Changing the mindset in agriculture

With diligence, perseverance, and a willingness to think outside the box and take action, many farmers have transformed their low-yield rice fields into other crops with higher economic value, contributing to increased income and improved quality of life.

Ten years ago, Mr. Thai Phat Thanh (Binh Thanh commune, Thu Thua district, Long An province) converted 2,500 square meters ^of land previously used for growing vegetables to experimentally cultivate fruit trees. To date, his orchard boasts over 20 different varieties of fruit trees, including chocolate persimmons, golden-purple longan, Mexican sapodilla, and more, all grown organically.

Mr. Thai Phat Thanh (Binh Thanh commune, Thu Thua district) switched from growing vegetables to growing fruit trees.

Initially, lacking experience, he made his own organic fertilizer using biological preparations and cow manure, which was of poor quality. When applied, it prevented many plants from growing, and some even died. Undeterred, he continued to research and found a general formula for making organic fertilizer that was both cost-effective and high-quality. Mr. Thanh said: “Using chemical fertilizers and pesticides affects human health. Besides, consumers nowadays prefer organic products, so I decided to grow fruit trees in this way and choose new varieties that are delicious.”

Because the fruits are organically grown, they may not be perfectly uniform or visually appealing, but they are sweet and fragrant. Many people are willing to pay a higher price for these clean produce, with some fruits, such as chocolate persimmons, costing over 100,000 VND/kg. Besides fruit trees, Mr. Thanh also grows 2,500 ^square meters of bitter melon organically. Notably, he has also encouraged more than 10 neighboring farmers to switch from chemical to organic farming, contributing to a green and environmentally friendly agricultural model.

Having 2 hectares of land in the hilly area of ​​Khanh Hung commune, Vinh Hung district, where rice cultivation yielded low productivity, Mr. Huynh Cong Men switched to growing Malaysian coconuts four years ago. Coconuts can be harvested after 24 months, and require minimal labor and maintenance. Currently, the price of coconuts ranges from 5,500 to 7,000 VND per fruit. "Since switching to coconut farming, my family's profits are 2-3 times higher than growing rice," Mr. Men said.

By growing Malaysian coconuts, Mr. Huynh Cong Men (Khanh Hung commune, Vinh Hung district) earns 2-3 times more profit than growing rice.

Coconut trees are at least 20 years old, and the average cost from planting to harvesting is about 250,000 VND per tree. To ensure high yields and sweet coconut water, Mr. Mến focuses on adding organic fertilizer and mulching the base of the tree to maintain moisture for optimal growth and development.

With innovative thinking and a willingness to step out of their "comfort zone," Mr. Men and Mr. Thanh are focusing on safe production, prioritizing quality and market demand over quantity. This is a positive sign, contributing to the development of a green and modern agricultural sector.

Kim Ngoc

Source: https://baolongan.vn/thay-doi-tu-duy-nong-nghiep-a197614.html