Many new rice varieties have been introduced for organic farming in the fields of Quang Dien commune.

Changing the mindset in production

For the 2025 summer-autumn rice crop, Mr. Pham Hai's family, residing in Dong Vinh village, Dan Dien commune, switched to organic farming on 3.5 sao (approximately 0.35 hectares) of rice fields. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on chemical pesticides, Mr. Hai uses bio-fertilizers and biological pesticides. "Growing organic rice is more laborious, but the rice grains are clean, safe, preferred by the market, and sell at a higher price," Mr. Hai shared.

Not only Mr. Hai, but more and more households in Dan Dien and Quang Dien have changed their mindset in rice cultivation. From focusing solely on yield, many farmers are now concentrating on the quality and added value of their rice grains. In Dan Dien commune, many rice-growing areas following organic and VietGAP standards have been established in agricultural cooperatives such as Nam Vinh, Dong Vinh, and Phu Thuan, contributing to an annual agricultural production value of approximately 650 billion VND.

Currently, the two communes of Quang Dien and Dan Dien have approximately 16 hectares of organic rice, 17 hectares of rice using bio-fertilizers, and 20 hectares produced according to VietGAP standards. While not a large number, this is an important foundation for expansion in the coming years. In these two localities, 32 large-scale model fields with a total area of ​​845.5 hectares have also been planned, creating conditions for the synchronized application of advanced farming processes, producing high-quality, organic, and VietGAP-certified rice varieties within a closed value chain.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tien, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Dan Dien commune, informed: The locality is focusing on developing key agricultural products according to safe and sustainable standards, especially VietGAP and organic farming. Expanding the area of ​​organic rice cultivation not only serves local and city needs but also aims for export.

Local authorities and rice farmers in Dan Dien and Quang Dien are currently cooperating with the Seed and Livestock Corporation, Que Lam Group, etc., in supplying seeds, organic fertilizers, and guaranteeing product purchase. This connection creates a "three-way value chain," helping farmers feel secure in their production, businesses have a stable source of raw materials, and the locality has additional resources for sustainable development.

Towards sustainable agriculture

Mr. Hoang Van Minh Chau, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Dien commune, informed: The results of the trial planting of 0.5 hectares of TBR 97 rice variety supplied by Thai Binh Seed Group showed positive results. The rice variety grew well, had strong stems, was less susceptible to pests and diseases, had a high percentage of plump grains, and yielded 68-70 quintals/hectare, significantly higher than traditional varieties. This is a promising sign for selecting a suitable variety for organic production in the commune.

In reality, organic rice offers many benefits: farmers reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, consumers have access to clean, safe rice; the field environment is protected, and the ecosystem is more balanced; the economic value is often 1.5-2 times higher than conventional rice, and many organic rice products have established brands and stable markets. However, organic rice production still faces many challenges. These mainly stem from traditional farming habits, which deter some farmers from making the switch; the higher cost of organic fertilizers and biological pesticides; the meticulous and persistent production techniques required; and the market still heavily relies on contractual agreements. Without a strong link between production, processing, and consumption, farmers will find it difficult to invest in long-term production with confidence.

In the coming period, the two communes of Quang Dien and Dan Dien aim to double the area of ​​organic rice cultivation, combining it with VietGAP and hybrid organic models. Building a brand for Quang Dien - Dan Dien organic rice is also a goal of the two localities to increase its value and affirm its reputation in the market.

The authorities of the two localities also pledged to continue providing technical support, preferential loans, irrigation infrastructure, and finding purchasing partners to ensure farmers can confidently expand production. With the advantage of fertile land, a long tradition of rice cultivation, and the support of businesses, Quang Dien and Dan Dien are expected to become key areas for organic rice production in Hue City.

Text and photos: TAM ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-nong-thon/trong-lua-huu-co-huong-di-ben-vung-157488.html