(VOVworld) – While implementing the development of its new rural program, the northern province of Quang Ninh has focused on promoting cooperation between the State, businesses, scientists, and producers to ensure outlets for agricultural produce. The cooperation model in Quang Yen town has benefited farmers and boosted the new rural areas movement.

Packing vegetable at Viet Long company (photo: baoquangninh.com.vn)

The project to plant organic vegetables in Cong Hoa ward, Quang Yen town has utilized scientific and technological advances to ensure food safety and hygiene and has followed Vietnam’s Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP). Implemented by the Viet Long Company in an area of 10 hectares in 2012, the project has expanded to 32 hectares. The Company has built 1,500 meters of inner-field roads, 3 hectares of green-houses, a preliminary treatment workshop and has set up training courses in vegetable planting and tending for farmers. Farmer Dang Thi Dung said that with advanced production techniques and new high-yield vegetable varieties, vegetable quality has been improving and farmers have been earning higher profits. "Since the Viet Long Company introduced its new techniques, there have been many positive changes in the use of labor, crop varieties, and pesticides. We adhere to the regulations on spraying pesticides to ensure food safety while reducing insect problems. The outlets have been stable and don’t have overstocks. Our monthly income is quite stable." Dung says.

At present, the project is being piloted in Cong Hoa ward and will be replicated in Quang Yen town and neighboring districts. The Company has cooperated with the Field Crops Research Institute and the Institute of Agricultural Science to transfer the techniques on planting, tending, and applying fertilizers and pesticides to ensure the process of growing safe vegetables. The preliminary treatment and packing process are under strict and regular control. About 50% of the households in Cong Hoa ward will become involved in the project. Le Quang Thang is Director of the Viet Long company. "The Company has to produce certified products for export. When they see that our products can be exported and achieve high profit, the farmers will be persuaded to follow. If they choose to apply the model, having seen  the benefits, the results can become sustainable and long-term."

Quang Ninh province has identified the key role of the people in building these new rural areas. Businesses have cooperated with localities to develop specialized cultivation zones along the lines of the cooperative model that includes the State, businesses, scientists, and farmers. Truong Cong Ngan, Head of Quang Ninh province’s board of the building new rural areas, says: "Some businesses have committed to buying agricultural produce. We will promote the cooperative model throughout the whole province because it will encourage the building of new rural areas and will involve all society."

Quang Ninh has gained initial success in developing new rural areas by creating a production movement which has boosted farmers’ profits.

Quang Dung