Building a professional peasant class

In the new development stage, agriculture - farmers - rural areas are still the mainstay of the province. Representing more than 314,000 members, the Provincial Farmers' Association is facing the need to build a professional farmer class with economic thinking and digital transformation application.

Mr. Nguyen Van Cop - Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association said that An Giang is an agricultural province, with nearly 70% of the population living in rural areas. Among more than 314,000 members, there are nearly 160,000 farmers who are good at production and business at all levels, and are the core force. However, if we only stop at small-scale, fragmented production, it will be difficult to compete. Therefore, it is necessary to form a team of professional farmers with economic thinking, who know how to connect, are ready to apply technology, and join hands to build An Giang for comprehensive development.

- Reporter: How is "professional farmer" specifically defined, sir?

- Mr. Nguyen Van Cop: They are people who know how to sell what the market needs, not just what they have. They have knowledge of science , technology, and the market, and value cooperation and association. Professional farmers do not do business alone but join cooperatives, cooperatives, and link businesses to create common strength. They know how to apply technology from drones, smart irrigation systems to selling through e-commerce platforms. More importantly, they have a spirit of doing business honestly, sustainably, and with responsibility to the community and the environment.

Mr. Nguyen Van Cop (first row, third from right) - Chairman of the Provincial Farmers' Association, crosses the rural traffic bridge Channel 9, Hoa Dien commune, sponsored by the association. Photo: DANG LINH

- Reporter: Digital transformation in agriculture is being talked about a lot, but in reality, farmers are still hesitant?

- Mr. Nguyen Van Cop: That's right. The rate of farmers who are tech-savvy is still low, but this is an inevitable trend. The Association is coordinating with industries and technology businesses to train members in digital skills. People are guided to build and exploit agricultural data, from crops, livestock, aquatic products to land and climate. Farmers can look up information on soil quality, prices, and consumption trends to decide on appropriate production. Digital transformation is not just about selling online, but about changing production thinking towards transparency and responsibility.

- Reporter: What solutions does the Provincial Farmers' Association have to elevate the peasant class in the new period?

- Mr. Nguyen Van Cop: The Association has 3 major groups of solutions:

Firstly, promote the Party's leadership role, the role of the subject and the creativity of farmers in the farmer-worker-intellectual alliance. If farmers are stable, the countryside will be stable, and from there the country will develop.

Second, improve farmers' capacity in economic management, agricultural administration, and response to climate change and market risks. The Association promotes training and skill development so that farmers are not only good at production but also understand the law, the market, and international integration.

Third, it is recommended that the State has strong enough policies to attract investment in rural areas such as: transport infrastructure, irrigation, electricity, science, technology, agricultural processing. At the same time, it is necessary to have flexible credit policies, agricultural insurance, input material management and encourage businesses to link product consumption with farmers.

- Reporter: What do you expect from An Giang farmers in the new era?

- Mr. Nguyen Van Cop: I expect An Giang farmers to be confident, courageous, and dare to innovate. They are not only good at production but also start businesses, build brands, and bring their products far and wide. In fact, there are many pioneering farmers with circular models, production according to international standards, and participation in exports. That is a positive sign. I believe that with the association's support and the support of the government and businesses, An Giang farmers will become increasingly professional, civilized, and modern.

- Reporter: Thank you!

Performed by DANG LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/xay-dung-giai-cap-nong-dan-chuyen-nghiep-a462322.html