Promoting the application of biotechnology in agricultural production

Applying biotechnology in growing and caring for orchids at Me Linh F Farm. (Photo: DANG ANH)

Many effective models

Born and raised in a low-lying countryside, Mr. Bui Duc Thinh, Hoang Quyen village, Gia Vien commune, Ninh Binh province, cherished the dream of finding a suitable economic development model to be able to get rich on his homeland. After researching and realizing that fish farming models following VietGAP process have many advantages compared to traditional farming methods such as fish are less susceptible to diseases, antibiotic costs are reduced, they grow quickly, have bright colors, thick bodies, delicious meat, etc., Mr. Thinh decided to completely switch to farming according to VietGAP standards.

With the technical support of agricultural extension officers and bank loans, Mr. Thinh re-planned the pond area, purchased more modern equipment, used microbiological products to treat the farming environment, cleaned the water source and converted waste and leftover food into plankton beneficial to fish. Not only did he boldly apply farming techniques according to VietGAP standards, he was also a pioneer in applying smart technology. Since then, he has sold 100 tons of fish each year, earning a revenue of 4.5 billion VND, and after deducting all investment costs, he still earned a profit of about 1 billion VND.

In Quang Tri province, to help aquaculture farmers in general and shrimp farmers in particular increase productivity and output, improve economic efficiency per unit pond area, and at the same time provide clean and safe shrimp products to the market, the Provincial Center for Research, Technology Transfer and Innovation has applied scientific and technical advances in shrimp farming using the microbial products Nitro-QTMIC (pond environment treatment) and Perfect-QTMIC (feed supplement to improve the digestive system and immune system of farmed shrimp) for households in the communes of Cua Tung, Nam Cua Viet, My Thuy and some specialized white-leg shrimp farming areas in the area.

In this model, microbial preparations are used from the pond preparation step to controlling the water environment and diseases throughout the farming process; giving clear results, bringing benefits to shrimp farmers by helping to enhance beneficial microorganisms in the farming environment, ensuring effective use of feed and nutritional value. Regarding the use of microbial preparations Nitro-QTMIC and Perfect-QTMIC, applying the 2-phase shrimp farming process in Cua Tung commune shows that after 4 months of shrimp farming, the survival rate is over 75%, the average size is 50 shrimp/kg, the yield is over 25 tons/ha, the estimated profit is nearly 1 billion VND/ha.

According to Master Le Thanh Tung, Head of the Knowledge Dissemination Department of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, applying biotechnology models not only contributes to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and protecting the environment, but also helps localities adapt flexibly to challenges, towards the goal of sustainable development. Attention to research and selection of high-yield varieties combined with synchronous implementation of techniques has contributed significantly to the growth of the agricultural sector.

The application of biotechnology models not only contributes to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and protecting the environment, but also helps localities adapt flexibly to challenges, aiming at the goal of sustainable development. The attention to research and selection of high-yield varieties combined with synchronous implementation of techniques has contributed significantly to the growth of the agricultural sector.
Master Le Thanh Tung, Head of Knowledge Dissemination Department, Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations

Typically, from scientific and technological research, high-quality rice varieties have been created: Bac Thom No. 7, TBR225, TBR39-1, Dai Thom No. 8, ST24, ST25... Currently, many studies are being applied to agricultural production in Vietnam, such as gene technology, creating genetically modified plant varieties, micropropagation, cell technology... In 2024, Vietnam's agricultural sector achieved encouraging growth when crop production increased by 2.2% and agricultural export value reached a record 62.5 billion USD, up 18.7% over the previous year. In particular, many key export items such as rice, coffee, vegetables and rubber exceeded the 2 billion USD mark.

Need more mechanisms and policies

It can be seen that the country's agriculture has changed significantly since the application of biotechnology achievements, that is, agricultural productivity has been improved, creating many valuable products, saving costs for farmers... However, according to general assessment, the development and application of biotechnology in our country's agriculture is still slow, not commensurate with the potential and requirements of socio-economic development.

Faced with this situation, the Party and the State have issued many documents of concern and direction. Most recently, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW, dated January 30, 2023, on the development and application of biotechnology to serve the country's sustainable development in the new situation, which clearly states: "Focus on research and application of biotechnology in agriculture, creating crop and livestock varieties that adapt to climate change, are resistant to pests and diseases, have high productivity, quality and economic efficiency, contributing to building a smart, safe and effective agriculture...".

To realize the goals set out in this resolution, according to Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Rice Research Institute, we need to synchronously deploy many solutions. First of all, it is necessary to promote propaganda work, raise awareness of managers and producers about the development and application of biotechnology, considering it the "key" to open the door to developing sustainable agriculture.

From the awareness of new requirements and tasks, departments, ministries and branches need to coordinate in building mechanisms and legal policies on the development and application of biotechnology. In particular, continue to review, supplement and perfect the system of legal documents, mechanisms and related policies; processes, standards and regulations specific to biotechnology. At the same time, it is necessary to build a transparent and flexible management mechanism to evaluate, license and use genetically modified plant varieties in accordance with international practices.

MINH TUNG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thuc-day-ung-dung-cong-nghe-bi-hoc-trong-san-xuat-nong-nghiep-post909615.html