The 19/5 Agricultural Development Service Cooperative (19/5 Cooperative - Moc Chau, Son La) was established in 2000 amidst the agricultural production situation in the region.Moc ChauSpecifically, and the Northwest region in general, still face many difficulties in terms of technology, market access, and resources.

Taking advantage of the hilly terrain and its mild climate, Mr. Mai Duc Thinh, Director of the 19/5 Cooperative, has oriented its development towards organic farming. The cooperative focuses on building and improving farming skills for its members, promoting the application of advanced techniques, utilizing favorable natural conditions to research and experiment with production, and developing deep processing to increase the value of agricultural products.

The cooperative's sign is erected high next to National Highway 6. Photo:Duc Binh.

A new direction linked to agricultural tourism.

From the outset, the cooperative focused on developing production and sourcing quality input materials at stable prices. Fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings were carefully selected by the cooperative from reputable suppliers, through recommendations from research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment such as the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, the Plant Protection Institute, and the Maize Research Institute… These collaborations helped the cooperative quickly access and apply scientific and technological advancements to production, yielding noticeable results.

In the main production area, the cooperative has arranged a diverse system of orchards including plums, peaches, avocados, pears, grapes, tea, vegetables, etc., with many different varieties. This serves both as a source of quality agricultural products for the market and as a highlight to attract tourists for sightseeing and experiences. The trees here grow healthily, bear abundant fruit, and create a cool, green space that attracts visitors.

 

Mr. Mai Duc Thinh always believes in constantly adapting to meet market demands. (Photo: [Image caption])Duc Binh.

One of the highlights of the 19/5 Cooperative is its integrated grape cultivation model.ecotourismThe cooperative's vineyard has become a favorite destination for many tourists because of its beautiful scenery, with grapes laden with fruit, allowing visitors to take photos and enjoy them right on the spot. Currently, the cooperative grows three main grape varieties: wild grapes, Korean milk grapes, and Ha Den grapes.

Mr. Mai Duc Thinh shared: “Developing agricultural tourism helps farmers sell their produce right in the garden, and at the same time, through tourism, promotes the development of traditional crafts and improves the quality of life. The cooperative has designed planting areas that meet technical standards and are aesthetically pleasing so that tourists can experience caring for and harvesting ripe fruit, taking home unforgettable memories.”

Agricultural tourism is becoming a new trend, offering dual value: it both promotes local product consumption and raises community awareness about sustainable agriculture. For the 19/5 Cooperative, this is an opportunity to expand its distribution channels and reduce dependence on traditional markets.

The cooperative usually assigns members to be on duty at the orchards to readily assist and answer visitors' questions during their tour. Only after verifying the origin and cultivation methods are visitors willing to spend money on the products, thus enabling the cooperative to maintain and control the selling price.

Each plant is labeled with a name to help visitors easily identify them. Photo:Duc Binh.

Creating a closed-loop production chain and deep processing.

To optimize product value, for many years the 19/5 Cooperative has set the goal of producing organically, applying a closed-loop circular production model. By-products from crop cultivation are reused for raising chickens, pigs, and rabbits, or composted with microbial preparations to produce organic fertilizer. Conversely, livestock waste is composted to make organic fertilizer for crops and to produce biogas for processing and daily life. This approach saves costs, reduces environmental pollution, and ensures harmonious development between the economy and the protection of the ecological environment.

Over more than 20 years, the 19/5 Cooperative currently has over 50 members, and also collaborates with approximately 200 farming households, managing over 110 hectares of crops. The cooperative is also a pioneer in researching and developing new varieties.fruit treesNew temperate varieties such as pears and peaches, grown using grafting techniques, contribute to product diversification and enhance economic value.

Alongside expanding the area and variety of crops, the cooperative focuses on applying mechanization to agricultural production and processing. Systems of plows, tillers, sprayers, mowers, seeders, underground irrigation systems, greenhouses, cold storage facilities, etc., have been put into use, helping to save labor, improve productivity, and enhance the quality of agricultural products.

The water tank is connected to an irrigation system that directs water directly into the planting area. (Photo)Duc Binh.

Another success of the cooperative is the development of deep processing, especially for its products.late plumThe cooperative has invested in a production line and applied modern technology to process plums into various branded products such as plum wine, plum jam, and dried plums. The steam drying capacity has been increased from 100 kg to 600 kg of finished product per batch, meeting the growing market demand. On average, the cooperative purchases about 400 tons of plums from farmers annually, creating a stable market and increasing income for the local people.

Through continuous efforts over more than two decades, the 19/5 Cooperative now owns 6 provincial-level OCOP products, including 3 products that have achieved 4-star standard, helping to develop livelihoods and bring high income to hundreds of farming households in the Moc Chau - Van Ho area of ​​Son La province.