Farmers in Nghe An province are increasing the production of safe food and agricultural products.

Many effective models

In the competitive market, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards, as well as environmental safety in shrimp farming according to biological processes, is essential. This helps shrimp farmers minimize risks, reduce costs, and increase income.

In Dien Trung commune, Dien Chau district, the modelorganic shrimp farmingThe measures implemented in recent years have yielded many positive results.

A model of biosecure shrimp farming in Dien Trung commune (Dien Chau district). Photo: Quang An

The family of Mr. Nguyen Viet Binh, in Dien Trung commune, owns two shrimp ponds with a total area of ​​over 30,000 square meters.²"We raise them using biosafety methods," Mr. Binh said. "From pond preparation, seed selection, seedling cultivation, stocking, care, and management... to harvesting, I strictly follow the biosafety procedures as guided by the farmers' association officials, resulting in fewer shrimp diseases, reduced costs, and high yields."

At harvest time, the shrimp reach a size of 30-33 shrimp per kilogram, much larger than traditionally farmed shrimp, thus increasing yield by 1.5 times per crop. Furthermore, the market price for organically farmed shrimp is around 200,000 VND/kg, while traditionally farmed shrimp only fetches around 150,000-170,000 VND/kg.

To successfully implement biosecure shrimp farming, farmers must strictly adhere to technical procedures, regularly renovate and clean ponds, and carefully check environmental factors such as pH, alkalinity, and salinity. Throughout the farming process, from stocking to care and harvesting, the farmers' association provides guidance on farming methods and establishes linkages to create product outlets for farmers, making everyone enthusiastic.

Shrimp raised using biosecure methods achieve high yields and are favored by the market. Photo: Quang An

Besides farming models, the Farmers' Association has also implemented safe crop farming models in many localities throughout the province.

In Dien Thai commune, Dien Chau district, these days, vast fields of coriander stretch out, a vibrant green. This herb is easy to grow, thrives in muddy soil, and can be harvested multiple times after a single planting, resulting in low investment costs and making it one of the most economically efficient crops in the area.

Ms. Phan Thi Nhung, Director of Dien Thai Coriander Cooperative, said: "Besides the above advantages, local coriander is a product that ensures food safety. The water used for growing coriander is taken from the Do Luong reservoir, not passing through residential areas, thus ensuring quality and preventing pollution. Furthermore, because farmers have received training on safe farming methods from the farmers' association, they do not use pesticides during cultivation, ensuring product quality."

Currently, the commune has 20 hectares of coriander and plans to expand by another 3 hectares in the coming years to meet market demand. After achieving OCOP 3-star certification, the locality is expediting the completion of necessary documents and procedures to export coriander to South Korea and Japan.

Residents of Dien Thai commune, Dien Chau district, are delighted because coriander provides a stable income. Photo: Quang An

Nghi Long commune in Nghi Loc district is considered the capital of safe vegetable cultivation in Nghi Loc district. In 2018, thanks to the support and cooperation of the Farmers' Association, the locality researched a project and proceeded to develop 60 hectares of vegetables and fruits according to VietGAP standards, with two harvests per year. While the summer-autumn crop consists of 60 hectares of watermelons and cantaloupes, the winter crop includes 6 hectares of various vegetables such as kohlrabi, cabbage, and five-spice greens… all ensuring safety according to VietGAP standards.

Mr. Nguyen Tu Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Nghi Long Commune People's Committee, said: "When participating in safe vegetable production, 60 households in the commune received training on relevant knowledge. They strictly adhered to the production processes, ensuring that the vegetables brought to market are of high quality. Their selling prices are many times higher than those of traditionally produced vegetables, and the income of the people has increased significantly. Currently, the locality has a safe vegetable brand and is completing the procedures to introduce its vegetables into supermarket chains, retail systems, and demanding markets both within and outside the province."

Continue to replicate the models.

Recognizing the importance of producing safe food and agricultural products to ensure consumer health, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Farmers' Association, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Industry and Trade, and the Department of Finance, advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue the project "Propagating, mobilizing, and guiding farmers in the production, business, and consumption of safe agricultural and food products in the period 2020 - 2023".

The project aims to create a strong shift in the awareness and understanding of farmers throughout the province regarding agricultural production.safe foodTo improve the skills and knowledge of farmers, especially knowledge about the production and processing of safe agricultural products and food; to equip them with the knowledge to identify safe agricultural products and food, contributing to the formation of safe consumption habits among the people. To promote the application and replication of advanced production models and processes that ensure food safety; and to prevent the abuse of safe practices.pesticidesUsing growth stimulants, chemicals, antibiotics, and banned substances in production contributes to sustainable agricultural development, increased income, and improved quality of life.

Farmers in Nghi Long commune grow vegetables in greenhouses. Photo: Nguyen Hai

Directing, guiding, and providing financial support for the construction of three showrooms for displaying, introducing, and selling safe agricultural and food products in three districts: Dien Chau, Do Luong, and Vinh City. The effectiveness was proven when the products, once released to the market, consistently maintained quality, were well-received by consumers, ensured a stable market for agricultural products, increased farmers' income, and created a movement to promote the production of safe agricultural products throughout the districts, cities, and towns.
In the coming period, the Provincial Farmers' Association will continue to create conditions for all levels of the Farmers' Association to directly guide the construction and replication of effective economic development models in the direction of a closed-loop chain from production to consumption, with particular emphasis on ensuring safe production and protecting the health and rights of consumers in the area.