VnSAT brings dual profits in agricultural transformation

Tan Long Agricultural Cooperative, which specializes in organic rice production in Vi Thuy, Hau Giang province, is a pioneer in maximizing investment resources from the VnSAT project. Over 600 ha of high-quality rice grown horizontally with the assistance of machines and modern techniques has resulted in a significant increase in value and revenue for cooperative members.

Nguyen Van Thich, director of Tan Long Cooperative, revealed that various firms had approached cooperatives to cooperate and underwrite the cooperative's rice products. Almost all of the farmers' crop areas have been designated for collaboration.

Due to changes in production practices, such as seeding at a rate of 10kg per ha, some agricultural households sow just 5-6 kg per ha. Despite the limitations on the use of fertilizers and plant protection agents, the rice plant produces a good yield. Farmers' incomes have increased as a result of the shift, compared to the old rice cultivation method.

Mr. Thich stated that he developed Vi Thuy clean rice brand, which is marked with its original traceability and is certified 4-star OCOP at the provincial level. Numerous opportunities for rice growers to boost their economies have been created thanks to the VnSAT program. Organic rice farming enables farmers to save money on inputs, protect the environment, and turn their individual production into a collective economy.

According to Mr. Thich, the 40% reduction in input costs has increased farmers' profits to roughly 60%, and farmers are overjoyed with the result. Farmers are rapidly adapting to smart, advanced methods. In line with the economical market flow, farmers are increasingly adaptive to smart, advanced methods while gradually phasing out traditional rice cultivation methods.

Thanh Loc Cooperative, Co Do district, Can Tho province, has joined the cultivation on a 100ha scale with seven official members and 35 connective members. Mr. Doan Tuan Ve, director of the cooperative, said that the cooperative's involvement in the VnSAT project has resulted in a reduction in seed, fertilizer, and pesticide use in rice cultivation.

"Cooperative farmers frequently use drones to spray pesticides, which enables them to reduce the amount and frequency of spraying by as much as 20%-30%. Mechanization of production is advantageous for farmers," Mr. Doan Tuan Ve said.

Additionally, farmers have flexibly implemented new strategies through training courses on the process of "3 decreases, 3 increases," and "1 must 5 decreases." Typically, row sowing, sparse sowing, or cluster sowing at the start of the crop adds significantly to the decrease of rice seed. According to many farmers, the sowing tools are simple to use, save time and effort, create a beautiful field, and facilitate the latter phases of rice plant care.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang of Binh Hieu Cooperative in Can Tho City shared that as a result of the VnSAT project's investment in machinery, the cooperative's production is more convenient, the amount of seed sown is reduced to 60-100 kg of rice seeds per ha, resulting in a savings of up to VND 2,500,000 per ha in production costs.

Can Tho's agricultural sector evaluated that chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been steadily phased out of rice production, while the quality of rice has improved to meet the demands of enterprises and moving towards serving the export purpose. 

Mr. Tran Thai Nghiem, Deputy Director of Can Tho City's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that during the project's final phase, the industry will focus on completing works and project articles to create favorable conditions for farmers to operate machinery and mechanical equipment in order to increase productivity and incorporate technological advances into production.

According to the VnSAT Project Management Board in Can Tho City, as of February 2022, the city has 16 cooperatives collaborating with enterprises to underwrite output products, accounting for 40% of the total area. 21 of the 31 farmer organizations have breeding groups covering a total of 440 hectares each year and capable of producing over 6,000 tons of high-quality rice seeds such as Dai Thom 8, Nang Hoa 9, Jasmine 85...