Application of science and technology in forestry production

Prepare quality seedlings for the new planting season.

In recent years, our province has focused on implementing large-scale timber plantation models using hybrid acacia trees and indigenous tree species with high economic value. The synchronous application of science and technology such as tissue culture technology, selection of superior trees, asexual propagation, use of high-yield varieties, etc. has created a major change in the quality of planted forests. The application of remote sensing technology has created conditions for functional agencies to manage forests more effectively. Since the end of 2021, based on the GGE platform, Thanh Hoa has used Sentinel and Landsat satellite images to interpret, monitor and identify forest fluctuations. This is an important step forward in digitizing forest management, fire prevention and fighting and natural resource protection. Along with that, new applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), software for rapid identification of endangered, precious and rare animals and plants have been deployed, contributing to supporting biodiversity conservation and serving more effective forest survey work. Many seed production facilities have applied biotechnology and automation to improve the quality of forestry seeds, reduce costs, and shorten the production cycle.

As a result, in the past 3 years, the province has built 15 sources of high-quality forestry seedlings, selecting 5,000 outstanding trees of 12 species. Notably, up to 90% of the planted forest area uses high-yield, high-quality seedlings. Mechanization in land preparation, care and harvesting has also achieved positive results, with 70% of the area harvested mechanically, 50% of the area cared for by modern machinery. At the same time, the whole province has newly planted and replanted after exploitation about 5,200 hectares of concentrated forests using tissue-cultured trees; forming 7 linkage chains between forest owners (households, groups of households) and wood processing enterprises, deep processing factories; There are 36,418 hectares of FSC-certified forests in 8 districts (Thach Thanh, Quan Son, Quan Hoa, Lang Chanh, Thuong Xuan, Vinh Loc, Cam Thuy and Nhu Thanh) with the participation of more than 5,000 households and household groups. The linkage chains not only help to stably consume output products, but also open up a direction for sustainable development. In addition, the province strongly supports the implementation of scientific and technological research topics, such as planting protective and special-use forests associated with the conservation of rare tree gene sources and the development of ecotourism . The testing and experimental planting of trees with high economic value are focused on, linked to the needs of the forest products processing industry.

With a strategic vision and orientation for sustainable development of the forestry sector, functional sectors are making efforts to synchronously implement many solutions to increase the economic value of forests, closely linking forestry development with the application of modern science and technology. According to the plan, by 2025, the whole province strives to increase the total area of ​​production forests to 125,000 hectares, of which large timber forests account for 56,000 hectares. In particular, the province focuses on improving the quality of plant varieties, with the goal of having at least 90% of the forest area planted with recognized varieties, contributing to increasing productivity and production efficiency. The productivity of intensive forests is targeted at 20m3/ha/year, while high-tech planted forests will be developed on a scale of 13,000 hectares, achieving a production value of 100 to 200 million VND/ha/production cycle. Towards 2030, the province will continue to expand the scale of high-tech forest plantations to 32,500 hectares, raising the production value to 120 to 250 million VND/ha/cycle; expand to 19 large timber forest chains with a total area of ​​32,000 hectares, supplying an output of about 500,000m3 of wood per year, creating a driving force to promote the forestry industry to develop in a modern, effective and sustainable direction.

It can be said that the proposed goals and solutions not only demonstrate a long-term vision, but also demonstrate the correctness of the approach to modern forestry development, adaptation to climate change and market trends. Promoting the application of high technology, strictly controlling seed quality, and forming closely linked value chains from planting to consumption have been creating a solid foundation for the forestry industry to transform strongly. This is the right direction, contributing to increasing people's income, protecting the environment and developing a green economy.

To remove barriers to sustainable forestry development, in the coming time, functional sectors and localities need to focus on increasing investment in modern wood processing infrastructure, encouraging enterprises to innovate technology, apply automation equipment, drying technology and anti-termite treatment to improve product quality. Along with that, promote technical support for forest growers through practical and effective agricultural and forestry extension programs. The transfer of science and technology needs to be carried out synchronously, associated with the construction of demonstration models right at the grassroots level to increase practicality and replicability. At the same time, expanding the issuance of sustainable forest certification such as FSC and PEFC will contribute to increasing the value of planted forests and expanding export markets. Another important task is to digitalize forest management, integrate remote monitoring equipment systems and forest fire early warning, thereby gradually improving the efficiency of forest management, protection and development in a modern and sustainable direction.

The application of science and technology in forestry production is not only an inevitable trend but also an urgent requirement for sustainable and effective forestry economic development. With clear orientations, drastic solutions and synchronous participation of all levels and sectors, Thanh Hoa province is gradually realizing the goal of increasing the value of planted forests, developing the forest product value chain, contributing to protecting forest resources and stabilizing long-term livelihoods for people.

Article and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ung-dung-kh-amp-cn-trong-san-xuat-lam-nghiep-249574.htm