(VOVworld) – Together with farmers, businesses play a very important role in Vietnam’s new rural development. Nghe An Agricultural Materials, Limited, for example, has for many years helped farmers boost their productivity.

In response to a national program of new rural development launched 5 years ago, Nghe An Agricultural Materials, Limited has implemented a number of plans to help farmers. The company has invested in applying the new production model of vast rice fields and improving fertilizer efficiency, while ensuring a stable outlet for farm products. Truong Van Hien, the company’s General Director, said: "The company has applied the model of vast rice fields in many provinces including Ha Tinh, Binh Dinh, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai. We have also started using one fertilizer per field to ensure high productivity. The model has proved effective and, in a number of communes in Ha Tinh province, 90% of the local farmers have applied this model on a large scale."

In the past, local production was uneven. They used to plant more than one crop, and used different kinds of fertilizers in one field, which led to the appearance of insect pests and wasted water. Since the company has applied the model of vast rice fields, which also involves the use of one kind of fertilizer per field, production has improved dramatically. Hien attributes this success to the company’s policy of putting the farmers first. He said: "Because we want to succeed in this effort, we must place the farmers and their interests foremost. As we apply the model of vast rice fields, we offer the farmers good fertilizers and seeds, guarantee their productivity, and pledge to buy their products 20% above market prices. The most important thing is to use the best possible seeds and fertilizers, while offering peasants optimal conditions until they complete their production cycle."

Hien, who has been awarded the title “Labor hero in the renewal process”, says Vietnam’s new rural development requires the active participation of businesses and entrepreneurs. He elaborates: "The involvement of businesses and entrepreneurs is integral to the success of the national new rural development program because they can support the farmers with capital and advanced technologies. We’ve learned a good lesson in the application of the vast rice field model: that businesses and entrepreneurs should take the lead in this process to ensure the program’s success and sustainability."

The Nghe An Company has applied the vast rice field model and advanced technologies to other crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, and sugarcane. The company is a role model for corporate involvement in the national program of new rural development.