(VOVworld) – Growing bigger fields of rice, a technique applied nationwide, has resulted in greater productivity, efficiency, and quality. The bigger field model has been successful in creating closer links between the state, scientists, businesses, and farmers. The model is now considered the right track for agricultural production and the new rural development program. 

Bigger field model has been taking effect. (Photo: agpps.com.vn)

In the Mekong River Delta, application of the bigger field model has created a closed process from production to purchasing to consumption. Linked groups begin the production process in response to orders or export demand. The model has helped farmers apply technical advances, improve their cultivation knowledge, and set up groups to produce rice a safe and environmentally friendly way. It has also offered an opportunity for more investment in agricultural mechanization. The model has been implemented in Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Hanoi. Pham Dong Quang, Deputy Director of the Cultivation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said ‘Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, and Bac Giang province have promulgated policies to support farmers and enterprises in joint production and distribution of rice produced in bigger fields. Merging agricultural land to create bigger fields facilitates advanced technologies and mechanization. Cooperatives have been expanded to supply more agricultural services to farmers.’

In the central and south-central regions, the model has won farmers’ trust. Van Ba Du, a member of Hoai My commune’s cooperative in Binh Dinh province says 2,900 members have been trained in new farming techniques to grow rice under the bigger field program, financed by local authorities, which is boosting productivity and lowering production costs. Su said ‘The model will help us take advantage of new varieties of rice, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and methods that minimize insect pests. This is an initial efficiency that we can realize. We just began the winter-spring crop, so we can’t yet evaluate its productivity.’

In the bigger field model, enterprises can supply input materials and distribute produce more efficiently. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet is chief representative of Nghe Anh Agricultural Material Corporation, one of the companies participating in the program. Nguyet elaborated ‘The bigger field model has boosted farmers’ incomes 10 to 15%. Enterprises assist farmers by supplying better seed varieties, selling fertilizers at cost, and ensuring outlets for produce. When farmers have stabilized production of one kind of product, they can increase exports.’

Rice is being grown in line with Vietnam’s Good Agricultural Practice standards to meet export requirements. Farmers who register to take part in the model program are provided with the advanced cultivation techniques that are making.