Thuan Chau grows winter crops.

These days, people in the communes of Muoi Noi, Bon Phang, Tong Lanh, Chieng Pac, Thom Mon, Chieng Ly... are busy going to the fields to sow and care for winter crops, ensuring that the planting schedule is met.

According to the plan, this winter season, Thuan Chau will plant 500 hectares of various crops. This includes 120 hectares of corn; 280 hectares of various vegetables; 20 hectares of sweet potatoes; and 80 hectares of onions, garlic, soybeans, peanuts, etc. Mr. Lo Van Thoa, Head of the District's Agriculture and Rural Development Department, said: The department is coordinating with specialized agencies to guide farmers on planting techniques, measures to prevent and combat cold weather, and the use of fertilizers suitable for different crops according to weather conditions and the growth stages of each type. At the same time, they are strengthening the investigation and forecasting of crop pests and diseases; advising farmers to regularly inspect their winter crops to promptly implement pest control measures.

Winter vegetable fields of farmers in Tong Lanh commune, Thuan Chau district.

In the fields of Bản Lạnh and Bản Củ villages, Tông Lạnh commune, farmers are busily harvesting rice, preparing the land, and making furrows for planting winter vegetables. Mr. Lò Văn Song from Bản Củ village said: "My family has 8,000 ^m² of rice fields. For many years, I have maintained the cultivation of various vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, garlic, coriander, tomatoes, etc.; these crops are all harvested around the Lunar New Year, so they sell at a good price. Last year, cabbage sold for 6,000 VND/kg, carrots for 10,000 VND/kg, and garlic for 30,000 VND/kg. This year, in addition to the existing area, my family has borrowed 200 m² of land from relatives to grow biomass corn for livestock feed."

Tong Lanh commune has a long tradition of growing winter vegetables. This year, the commune planted 62 hectares of vegetables and over 12 hectares of corn. Mr. Quang Van Sam, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: The commune has a flat terrain, convenient transportation, readily available water resources, and fertile land, suitable for growing vegetables. The people also have many years of experience in growing seasonal vegetables. Local vegetable products are not only sold in the district market but also serve markets in the lowlands, bringing high income to farmers. To date, the people have planted 34 hectares of vegetables, 6 hectares of glutinous corn, 4 hectares of beans, and some early-planted green vegetables have already been harvested.

People in Phong Lap commune, Thuan Chau district, tending to vegetables.

In addition to cultivating traditional vegetables, in recent years, the district's specialized agencies have been promoting the expansion of biomass corn cultivation for livestock feed; organizing training courses and transferring techniques for planting, caring for, and ensiling feed for large livestock; and organizing tours to visit biomass corn cultivation models in Moc Chau district. At the same time, they encourage people to use corn varieties suitable to the local climate and soil. They also apply advanced technology in planting, harvesting, processing, and preserving biomass corn to make it a proactive, high-quality, and safe source of green fodder for livestock. Currently, farmers in the district's communes have planted over 60 hectares of biomass corn to feed large livestock.

The family of Mr. Lo Van Truong, from Nga Phat village, Chieng Pha commune, raises 20 cows. Besides cultivating 30 m² of elephant grass year-round, in the winter, they also plant 3,000 m² of corn biomass for silage, which serves as a year-round feed reserve for their herd. Mr. Truong shared: "Participating in training courses and receiving technical guidance from commune and district officials has helped me gain knowledge and techniques for planting, caring for, and preserving corn biomass. From planting to harvesting, it takes about two months, after which I silage the corn to feed my cows during the winter."

The people of Nga Phat village, Chieng Pha commune, are growing vegetables in the winter season.

The atmosphere of agricultural production in the fields of Thuan Chau district's communes is bustling and urgent. The weather at the beginning of the season is relatively favorable for planting winter crops, increasing the people's confidence in a successful winter harvest.

Text and photos: Nguyen Thu

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