Accompanying farmers in economic development

In recent years, farmers in Xuan Que commune, Dong Nai province, have gradually transformed their production mindset, shifting from traditional farming to more systematic and sustainable applications of science and technology.

From well-tended durian orchards to greenhouse-grown melon models pioneered by young farmers, these efforts reflect their proactiveness and creativity in enhancing the value of agricultural products.

Do Thi Hong's organic cantaloupe farm is providing a stable income. Photo: Pham Hue

Notably, this transformation has been accompanied by local authorities and specialized units, contributing to shaping an efficient agricultural sector that adapts to modern development trends.

Effective models

In recent years, many farmers in Xuan Que commune have chosen durian as their main economic development direction, gradually increasing their income and stabilizing their lives. Thanks to their efforts in boldly converting crops to applying cultivation techniques, durian trees have brought economic efficiency to their families and affirmed their role as high-value crops in the locality.

Determined to invest in a crop considered the "king of fruits," Nguyen Hoang Chinh, a farmer in Xuan Que commune, has proactively applied techniques in caring for his orchard. As a result, with nearly 2 hectares of durian, his family has maintained a stable income for many years. According to Chinh, in addition to accumulated experience, technical support from the locality and experts has helped him apply the correct procedures, improving productivity and quality.

Not only Chinh's family, but an increasing number of farming households in Xuan Que commune are boldly shifting to organic durian cultivation. This is considered a suitable direction in the context of a market that increasingly demands higher quality and safety standards of agricultural products.

Tran Quang Hiep's durian orchard is one of the typical models, having achieved 3-star One Commune, One Product (OCOP) certification. Organic farming has helped the trees grow stably, producing high-quality, beautiful fruits that easily meet market requirements. From practical production, Hiep believes that for sustainable development, farmers need to work together and apply a unified care process which is suitable for the soil conditions of each region to achieve higher quality in production.

In addition to traditional crops, the emergence of modern agricultural models initiated by young people is also contributing to diversifying the agricultural production landscape in Xuan Que commune. A typical example is net-house cantaloupe cultivation model of Do Thi Hong (34 years old).

Hong has boldly invested in 2 net-houses to grow cantaloupe for clean agriculture. According to Hong, to pursue organic agriculture, she prioritizes the use of biological products, minimizing chemicals. Diseased plants are immediately removed to prevent spread, ensuring the overall quality of the garden.

Local authorities and experts work alongside farmers

Alongside the proactivity of farmers, the supportive role of local authorities and specialized units is becoming increasingly clear in the agricultural development process in Xuan Que commune.

Khuc Thi Tram Anh, Chairwoman of the Xuan Que commune Farmers' Association, said that stemming from the increasing demands for cultivation techniques and product quality, technical training courses have been regularly organized in Xuan Que commune with the coordination of businesses and the farmers' association. Through these courses, farmers are specifically guided on scientific cultivation procedures, from soil improvement to appropriate fertilization techniques for each stage of plant development. As a result, in recent times, farmers have proactively managed seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation water well, so crops have grown and developed stably.

According to information from the Xuan Que commune Farmers' Association, there is currently an organic durian cultivation model in the area that has achieved 3-star OCOP certification and is continuing to receive support to improve quality, moving towards building a consumption linkage chain. Connecting farmers with agricultural material suppliers helps the farmers not only access new techniques but also apply them in actual production.

Beyond that, the locality also focuses on providing support in many aspects such as: production orientation, market connection, and encouraging the establishment of cooperative groups and cooperatives. This is considered an important foundation for farmers to link up, enhance competitiveness, and develop sustainably.

Tran Ngoc Hoa, Regional Marketing Manager for the Southeast region, Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, stated that recently, the company has coordinated with Xuan Que commune to strengthen technical support for farmers in agricultural production. Thereby, farmers are guided systematically to apply effective cultivation processes, aiming for sustainable production. At the same time, organic and smart farming models are also introduced to help farmers access and replicate them. Especially for durian trees, technical guidance from the care, flowering, to fruiting stages has contributed to helping farmers improve productivity, quality, reduce risks, and gradually stabilize long-term income.

It can be seen that sustainable agricultural development in Xuan Que commune is no longer an isolated story for individual households but involves close coordination and support from the state and experts. When production processes are standardized, techniques are updated promptly, and output is guaranteed, agricultural products not only achieve high yields but also increase in value.

From specific models and practical companionship, Xuan Que commune is gradually affirming the right direction in agricultural development. This is not only a foundation for improving people's lives but also contributes to building a modern, sustainable agriculture that adapts to the increasingly high demands of the market.

Currently, the total area of annual crops planted in Xuan Que commune is over 1,600 hectares, mainly rice and corn; while the perennial crops covers more than 7,200 hectares, mainly rambutan and durian.

By Pham Hue – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha