At Phuong Nam Cooperative in Long Phieng commune, Yen Chau district, Son La province - one of the exemplary units in applying high technology to longan production - they have produced the most efficient and productive products, increasing their competitiveness in the market.

Since its establishment in August 2016, over the past eight years, the Phuong Nam Cooperative has expanded from an initial 80 hectares of longan orchards to over 300 hectares, becoming a specialized longan growing area in Yen Chau district, Son La province. Strengthening training and encouraging members to apply advanced techniques in cultivation and harvesting is a key solution that the cooperative focuses on, thereby enhancing the value of its products when sold.

The Phuong Nam Cooperative currently has over 300 hectares of longan orchards, becoming a specialized longan growing area in Yen Chau district, Son La province.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thuy, a member of the cooperative, shared: "After pruning the branches, instead of raking and clearing the base to allow for better air circulation, I apply the method of leaving the base intact to retain moisture and also use compost to create a porous soil structure around the base of the tree. This will help the tree develop more beautiful fruit later."

Currently, Phuong Nam Cooperative is applying VietGAP standards to its production, including pruning, fertilizing, using pesticides according to the "four correct principles," and using biological products and natural predators to protect crops. In particular, to reduce labor in production, the cooperative has used drones to spray pesticides. Over 15 hectares of longan trees have also been equipped with surveillance cameras to facilitate traceability and ensure the export of products to demanding markets.

Currently, the cooperative is applying VietGAP standards to its production, such as pruning, fertilizing, and using pesticides according to the "four correct principles".

Mr. Cu Quoc Minh, a member of the Phuong Nam cooperative, said: "Previously, spraying pesticides required a lot of manpower, and with a sprayer, only 1-1.5 hectares could be sprayed per day. But using this drone, I can spray 5-7 hectares a day."

Over 15 hectares of longan orchards have been equipped with surveillance cameras for traceability purposes.

Thanks to the synchronized implementation of many new scientific and technical solutions, the Phuong Nam Cooperative's annual revenue has now increased to over 40 billion VND. Notably, last October, the cooperative was recognized as a high-tech lychee production area in Yen Chau district, Son La province.

Mr. Tran Nhu Kien, Director of the cooperative, said: "Previously, it was called agricultural production, but now we have changed from agricultural production to agricultural economics. This forces us to change our mindset to find ways to produce the most efficient and productive products."

Last October, the cooperative was recognized as a high-tech longan production area in Yen Chau district.

People are raising their awareness and mindset in agricultural production, thereby improving the quality and increasing the competitiveness of agricultural products in the market. This is an important step that Son La province is aiming for in order to form and develop a competitive agricultural sector, contributing to building Son La into a green, rapidly and sustainably developing province in accordance with the spirit of Resolution XV of the Son La Provincial Party Congress.

Nguyen Thuy/VOV-Northwest