Cho Gao Commune: The movement of skilled farmers in production and business is going deeper.

In recent years, the movement "Farmers excelling in production and business, uniting to help each other get rich and sustainably reduce poverty" in Cho Gao commune, Dong Thap province, has continued to develop strongly and in depth. After the administrative unit merger, the commune's Farmers' Association has proactively reformed its operating methods, widely implementing the movement among its members, creating a positive ripple effect, contributing to promoting rural economic development, and shifting the structure of crops and livestock towards efficiency and sustainability.

Recognizing this as one of the three key emulation movements launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Association , the Farmers' Association of Cho Gao commune developed a specific plan that was practical and relevant to the local situation; intensified propaganda through branch and group meetings; and integrated the content of the movement into programs promoting agricultural production transformation.

Farmers in Cho Gao commune share techniques for growing green-skinned pomelos.

The association focuses on guiding farmers in developing commercial agriculture , applying technological advancements, building product brands, and proactively adapting to the market.

To support farmers in accessing scientific and technological advancements, numerous training courses following the "hands-on" approach are regularly organized. The training content focuses on coconut and green pomelo cultivation techniques, bio-secure livestock farming, application of VietGAP production processes, digital transformation in agriculture, and e-commerce sales skills.

Rewarding farmers who have achieved outstanding results in the emulation of excellent production and business practices, wealth creation, and sustainable poverty reduction.

Organizing study tours to learn about exemplary production models in other localities is also implemented, helping farmers broaden their horizons and access new models to apply appropriately to their family's farming conditions.

With timely support and attention, every year 1,100 - 1,300 members register to participate in the four-level movement for excellent farmers in production and business. After evaluation, 900 - 1,000 households are awarded the title of excellent producers and business owners.

The number of households with an income of 150-200 million VND/year increased by 38 compared to the beginning of the term, showing a clear shift in farmers' production mindset, production organization capabilities, and market access.

One of the outstanding examples of this movement is Mr. Tran Huu Thuyet, residing in Binh Hoa hamlet. Starting with 10,000 m² of land given to him by his parents, Mr. Thuyet persistently transformed his farming model through several stages, from rice cultivation to vegetables, then dragon fruit and green pomelo.

Realizing that his dragon fruit trees were aging and their yield was declining, he boldly renovated 4,000 m² to plant coconut trees for drinking water and maintain cattle farming, making the most of the vacant land.

Thanks to diligently learning techniques at training courses and eagerly seeking advice from experienced farmers, his model quickly yielded results. Currently, his family's Malaysian coconut plantation has entered a stable business phase, generating an income of over 200 million VND per year.

In addition, he raises his herd of 6 cows on a regular cycle, selling 3 beef cows each year and 2 calves every 3 years, bringing in over 120 million VND. Thanks to this, his family's economic situation has continuously improved, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the emulation movement in practice.

Alongside technology transfer activities, the Farmers' Association of the commune pays special attention to developing the collective economy. Cooperative groups and cooperatives are strengthened and their operational capacity is improved, supporting production-consumption linkages and building stable raw material areas.

Farmers are guided to open accounts and sell their products on e-commerce platforms, gradually changing traditional business methods and accessing broader markets.

The establishment of the Farmers' Support Fund continues to be promoted. To date, the commune has mobilized over 1.2 billion VND, disbursing funds to 3 projects involving 97 households. The association is currently managing 13 loan groups with a total outstanding loan balance of 21 billion VND, enabling 500 members to access capital and promote the transformation of production models. This capital has helped many households confidently invest in machinery, expand farming models, and apply new technologies.

Notably, to date, Cho Gao commune has 9 products that have achieved OCOP 3-star standard, including: dried rice noodles, fresh rice noodles, chewy rice noodles, pomelo peel jam, pomelo wine, fermented pomelo juice, pheasant products, sour shrimp paste, etc. This is an important step in standardizing local products, increasing their value, and expanding their consumer market.

In the coming period, the Farmers' Association of Cho Gao commune will continue to focus on disseminating and replicating effective production models; supporting members in accessing capital, technology, and markets; promoting digital transformation in agriculture; and consolidating the movement of farmers competing in excellent production and business so that the movement truly becomes a driving force for rural economic development and improving the quality of life for the people.

N. XUYEN - P. MAI
 

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/xa-cho-gao-phong-trao-nong-dan-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-gioi-di-vao-chieu-sau-a233890.html