Developing ecological agriculture towards green growth

Developing ecological agriculture (Agriculture) and following nature is an inevitable path for safe production, adapting to climate change (CC), reducing emissions, increasing value, and meeting the goals of transforming the food system in a transparent, responsible, and sustainable manner. With the attention, guidance, and support from authorities, over the past time, farmers in localities across the country have built and developed more and more effective Agriculture models that are both economically and environmentally effective.

Community ecotourism development model associated with nature conservation, preservation and development of fish species at Con Son, Can Tho City.

Practical effectiveness

In recent times, ecological agricultural development models have been implemented in many localities in the country. The models focus on natural production, exploiting and using resources effectively and economically in the direction of circular economy , using natural, biological measures and smart, environmentally friendly technology to prevent pests and improve the soil. Thereby, creating safe, high-quality products and minimizing the impact on the environment, protecting the ecosystem and human health.

Agricultural models in the direction of sustainable agriculture can be mentioned, such as the closed garden - pond - barn model, the combined rice - shrimp, rice - fish, shrimp - forest, rice - lotus - fish, organic coffee models. Models of management and conservation of natural ecosystems associated with tourism development; community ecotourism; management and use of straw in the direction of circular economy, flood season fish storage model... These models have been implemented in many localities across the country, especially in the Mekong Delta, helping to improve the efficiency of agricultural production, improve people's livelihoods, contribute to environmental protection and biodiversity.

According to the Institute of Agricultural Planning and Design, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MARD), in the period of 2010-2025, the country has 275 models of agricultural products, of which 60% have been implemented in the last 5 years. However, the development of agricultural products and the replication of effective models are facing many difficulties. The reason is that the production mindset according to agricultural products is still not popular in many places and people still lack information, knowledge, and necessary support from the State. Many farmers still focus on increasing productivity and output of crops and livestock without paying due attention to factors of food safety, self-sustainability of the production system, biodiversity, soil health, crop and livestock health and improving product quality. Currently, there are not many businesses investing in the field of ecological agriculture, lacking links with farmers to develop production, expand exports and consume agricultural products.

Implement synchronous solutions

To promote the development of agricultural products, the authorities need to continue to pay attention to synchronously implementing many solutions to raise awareness and actions of farmers, businesses and the community. Promote innovation in agriculture, encourage the transformation of agricultural products associated with the development of green finance, green credit and value chain linkage. Strengthen research and transfer of technical advances and new varieties that are better adapted to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, focusing on the collection, conservation and development of natural ecosystems, genetic resources of valuable crops and livestock in localities. Promote products, encourage consumers to use products and services from agricultural products. Build product brands, international certificates, connect domestic and foreign markets...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has just coordinated with the People's Committee of Dong Thap province and relevant units to organize a conference on "Promoting agricultural innovation and transforming the food system to respond to climate change, enhance biodiversity and improve livelihoods". At the conference, many delegates said that developing agricultural innovation and adapting to nature is an inevitable path to safe agricultural production, adapting to climate change, reducing emissions, increasing value, meeting the goals of transforming the food system in a transparent, responsible and sustainable manner. Agricultural innovation plays an important and key role in contributing to realizing Vietnam's international commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving and protecting biodiversity. Changes in awareness, thinking and actions of people, communities, businesses, and the commitment to support from agencies, partners and localities play a decisive role in the success of replicating agricultural innovation models.

Mr. Le Minh Hoan, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, emphasized: “Agricultural development is not only a farming method but also a way for us to listen to and respect nature, preserve every drop of water, and cherish every inch of land. It is a story of humanity, of the harmonious symbiosis between nature and humans. Agricultural development is a long-term vision for Vietnam to implement global commitments on climate change, aiming for zero net emissions by 2050. This is also the path to improve the quality of rural life, conserve biodiversity and maintain food security in a volatile world. Over the years, we have taken solid steps, from Resolution 120/NQ-CP on sustainable development of the Mekong Delta adapting to climate change, the Project of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice, to many strategies on green growth, resource protection...”.

According to Mr. Vinod Ahuja, Chief Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Vietnam, NNST plays an important role in addressing biodiversity loss, transforming the food system to be transparent, responsible, sustainable and addressing climate change. The market for NNST products is continuing to grow in Vietnam and many countries around the world, creating opportunities and favorable conditions for NNST development. However, there needs to be practical support and investment in value chains, from production development to implementing other related actions, including traceability, promotion and consumer outreach.

According to Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), agricultural development in Vietnam is a long journey from awareness to action, the first starting point is that we dare to change, are ready to change and bravely change, even though initially we are still confused. From practical research, we have had pilot models in the Red River Delta, the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands and other mountainous areas. From the success of the pilot models, our country has strongly shifted to replication and dissemination in national programs, projects and policies and up to now, agricultural development is being institutionalized to become a strategic orientation in agricultural and rural development in Vietnam. Many agricultural development models not only protect nature but also enrich the livelihoods of farmers.

Article and photos: KHANH TRUNG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/phat-trien-nong-nghiep-sinh-thai-huong-den-tang-truong-xanh-a192605.html