Big rice fields in Phu Nham district (Photo: nongnghiep.vn)
(VOVworld) – Despite abundant resources in Vietnam’s northern mountain provinces including land, forests, biosphere, and minerals, many are classified as the country’s most disadvantaged. Under the recent new rural development program, lots of mountain districts have developed larger fields and restructured crops to boost local economic growth and reduce poverty. Luc Yen district in Yen Bai province is a good example.
Rice production under the big field model is more difficult in mountain provinces than in the lowlands because of irregular terrain and restricted water supplies, not to mention the difficulty of persuading local people to change their traditional farming methods. In Yen Bai province, because the model was implemented properly living standards have improved and the new rural development program has had visible effects.
Six communes in Luc Yen district have built big fields covering more than 185 ha. The coordinated application of farming techniques from working the soil to harvesting has increased productivity to nearly 2.1 tons of rice per hectare with 13% higher economic efficiency. Hoang Van Vui, the district’s Party Committee Secretary, says:
“The application has resulted in higher rice productivity for Luc Yen district and local farmers involved in the program feel inspired..”
Communications have been enhanced to encourage local farmers to participate. Initially, farmer households were subsidized to buy new rice varieties and trained in new farming techniques. Hoang Dinh Han, a farmer in Tan Linh commune, has this to say.
“Thanks to the application of the model, we’ve improved our skills in intensive cultivation. We’re very happy.”
Van Chan district, which has the biggest area of rice cultivation in Yen Bai province, is developing the big field model to growing specialty rice for major markets. The land has been restructured to exploit the natural conditions of each locality. Hoang Tuan Van, Vice Chairman of Phu Nham commune’s People’s Committee, said the big fields have increased the average productivity to 7 tons per hectare. He says:
“We’ve used different types of communications to make farmers understand the importance of producing more rice than is needed for local consumption. Practical experience has helped the local understand which rice varieties match local conditions to give higher yields and ensure higher profits.”
To determine the best rice varieties for big fields, communal authorities have worked closely with the scientists and institutes who test them. But because they are so remote, localities in Yen Bai face difficulties finding investors and wholesale buyers, according to Nguyen Van Toan – head of the agriculture and rural development section of Van Chan district. Toan adds:
“The district authorities will continue to direct certain communes to specialize in rice production, and link scientists and enterprises to make the big rice field model a success.”