Tan Phu Dong Islet Commune: Towards sustainable ecological production

Tan Phu Dong commune strongly develops the shrimp-rice rotation model, with an area of over 100 hectares.

However, in that difficult time, the Party Committee, the government and the people of Tan Phu Dong have fostered the will to overcome difficulties, turning challenges into opportunities, opening up a new and breakthrough direction. The Resolution of the 1st Commune Party Congress, term 2025 - 2030, determined the breakthrough goal of shifting the economic structure towards high-tech and organic agriculture; associated with the processing industry and product consumption, ensuring ecological environmental criteria. This is considered the guiding principle for the island to rise strongly.

In the journey to build a modern agriculture , Tan Phu Dong commune has resolutely transformed the crop structure, promoting the advantages of products that adapt to saltwater intrusion. Among them, lemongrass is considered the first "bright spot".

The shrimp-rice rotation model gives an average income of 55 - 58 million VND/ha.

From ineffective rice-growing areas, the locality has converted nearly 4,000 hectares to specialized lemongrass cultivation, forming the largest raw material area in Dong Thap province. Currently, the commune has 7.5 hectares of lemongrass certified by VietGAP and 2 OCOP products including lemongrass essential oil and Thacasa lemongrass essential oil. By 2030, the locality strives to build 300 hectares of lemongrass produced in an organic direction.

Mr. Le Van Tot, Director of Tan Phu Dong Lemongrass Cooperative, shared: “We use completely organic fertilizers to fertilize lemongrass. This brings double benefits: Ensuring the health of consumers and improving the quality of essential oils when extracted. The Cooperative aims for all 60 members to switch to using 100% organic fertilizers.”

Lemongrass not only helps people stabilize their income, but also becomes the foundation for the commune to build an organic production value chain, increase product value and affirm the region's unique brand.

Model of Tuan Hien Aquaculture Company Limited, with a scale of 40 hectares, average output reaches 450 tons of shrimp/year.

Besides lemongrass, shrimp has emerged as an important spearhead in the economic structure of Tan Phu Dong. Notably, the model of Tuan Hien Aquaculture Company Limited has a scale of 40 hectares, with an average output of 450 tons of shrimp/year, a productivity much higher than traditional farming methods.

Mr. Ngo Minh Tuan, Director of Tuan Hien Aquaculture Company Limited, said: “Shrimp are raised in a closed house system, the entire process is automatically controlled. Smart feeding technology and continuous monitoring of the water environment help limit diseases and optimize productivity. In particular, instead of earthen ponds, we use cement ponds, combined with a synchronous water treatment and waste treatment system.”

The highlight of the model is the cooperation project with Japan, combining shrimp farming and waste treatment to create renewable energy, contributing to reducing emissions, towards green and sustainable development.

In parallel with high-tech shrimp farming, Tan Phu Dong commune also strongly develops the shrimp-rice rotation model, with an area of over 100 hectares, giving an average income of 55 - 58 million VND/ha.

Farmers said the biggest advantage of the model is that it does not use industrial feed, does not use antibiotics, the shrimp take advantage of natural food sources from the rice fields. After the shrimp crop, the rice plants absorb nutrients in the soil so there is no need for chemical fertilizers, few pests, and produce clean shrimp - clean rice that meets organic standards.

Mr. Le Huu Hiep, a farmer in Tan Phu Dong commune, excitedly said: "Rice yield is 4.5 - 5 tons/ha, profits are much higher. We hardly use pesticides, costs are reduced but quality is increased."

To improve production efficiency, the commune has established the Phu Tan Agricultural and Aquatic Products Service Cooperative to support farmers with techniques, build a linkage chain and gradually shape the brand of coastal specialties.

Mr. Ha Van Hai, Head of the Cooperative Group, said: "The shrimp-rice model is 30% - 40% more effective than conventional production. Thanks to compliance with the process, rice from the rice-shrimp area is highly appreciated by the market."

According to the Resolution of the 1st Party Congress of the Commune, term 2025 - 2030, Tan Phu Dong aims to become a key area for the development of the aquaculture economy of Dong Thap. In particular, the application of high technology is a consistent direction, aiming to increase the value of agricultural products, stabilize output and improve people's income.

Besides agriculture, the locality aims to develop marine eco-tourism, combining the exploitation of the unique culture and landscape of the island, while strengthening security and defense in the coastal border area.

Thanks to the right policy and the consensus of the people, Tan Phu Dong is gradually transforming strongly: From traditional agriculture to organic, high-tech agriculture; from a land that once suffered many hardships to becoming a bright spot in the socio-economic development of Dong Thap province.

H. TUYEN - W. MAI

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/xa-cu-lao-tan-phu-dong-huong-den-san-xuat-sinh-thai-ben-vung-a233838.html