Ho Chi Minh City makes a breakthrough with its circular organic farming model.

Ho Chi Minh City is promoting a circular organic farming model, forming a sustainable production chain and enhancing the value of agricultural products for both domestic and export markets.

As one of the areas still retaining its strong agricultural foundation, Phuoc Thanh commune is becoming a highlight in Ho Chi Minh City's strategy for developing organic agriculture linked to the circular economy . From leading enterprise models to the shift in farmers' production mindset, circular agriculture is helping the locality shape a sustainable direction, enhancing value and quality of life.

Vinamit's organic farm applies a circular farming process, utilizing agricultural by-products to nourish the soil and reduce emissions. Photo: Tuong Tu.

In Phuoc Thanh commune, the farm of Vinamit Joint Stock Company stands out as one of the pioneering models in organic farming and closed-loop operation. Spanning nearly 150 hectares, it is the first certified organic farm to develop comprehensively from production and processing to consumption, and is also a domestic enterprise boldly conquering the Chinese market with Vietnamese organic agricultural products.

Over the years, Vinamit has not only invested in high-tech production but also made significant contributions to the development of new rural areas in Phuoc Thanh. The company organizes linkages and guarantees the purchase of agricultural products, creating stable jobs for many workers and contributing a considerable amount of revenue to the locality. The linkage between the company and the people has helped to form a specialized, clean, and safe production area.

During a field trip with Ms. Nong Thi Quy, Deputy Director in charge of production at Phu Giao Farm, the bustling activity of the workers under the midday sun showed the vitality of an efficiently operating organic farm. Outside, the jackfruit harvest was in full swing, while inside the greenhouses, workers meticulously weeded and tended to the young vegetable beds – essential steps in organic production to completely eliminate the use of chemical pesticides.

The farm currently has 25 greenhouses, each specializing in growing a specific type of leafy or fruiting vegetable for easier pest and disease control. The production area is surrounded by a buffer zone with a 3-4 meter high brick wall to minimize the impact of the external environment. All fertilizers used are from decomposed organic sources such as earthworm castings, cow manure, chicken manure, combined with microbial fertilizers. Although yields are about 20% lower than conventional methods, the economic value is 2 to 3 times higher.

The production area at a farm in Phuoc Thanh commune is operating on a circular model, reducing emissions and increasing economic efficiency. Photo: Tran Phi.

The highlight of the model in Phuoc Thanh is its complete circular economy. Pig manure from the livestock area is processed to be used as fertilizer or mixed into seed sowing substrates. Irrigation water is sourced from the Suoi Giai dam, stored in a reservoir, and piped to each production area. Fruit by-products from Vinamit's processing plants, such as jackfruit peels, sugarcane bagasse, and banana molasses, are returned to the farm to be used as organic fertilizer to improve the soil. As a result, almost no waste is discarded; every material is reused, contributing to reduced emissions and environmental protection.

Thanks to strict adherence to procedures, the farm's products have achieved top global organic certifications such as USDA Organic (USA) and EU Organic (Europe). On average, the unit supplies about 1.5 tons of vegetables and fruits daily to Coop Mart, Citi Mart supermarkets and many modern retail channels. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruits, dried products such as dried jackfruit, dried bananas, and dried pineapples have helped the business achieve tens of billions of VND in revenue from organic produce in recent years.

According to Mr. Nguyen Lam Vien, Chairman and CEO of Vinamit, the company not only produces but also maintains close ties with over 1,000 farming households through its 20,000-hectare raw material area. “Vinamit buys everything the farmers produce according to contract, even when market prices fall. This commitment helps farmers feel secure and committed,” Mr. Vien stated.

“The circular organic farming model helps the locality make a strong transition from small-scale production to sustainable production, reducing input costs, limiting environmental impact, and opening up avenues for increasing farmers' income. This is also an important step for Phuoc Thanh commune to contribute to Ho Chi Minh City's goal of developing green and sustainable agriculture in the new phase,” shared Mr. Nguyen Thanh Thong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phuoc Thanh commune.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/tphcm-but-pha-voi-mo-hinh-nong-nghiep-huu-co-tuan-hoan-d788814.html