Hung Nguyen is developing a "large-scale model farm" model.
(Baonghean)In the spring of 2012, Hung Nguyen district established four "large-scale model rice fields" with a total area of 120 hectares in four communes: Hung Phuc, Hung Tien, Hung Thang, and Hung Tay. Each model field only cultivated one high-quality rice variety. Currently, rice blast disease is widespread in Hung Nguyen, but in the model fields, thanks to the strict application of technical procedures, the rice is developing well and is free from pests and diseases.
Participating in the model rice field, farmers receive support covering 70% of the seed cost and 30% of the pesticide cost. They are also guided on planting techniques, with only 38-40 clumps per square meter. They are instructed to monitor and record each stage of the rice plant's growth and development, and to apply balanced fertilization. Mr. Nguyen Cong Soan, from Hamlet 18, Hung Thang Commune – one of the households participating in the model rice field producing AC5 rice in Hung Thang Commune – said: "This spring 2012, we only planted one variety, AC5. Previously, we sowed directly at a high density, resulting in small plants, with each rice clump only producing 6-7 tillers. This spring, with the model rice field, we were guided on how to cover seedlings with plastic sheeting, planting at a density of 38-40 clumps, with only one tiller per clump, and applying fertilizer according to instructions. As a result, the rice is healthier, tillers more vigorously, with each clump producing 12-13 tillers, and there are fewer pests and diseases compared to traditional fields."
The model rice field for producing the purebred XT28 rice variety was implemented in Hung Phuc commune, covering an area of 30 hectares. Hung Phuc is a locality with a tradition of producing the long-duration IR1820 rice variety. In previous years, it was a key area for rice blast disease in the entire district. However, in the spring of 2012, the model rice field was implemented with the entire seedling area covered with plastic sheeting. All stages from soaking and germinating the seeds to transplanting seedlings were carried out simultaneously by participating families, resulting in healthier, greener rice with higher uniformity. The low planting density significantly reduced pest and disease outbreaks compared to fields planted using traditional methods. This is also the approach that farmers in Hung Thang and Hung Tien communes are applying in their model fields for planting high-quality AC5 and BTE1 rice varieties.
In Hung Tay commune, farmers primarily sow seeds directly instead of transplanting seedlings. Therefore, along with establishing model fields for producing a single rice variety, farmers are also guided to apply machine-sown techniques (wide and narrow rows) to create a boundary effect, increasing the number of effective tillers and thus boosting rice yield. The 30-hectare model field in Hung Thinh hamlet, Hung Tay commune, is cultivated using the Syn6 rice variety. Meeting Mr. Tran Van Nhung during a field visit, he said: "My family cultivates 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares), with 3 sao in the model field area. We applied machine-sown techniques with a low planting density. When the rice seedlings first emerged, they looked sparse, which was worrying, but now we're reassured because the rice in the model field is much healthier and has fewer pests and diseases than the fields sown by hand. If we have a good harvest this season, we will continue to follow the model field's production process in subsequent seasons."
In large-scale model rice fields, farmers not only receive support in terms of seeds, pesticides, and technical training, but also guidance on recording and monitoring each stage of rice plant growth and development, and managing pest and disease situations. Applying a single rice variety in a "large-scale model field" will produce high-quality, pest-free rice, promote mechanization in the fields, and gradually develop agricultural production towards modernization.
Nguyen Thanh Tam
