Yen Thanh offers diverse options to increase the value of agricultural products.

(Baonghean) - As a key agricultural district of the province, Yen Thanh not only seeks to increase the value of rice, but also to diversify crops, aiming towards a high-value, commercial agricultural system.

Yen Thanh District has over 44,000 hectares of agricultural, forestry, and fishery land, including 12,700 hectares of double-cropping rice land (over 8,000 hectares with reliable irrigation). Agriculture has always been a key area of ​​focus and development for the locality. Mr. Phan Van Tuyen, Chairman of the District People's Committee, stated: "If we continue with traditional farming methods, there will still be many uncertainties in both production and consumption."

Based on that reality, Yen Thanh district is striving to find a breakthrough, first and foremost by focusing on traditional and advantageous crops. The district is concentrating on converting from high-yield rice varieties to varieties that are both high-yield and high-quality, and is beginning to establish some areas for commercial rice production.

Harvesting oranges at Thien Son orange farm, Dong Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district). Photo: Phu Huong

To enhance value and create a stable market, in addition to commercial rice production, the district has encouraged businesses to collaborate in producing rice for commercial purposes and rice seeds on an area of ​​700 hectares, concentrated in the communes of Lien Thanh, Hoa Thanh, Phuc Thanh, Vinh Thanh, and Tan Thanh, yielding an income 10-15% higher than normal production.

In recent years, Yen Thanh mushrooms have become a well-known "brand" among consumers, with an annual production of up to 450 tons. Many mushroom farms have formed strong links between production and consumption.

Known as a land of abundance, Yên Thành boasts not only fertile agricultural land but also vast hilly areas. Leveraging this land advantage, hundreds of households in Yên Thành district cultivate 370 hectares of oranges, with 155 hectares planted on a large scale, primarily in Đồng Thành and Minh Thành communes, yielding between 800 million and 1.5 billion VND per hectare per year.

In particular, Yen Thanh has attracted TH Group to invest and cooperate in the production of 4,000-6,000 hectares of high-quality rice through two forms: linking with farmers and leasing land, using local labor, and ensuring farmers a guaranteed annual income after deducting expenses.

Mushroom production during the winter season in Yen Thanh. Photo: Thai Duong

Starting from the spring of 2018, the district plans to implement a production linkage model covering approximately 500-600 hectares with two high-value rice varieties: Japanese rice and the restoration of the Rong sticky rice variety, mainly in communes along the main canal with reliable water sources such as Xuan Thanh, Hoa Thanh, Tang Thanh, Hop Thanh communes, etc.

The Provincial People's Committee has also announced its approval in principle for the investment project to build the Ve Vung Lake Eco-tourism Area in Dong Thanh commune. In this area, in addition to investing in tourism infrastructure, native tree species will be planted and restored, and the water surface will be preserved for long-term development; over 152 hectares of production forest will be planted with high-quality trees, and brands will be built for oranges, grapes, and medicinal herbs.

“The project is expected to be approved in September this year to grant licenses to investors. The district has also requested the province to designate this as a key high-tech project of the province to receive comprehensive guidance and appropriate support policies,” Mr. Phan Van Tuyen added. In addition, the district has also handed over 2,000 hectares of hilly forest land to the enterprise for planting raw materials for paper production and some medicinal plants to serve the production of high-quality functional foods.

In addition to the above projects, Yen Thanh district aims to build the Yen Thanh clean chicken brand in Tay Thanh, Quang Thanh, Minh Thanh, and Thinh Thanh communes; and the Trang Ke honey brand in My Thanh commune. Simultaneously, it will establish links with Tam Nguyen Company and other businesses in the production of commercial rice, rice seeds, and corn; and collaborate with Dong Giao Food Joint Stock Company in the production of vegetable soybeans and sweet corn for export. It will also promote the application of scientific and technological advancements in orange production in Dong Thanh and Minh Thanh communes…

Phu Huong