"Better Life Farming" - Helping farmers cultivate smartly

Smart farming refers to the implementation of advanced technical solutions that contribute to the creation of sustainable agricultural models. This approach not only enhances the value of agricultural products but also plays a crucial role in environmental protection.

The initiative known as Better Life Farming – Pioneering Agriculture, Prosperous Farmers (BLF) is a global program co-founded by Bayer, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Netafim. Netafim is the precision agriculture division of Orbia, which is recognized as a leading global company in irrigation systems. Additionally, the project involves collaboration with Yara, a renowned global fertilizer brand that specializes in providing top-tier crop nutrition solutions.

In Vietnam, the project receives support from the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC) and the Western Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute (WASI). Additionally, it is actively expanding its collaborative network with various other organizations to strengthen its impact.

The primary goal of the project is to empower farmers to adopt "smart farming" practices. By facilitating access to scientific advancements and modern agricultural techniques, this approach will promote sustainable cultivation practices, enhancing both the productivity and quality of crops such as coffee and durian.

Stable farming, sustainable development

On the morning of October 15, a significant event took place at the durian orchard owned by Mr. Nguyen Van Su, located in Thôn 4, Cu Sue Commune, Cu M'gar District, Dak Lak Province. Bayer Vietnam, in collaboration with its partners, organized the launch ceremony for the Better Life Farming project. This event was marked by the presence of key figures, including leaders from the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Western Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute (WASI), and representatives from the Plant Cultivation Department of the Đắk Lắk Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The launch ceremony drew a substantial crowd of durian farmers from various regions, demonstrating their keen interest in adopting new farming practices and technologies.

Mr. Kg Krishnamurthy, Director of the Crop Science Division at Bayer Vietnam, stated that the Better Life Farming (BLF) project focuses on creating value for all stakeholders involved. The success of the project will be assessed based on the economic, social, and environmental benefits it brings to farmers and the community. By integrating principles aimed at regenerative agriculture with a holistic and systematic approach, the Better Life Farming project aims to help farmers enhance production efficiency with fewer input resources. At the same time, it emphasizes the effective and responsible conservation of natural resources, ensuring sustainability in agricultural practices.

As one of the households participating in the Better Life Farming (BLF) project as a demonstration model, Mr. Nguyen Van Su, 62 years old and the owner of a Dona durian orchard, shared his experience. He has been cultivating durian for 21 years and, after many setbacks, has gradually accumulated valuable knowledge. As a result, his orchard has been systematically invested in, from planting to care, resulting in robust trees with thick trunks, wide canopies, and abundant branches.

"My total durian area is 2.4 hectares. In the last harvest, I collected 60 tons of fruit, selling it directly to traders at a price of about 3.25 USD/kg. After deducting investment costs and hiring labor, not counting the work of my wife and me, I still made a profit of nearly 170.000 USD", Mr. Su said.

Regarding his reasons for participating in the BLF project, Mr. Su shared that in recent years, climate change has become increasingly severe, leading to erratic weather patterns that pose significant challenges for farmers. Despite having experience, he felt that his knowledge was still somewhat fragmented.

"By participating in the project, I will have the opportunity to equip myself with deeper, more systematic knowledge, applying advanced scientific techniques for effective and sustainable farming, ultimately enhancing the productivity and quality of my crops. Once I gain this knowledge, I want to share both my experiences and what I've learned with other farmers. I hope many households can perform well and follow advanced technical processes so that their products meet the conditions and standards for export. Only then can we achieve sustainable and safe development", Mr. Su said.

Fundamental and long-term solutions

According to reports, the total area dedicated to durian cultivation nationwide has reached 150,000 hectares. Despite significant growth, the production and export of durian in Vietnam remain fragmented and inconsistent, posing various risks to the growing regions.

Confronted with various challenges and the evolving demands of the market, durian farmers are actively exploring and testing modern, sustainable farming practices. Their goal is to meet the increasing requirements for productivity, yield, and quality of their harvests while also minimizing the negative impacts on the environment. Additionally, they aim to make effective use of natural resources and work towards their restoration.

Moreover, there is a growing need among farmers to strengthen connections with export buyers and identify potential markets. This need stems from the desire to secure stable sales channels and ensure profitability in an increasingly competitive market.

In this context, the Better Life Farming (BLF) project emerges as a crucial solution, providing timely and effective support for coffee and durian farmers. The project is built on a public-private partnership involving Bayer Vietnam, the National Agricultural Extension Center (TTKNGQ), the Western Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute (WASI), and several leading partners in the agricultural sector.

During the launch event for the Better Life Farming (BLF) project, Bayer introduced a pilot program for online agronomic consultation designed specifically for durian farmers. Through this platform, farmers can connect with a dedicated team of experts who are available to answer a wide range of questions. These inquiries may include concerns about pest issues, best practices for garden maintenance, and personalized guidance based on the specific conditions of their orchards and the current stage of crop cultivation. Additionally, one of the standout features of this service is that farmers can register to receive on-site visits and direct consultation from experts. 

As part of the Better Life Farming project, on October 14, Bayer Vietnam signed a cooperation agreement with the National Agricultural Extension Center to expand the model of sustainable and safe cultivation. This partnership aims to enhance productivity and quality for rice, durian, and coffee crops in Vietnam.

At the signing ceremony, Dr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC), addressed the audience, stating: "This cooperation program is designed to enhance agricultural productivity and drive innovations in farming practices through the establishment of model farms in key growing regions. Our initiatives will include the implementation of crop health management programs, integrated pest management strategies, and the dissemination of good agricultural practices specifically tailored for farmers growing rice, durian and coffee.

I firmly believe that through this collaboration, we will empower farmers to adopt sustainable, safe, and effective agricultural methods. This will not only improve the quality and yield of their crops but also significantly contribute to raising the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international marketplace".

Discussing the agricultural crops of Cu Sue, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chien, Deputy Chairman of the Cư Suê Commune People's Committee, noted that the commune boasts 3.200 hectares of agricultural land, where key crops include coffee, durian, pepper and various fruit trees. The land primarily consists of fertile red basalt soil, which significantly supports crop growth, with coffee being the standout crop in the region. Moreover, the durian produced in Cu M'gar District has received recognition, having been awarded a collective trademark "Cu M'gar durian" by the Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Mr. Chien emphasized: "Despite these advantages, to ensure sustainable development and enhance the quality of our agricultural products, farmers require substantial support in the form of scientific and technological advancements from leading companies like Bayer. Such collaboration is essential for equipping farmers with advanced agricultural knowledge and techniques. This approach represents a fundamental and long-term solution for the agricultural sector in Vietnam, enabling our farmers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market".

“The project is designed to create an ecosystem that provides comprehensive and innovative solutions, ensuring that farmers have access to effective and sustainable agricultural knowledge, practices, and techniques. This will lay the groundwork for significant and positive transformations, promoting sustainable economic, social and environmental development in a proactive and enduring manner”, said Mr. Kg Krishnamurthy, Director of the Crop Science Division at Bayer Vietnam.