Developing organic agriculture, increasing product value

Taking advantage of natural conditions, climate, and soil, people in many communes and wards in the province have changed their farming methods, applying clean and safe agricultural production technology in the direction of organic farming to increase product value. In particular, many models have affirmed their brands and created a foothold in the market.

Abandoning the monoculture of rice, farmers have boldly sown safe vegetable seeds, fostering confidence in sustainable farming practices to generate better income and marking a shift in cultivation processes. Instead of individual production, some households have collaborated and concentrated production according to VietGAP standards. This change not only increases crop yields but also opens up opportunities for vegetable products to access new markets.

The Van Cap Cooperative in Phung Nguyen commune is one of the units that has effectively implemented the production linkage of agricultural products such as cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, bitter melon, and some leafy vegetables. Previously, people in Phung Nguyen produced crops using traditional methods, on a small scale, without concentration, and the products were mainly sold retail at wholesale markets or for family consumption. Since joining the cooperative, they have received training in safe vegetable cultivation techniques, helping plants grow and develop well, resulting in higher yields.

The Van Cap Cooperative in Phung Nguyen commune regularly monitors the growth and development of vegetable crops.

According to Mr. Bui Minh Vang, Director of Van Cap Cooperative, the people and cooperative officials regularly check the growth and development of the vegetables to ensure the best quality. The vegetables, when harvested, will be free from pests, safe for consumption, and contribute to improved production efficiency.

After harvesting, the vegetables are transported for processing, packaging, labeling, and inspection before being supplied to the market. Currently, the Van Cap Cooperative's VietGAP-certified safe vegetable farming area covers more than 9.5 hectares, with a daily output of nearly 3 tons and a revenue of approximately 500-700 million VND per month. The products are sold in supermarkets, clean food chain stores, and canteens both within and outside the province.

The shift from natural farming to investing in new technologies and safe production is becoming a popular path for many households to prosper from their own vegetable gardens. The Hien Khanh Linh Clean Agriculture Cooperative in Hoang An commune is one such unit with many years of experience in producing vegetables and fruits. The cooperative has invested in building a closed greenhouse system, resulting in high economic efficiency for its crops.

Recently, the cooperative introduced Atlas F1 asparagus, grown in a greenhouse covering 3,000 m² ^according to VietGAP standards. Asparagus can be harvested after 6 months of planting and continuously for 7-10 years from the time of sowing.

The asparagus farming model of Hien Khanh Linh Clean Agriculture Cooperative yields stable productivity.

No harmful chemicals are used; the harvesting and pruning processes are done manually, and fertilizers are bio-fertilizers that have been composted for a sufficient period before use. Furthermore, when grown in greenhouses, thanks to the stable temperature, asparagus yields are not only high but also less susceptible to pests and diseases, ensuring food safety.

Although relatively new to farmers, the asparagus cultivation model is considered highly promising, offering high, long-term economic benefits and being environmentally friendly, minimizing the use of pesticides. This is an important prerequisite for the locality to develop this new model, helping farmers increase their income and improve their living standards.

Safe vegetables undergo quality checks before being packaged and supplied to the market.

The development of organic agriculture is expanding in many localities throughout the province. With safe production processes that ensure consumer health, for many years, members of the Dinh Trung Production and Trade Cooperative in Vinh Phuc ward have been accustomed to using organic fertilizers instead of inorganic fertilizers and using readily available ingredients such as garlic, chili peppers, ginger, and alcohol to make pesticides. Thanks to the application of advanced vegetable production processes, the cooperative was granted a Certificate of Organic Agricultural Product Standards in 2022.

Ms. Hoang Thi Tam, Deputy Director of Dinh Trung Production and Trade Cooperative, said: Established in 2017, the cooperative supplies vegetables and fruits to many schools, supermarkets, and restaurants inside and outside the province. To date, the cooperative has nearly 40 members with a cultivated area of ​​over 3.5 hectares; each day it supplies nearly 1 ton of vegetables to the market, bringing in an average income of 10-30 million VND/household/month.

The products are certified as meeting organic farming standards; they are produced according to the "5 no's" principle (no herbicides; no pesticides; no growth stimulants; no harmful chemical residues; and no preservatives). Instead of worrying about finding buyers for their products, cooperative members can now focus on cultivation and production while still selling at stable prices, higher than the general market average.

The Dinh Trung Production and Trade Cooperative in Vinh Phuc ward supplies nearly 1 ton of vegetables to the market every day.

Organic farming is a growing trend today, driven by the demand for clean and safe products that protect both consumer health and the environment. It is also one of the solutions that helps agriculture become more competitive and increase product value.

Strict production standards and processes, from the use of organic fertilizers and microorganisms made from biological materials and agricultural by-products to the construction of greenhouse and net house systems, fruit wrapping to limit pest and disease damage, soil quality analysis to supplement microorganisms, and the use of clean water for irrigation... help ensure product quality and safety for consumers.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duong, Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, stated: To enhance the value of agricultural products, the center continues to promote the benefits and effectiveness of organic products to people, businesses, and consumers, especially emphasizing strict adherence to production, processing, monitoring, and certification processes. Simultaneously, it actively researches, applies, and transfers scientific and technological advancements, developing high-tech and clean agriculture in an organic direction to create breakthroughs in productivity and quality. Furthermore, it focuses on building brands for products, ensuring a competitive advantage in the market so that organic agriculture truly spreads throughout Phu Tho province.

Nguyen Anh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/phat-trien-nong-nghiep-huu-co-tang-gia-tri-san-pham-241627.htm