice using traditional methods, believing that organic rice production carries many risks due to natural disasters and diseases. Therefore, farmers face considerable difficulties in production.

According to local farmers, the first few seasons of organic rice production often yield lower productivity compared to traditional production. Meanwhile, according to the provincial People's Council resolution, farmers are only supported for two seasons. In some localities, although there are resolutions and projects to develop organic rice, implementation has not received sufficient attention. The evaluation of effectiveness and the replication of the model are still largely superficial. The involvement of the entire political system, especially the Party committees, local governments, and organizations, is somewhat limited, mainly being left to cooperatives.

In many localities, the infrastructure needed to support the development of organic and naturally grown rice cultivation is still inadequate, especially regarding irrigation systems and internal field roads. The area of organic and naturally grown rice production remains fragmented and has not been consolidated. The elevation of the fields is uneven and has not been leveled. This makes it difficult for farmers to cultivate, mechanize, and apply high technology to production. Input and production costs also increase as a result.

According to reports, the current price for fresh rice purchased by businesses from farmers producing organically and naturally is around 13,000 VND/kg. However, the number of businesses involved in production and consumption linkages remains limited. Economic contracts between businesses and cooperatives are not robust, lack flexibility, and are therefore easily broken. Furthermore, the capacity for collaboration among most businesses is limited. While providing comprehensive and effective technical services for organic rice production is possible, the costs remain high.

More active involvement is needed.

Recently, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has outlined a plan to develop the area of organic and naturally cultivated rice production in the coming period. Accordingly, in 2024, the entire province aims to expand the area of organic and organically grown rice production to over 1,500 hectares, with a target of over 500 hectares of organic and naturally cultivated rice production. In 2025, the goal is to expand the area of organic and organically grown rice production to over 2,500 hectares, with a target of over 1,000 hectares of organic and naturally cultivated rice production.

To achieve these results, relevant levels and sectors need to strengthen efforts in promoting and expanding organic rice production and natural farming practices in the area. In addition, a crucial task is to focus on effective leadership and management; organize conferences and workshops to evaluate and replicate successful models; and invite businesses to participate and facilitate market connections for organic rice products.

Coordinating with businesses inside and outside the province to conduct trials and pilot production to select new, short-duration, high-quality rice varieties suitable for organic rice production, ensuring market demand and timely production, is also essential. Relevant levels and sectors need to strengthen training, guidance, and supervision of organic rice production processes and natural farming practices, linked to organic certification standards and assigned planting area codes.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development needs to continue reviewing, refining, and advising the Provincial People's Committee to submit to the Provincial People's Council a resolution on encouraging land consolidation and concentration and promoting mechanization in agricultural production in the province; at the same time, it should propose adjustments and additions to the Provincial People's Council's resolution on the development of organic rice to suit the actual production situation.

To invest in infrastructure to support organic rice production, it is necessary to integrate resources and capital from resolutions; specific policies of districts, towns, and cities; capital from businesses and people... In addition, the department needs to coordinate with localities to review and re-plan organic rice production areas that are favorable in terms of irrigation systems and internal field transportation.

However, the above solutions are only short-term measures to address the immediate difficulties. In the long term, developing organic rice production and natural farming requires strong, responsible, and sustained involvement from the entire political system, businesses, and the people.

Tay Long

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