Connecting and supporting farmers to boost economic growth and product sales

(ĐN)- Dong Nam Bo is Vietnam’s industrial hub, yet it also possesses a vibrant rural economy, with agricultural goods, from fresh produce to processed specialties, exported globally.

To empower farmers, local Farmers’ Unions across the region have ramped up efforts to connect and support producers. According to Nguyen Tuan Anh, Chairman of Dong Nai Farmers’ Union, in 2024, nearly 46,300 households were recognized for excellence in production and business. Farmers also supported 348 disadvantaged households through labor, seed and livestock donations, and essential supplies.

Provincial leaders and representatives from the Central Vietnam Farmers’ Union visited the Dong Nai farmers’ product booth.

That same year, the provincial Farmers’ Support Fund was bolstered by VND 10 billion, pushing total outstanding loans past VND 173 billion, funding over 320 projects. Beyond financing, Dong Nai has emphasized market access—organizing study tours to modern agricultural models both inside and outside the province, promoting high-tech applications tied to eco-tourism, and enabling knowledge sharing and product marketing.

In neighboring provinces, similar initiatives are taking shape. Binh Duong’s “Lien ket 6 nha” (six-party linkage) program aims to build value chains for agricultural products, while Ba Ria - Vung Tau has rolled out 16 production models tied to sales, helping farmers form cooperatives and register product traceability, geographical indications, and brand protection.

Still, challenges persist. Many farmers face unstable markets and limited access to collective farming models or value-added production. In response, Ho Chi Minh City launched an OCOP (One Commune One Product) club in Binh Chanh with 24 members and sent dozens of exemplary farmers to Taiwan and Japan to learn from successful agricultural practices abroad.

Nguyen Tuan Anh emphasized the need for regional coordination, including joint promotion campaigns, sales partnerships, and shared use of digital tools like the “App Nong dan Viet Nam” to better access policies and connect producers.

At a regional Farmers’ Union meeting, Phan Nhu Nguyen, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Central Vietnam Farmers’ Union, urged provinces to modernize and embrace interprovincial cooperation. Strengthening product promotion, building linked value chains, and fostering joint social initiatives will be key to helping farmers thrive in a changing economic landscape.

Reported by V.Gia