Prospects for dairy farming in Quynh Luu

(Baonghean.vn) - Thanks to favorable land conditions, in recent years, dairy farming has emerged as a high-economic-value livestock for people in mountainous communes; each year, revenue from dairy farming reaches nearly 14 billion VND.

This is the second year that Mr. Nguyen Van Bien's family in Hamlet 6, Tien Thanh, Quynh Thang Commune, has been raising dairy cows. Since adopting this new type of livestock, the family's economic situation has improved significantly. Mr. Bien said that in 2016, he bought 8 cows at a price of 57 million VND per cow, of which 3 were already producing milk. Thanks to applying the farming process according to the cooperative's technical guidelines, his family's dairy cows grew quickly and healthily; on average, the 3 cows provided more than 60 kg of milk per day. After deducting expenses, his family earned a profit of nearly 500,000 VND per day.

By raising three dairy cows, Mr. Nguyen Van Bien's family in Quynh Thang commune (Quynh Luu district) earns a profit of 15 million VND per month. Photo: Viet Hung

“Recognizing the economic benefits of dairy farming, my family has now expanded our herd to 13 cows, with an expected 8 cows producing milk by the end of 2018, raising our income to over 2 million VND per day,” Mr. Nguyen Van Bien happily shared.

This is also a source of joy for many other households in Quynh Thang commune who have invested in dairy farming. To achieve the results they have today, in 2005, the local authorities organized a study tour for several households to learn about dairy farming in provinces such as Bac Giang and Phu Tho. Recognizing that the local land conditions were very suitable for developing this type of livestock, after the tour, 13 households purchased 50 dairy cows for trial farming. To date, after more than 12 years of engaging in dairy farming, the initial 13 households have expanded to 47 households with a total herd of over 447 cows, of which 194 are producing milk. According to statistics from the farmers, the herd provides an average of about 3.2 tons of milk per day; the total annual milk production reaches 1,152 tons, with milk prices ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 VND/liter, generating nearly 14 billion VND in revenue annually.

Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, a resident of Quynh Thang, invested over 1 billion VND to buy 10 dairy cows and build barns on high hill land. To date, after more than 3 years of raising and caring for them, 7 cows are producing milk; his family harvests over 140 kg of milk daily, earning a profit of 1.5 million VND. In just two years, his family has recouped half of their initial investment by selling both the cows and the milk.

"Compared to raising other animals, dairy farming yields higher economic returns. After milking, the milk is delivered to local dairy companies within just two hours," Mr. Mạnh said.

Dairy farming in Quynh Luu is developing sustainably, generating nearly 14 billion VND in revenue per year. Photo: Viet Hung

To improve the quality of dairy farming and find markets for its products, the Dong Tien Dairy Farming Cooperative was established. The cooperative's role is to find markets for its products, provide technical training, and guide its members on farming methods to improve efficiency. Currently, the Dong Tien Dairy Farming Cooperative has a long-term contract with Vinamilk Dairy Company, with a purchasing point located in Quynh Thang commune. Stable market outlets and high purchase prices have given farmers peace of mind in their farming activities.

With the current development and increase in the total number of dairy cows in Quynh Luu, environmental pollution is also a concern. Therefore, Quynh Luu district has directed dairy farming communes to educate households on the need to comply with hygiene procedures. Mr. Le Van Nga, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Thang commune, said that the locality requires households with large herds of cows to be located far from residential areas; if households do not have the means to relocate, they need to build more biogas pits, and especially, manure must be composted and not directly discharged into the environment.

Dairy farming in Quynh Luu is proving to be sustainable and long-term; with favorable land conditions and stable market demand, expanding and developing the dairy herd is not difficult. However, during the farming process, local authorities need to pay attention to and assist farmers with farming techniques and ensure environmental hygiene; thereby helping the dairy farming industry in Quynh Luu develop stably and bring economic benefits to the people.

Viet Hung