High-tech orchid production at Tropical Flower Joint Stock Company. Photo:Quang Dung.

In the misty dawn, the plateauMoc Chau(Son La) appears like a majestic natural picture. The green tea hills stretch out, the flower and fruit gardens bloom all year round. That beauty is now also embellished by the dramatic change in agriculture - from traditional handicrafts, Moc Chau is transforming strongly thanks tohigh technology applications in agricultureand developmentorganic farming.

Turning point in agricultural development strategy

As one of the areas with the leading agricultural potential in Son La province, Moc Chau has long been famous for its typical products such as tea, temperate fruits, organic safe vegetables, livestock... However, traditional production methods only help farmers maintain their lives but have not really increased the value of their products. Faced with increasingly strict market demands and challenges from climate change, Moc Chau agriculture is facing the need to change.

Implementing Resolution No. 08-NQ/TU dated January 21, 2021 of the Son La Provincial Party Committee on concentrated, sustainable development of agriculture, forestry and fishery, application of high technology by 2025, with a vision to 2030, the Moc Chau District Party Committee has developed Project No. 01-DA/HU dated March 15, 2021 on application of high technology in agriculture and development of organic agriculture by 2025. This is considered a turning point in the district's agricultural development strategy. The project aims to bring high technology and organic production into agriculture, aiming at sustainable development and enhancing the value of local agricultural products.

Mr. Tran Xuan Thanh, Head of the Department of Agriculture of Moc Chau district said: "Project No. 01 is not only a development plan but also a commitment of the government and people of Moc Chau to change the mindset of making agriculture smarter and more effective".

The initial sweet fruit of innovation

To realize the objectives of the Project, Moc Chau district authorities have proactively implemented many synchronous measures. In particular, closely following the objectives, tasks, and solutions to develop and issue implementation plans, regularly and resolutely directing and inspecting agencies, units, communes, towns, enterprises, and cooperatives in applying digital transformation, high technology, and organic production. At the same time, promoting propaganda, dissemination, training, and guidance for farmers to apply technology and digital transformation in production, processing, and consumption of agricultural products.

Orange production according to VieGAP standards in Moc Chau Farm town. Photo:Quang Dung.

Meanwhile, with a spirit of learning, people have boldly applied new technology to production. "Previously, the fields in the village were mainly corn-growing, and vegetables were grown less, but the quality of the products was low, and they produced little but still could not be sold, and many times they had to be thrown away. When the cooperative was established in 2011, people did not understand VietGap, did not see the benefits of building a safe vegetable brand, so few people participated. However, after 2 years, witnessing the increased value of agricultural products, being certified by VietGap and successfully building the Moc Chau safe vegetable brand, vegetable products reached a wider market; especially after a successful trial period of growing off-season vegetables, bringing high economic efficiency, many households registered to join the cooperative," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, manager of the Tu Nhien Safe Vegetable Cooperative, Dong Sang Commune, Moc Chau District.

In recent times, in addition to support from the government, cooperatives and businesses in the area have also played an important role in orienting and developing the agricultural value chain. The Natural Safe Vegetable Cooperative is one of the typical units. From applying technology to safe vegetable production, this unit not only supplies products to the domestic market and wholesale markets. But then, with the support of the Institute of Vegetables and Fruits and the association with partners, the cooperative began to bring vegetables to large supermarkets such as Metro and BigC.

To ensure quality and delivery time, the Cooperative has invested in purchasing specialized trucks. Initially, there was only one 1-ton truck, then increased to two trucks. Currently, each day, the Natural Safe Vegetable Cooperative exports 2-3 tons of vegetables, supplying to supermarkets, Korean kitchens and clean stores from Nghe An to Thanh Hoa...

Vegetable production in greenhouses at Tu Nhien safe vegetable cooperative, Dong Sang commune. Photo:Quang Dung.

The efforts of the Moc Chau authorities and people have been rewarded with impressive figures. According to the assessment, after 2 years of implementing the Project, by the end of 2023, Moc Chau district achieved 5/7 high-tech application targets; achieved and exceeded 2/5 organic agricultural production targets. Despite extreme weather conditions with prolonged heat and drought, the average production value in high-tech application areas still reached 200 million VND/ha; of which the tea area reached approximately 80 million VND/ha, the plum area more than 268 million VND/ha.

Realizing the effectiveness, in just a few years, the area of ​​greenhouses and net houses in Moc Chau has increased to nearly 80 hectares, the area of ​​water-saving irrigation has reached more than 600 hectares. In addition, more than 1,300 hectares of cultivated land have been certified to meet VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards.

Not only has the quantity of agricultural products in Moc Chau increased, the quality of agricultural products in Moc Chau has also been increasingly improved. Products such as tea, plums, clean vegetables, and cow’s milk from Moc Chau not only dominate the domestic market but also reach demanding international markets such as the US, Japan, and Korea.

The application of organic production also brings clear benefits to the environment. According to Mr. Tran Xuan Thanh, the models of using organic fertilizers and biological pesticides have helped improve soil fertility, reduce pests and diseases, and ensure the health of both producers and consumers.

Faith in a green future

One of the most important factors in Moc Chau's success is the change in farmers' mindset. From farming in the "traditional" way, they have learned to master technology, understanding that agriculture is not only farming but also business.

The journey of change is not easy. Many people were hesitant to switch to a new farming model because of the high initial costs and the need to change their entire working methods. However, when they saw the actual results, they gradually realized the value of innovation.

Talking about the benefits of switching from corn and rice to safe vegetable farming, Mr. Nguyen Van Chu, a member of the Tu Nhien Cooperative, said: "At first, I thought I was old and didn't need to learn anything more. But seeing my children and grandchildren successfully implementing the new model, I also tried it, and it was surprisingly effective."

“My family only has 2,000 square meters of rice fields, previously growing corn, with very low income. Since joining the cooperative, we have switched to growing clean vegetables according to VietGap standards, following orders from the cooperative, so even though we have a small field, we are not afraid of competition. In addition, the cooperative guarantees the purchase of products and provides technical support, so productivity is high, income is stable, and we earn a profit of 120 - 150 million VND each year,” added Mr. Nguyen Van Chu.

High-tech orchid production. Photo:Quang Dung.

Despite many difficulties, from large investment costs to access to loans, with the determination of the government and people, the future of Moc Chau agriculture is still full of hope. Green tea fields, clean vegetable greenhouses, herds of dairy cows raised according to international standards - all are proof of the strong vitality and creative spirit of this plateau.

The revolution in Moc Chau fields has not only brought prosperity to the land but also strongly inspired other localities. It is a story about the power of innovation, the synergy between the government and the people, and the belief in sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture.

Walking on the Moc Chau fields today, people not only see the green of the trees but also feel the green of hope for a future that develops stronger than ever.

According to: nongnghiep.vn