Agricultural restructuring: Movement from agricultural extension activities

(Baonghean) - According to data from the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, in 2016 and the first 6 months of this year, the Center has deployed and expanded 24 new production models.

Among the new production models, some models are highly effective such as: Model of converting ineffective rice growing area due to the impact of mineral exploitation activities to corn growing in Quy Hop; Results show that corn yield reaches 6 tons/ha, income 36 million VND/ha, 2 times higher than rice growing, the model is highly appreciated by farmers and district and commune leaders.

The model of growing safe pumpkins according to VietGAP in Thai Hoa town, resulted in 6 harvests of fruit and harvesting the tops, the fruit yield reached 36 tons of fruit/ha, net profit reached over 86 million VND/ha/5 months. The model of growing super sweet Nong Huu melons, implemented in Nghi Loc district, yielded 2 main harvests with a yield of 18 tons/ha, total revenue reached 234 million VND/ha/crop. The oyster mushroom production model in Nam Dan with 8 tons of raw materials yielded 800 kg, sold at 45,000 VND/kg, after deducting costs, the profit was 24 million VND, the model is being replicated in the area...

The model of growing long-term crops such as growing oranges combined with drip irrigation, implemented in Thai Hoa town; growing Hong Quang Tien grapefruit according to VietGAP implemented in Do Luong and Thanh Chuong districts; growing guava mixed with oranges according to VietGAP in Con Cuong district initially gave very positive results; the survival rate reached over 95%, the trees grew and developed well.

Raising cows under the forest canopy in Con Cuong district. Photo: Xuan Hoang

In 2016 and the first 6 months of 2017, the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center implemented 8 livestock models, focusing on applying technical advances to build models to create safe products and minimize environmental pollution in livestock farming.

Some highly effective models include: The model of raising broiler chickens according to VietGAP standards implemented in Anh Son and Tan Ky districts, the survival rate of chickens until sold is over 90%, the average weight is 2kg/head/3 months of raising, the total revenue is over 100 million VND. The model of raising local black sows in Nam Dan, the pigs gain weight quickly, develop well, 4 sows give birth to 48 piglets, the product of easy-to-sell piglets is 1 million VND/head, after deducting costs, the profit from the model is 16 million VND; the model of improving the goat herd in Anh Son and Nghia Dan districts. Currently, the goat herd is growing and developing well, the weight of newborn goats is 2.5kg, the average weight of male goats is 45kg/head.

Regarding forestry and fishery extension, the outstanding model is the model of intercropping with foreign Acacia auriculiformis in Con Cuong. The model of intensive cultivation of Lân in Quy Chau has a survival rate of over 95%, the trees grow and develop well. The model of growing turmeric under the forest canopy in Hoang Mai town has a yield of 15.52 tons/ha, the income from the model (0.5 ha) is 93 million VND, the net profit is 40 million VND; the model of intercropping with Xoan trees in Tuong Duong district grows and develops very well. The model of caring for Bo Bo trees in Que Phong and Quy Chau districts has given results, the trees grow and develop well, and are not affected by pests or diseases.

Some aquaculture models have achieved high results such as: raising climbing fish in earthen ponds implemented in Nghi Loc. This is the first time this type of fish has been raised in earthen ponds in Nghe An with advantages in water resources and miscellaneous fish as fish feed, in addition to industrial feed. Within only 5 months of raising, the model has brought in a profit after deducting costs of 70 million VND/ha of pond. This is a source of income many times larger than raising traditional fish (grass carp, bighead carp, grass carp, etc.) and over 10 times higher than growing rice. The success of the model can confirm that climbing fish is very suitable for the weather conditions of Nghe An, the model really needs to be widely replicated in localities with proactive freshwater sources.

The model of raising tilapia and grass carp in cages in Quy Chau district, after 6 months of raising, brought a net profit of over 50 million VND. On the other hand, tilapia was raised in cages for the first time, contributing to reducing the spread of disease in grass carp.

Watermelon growing model in Dien Thanh commune (Dien Chau). Photo: Xuan Hoang

Innovation in agricultural extension work in the current period requires the entire system to perceive agricultural extension as an important link in restructuring the agricultural sector and building new rural areas.

Agricultural extension officers need to enhance their knowledge of science and technology, professional techniques and knowledge of economic management, and grasp the policies on industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Implement agricultural extension models linked to the value chain, linking production with product consumption. Increase information close to the market, organize training to build brands and trademarks for products, help farmers promote agricultural mechanization, access capital sources, investors, businesses, etc. Build an increasingly dynamic agricultural extension system, fulfilling its role of supporting, serving production and developing sustainable agriculture and rural areas.

In the coming years, the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center will actively coordinate with departments, branches, commune-level authorities, mass organizations, and key farmers in key commodity production areas to organize seminars on agricultural extension work to find out difficulties and obstacles, and orient implementation plans so that agricultural extension work becomes increasingly stronger, serving the restructuring of the industry and building new rural areas.

Xuan Hoang