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

In the misty dawn light, the plateauMoc Chau(Son La) appears as a magnificent natural landscape. Lush green tea hills stretch as far as the eye can see, and orchards bloom with flowers and fruits in all four seasons. This beauty is now further enhanced by a spectacular transformation in agriculture – from traditional handcrafted methods, Moc Chau is undergoing a powerful metamorphosis.application of high technology in agricultureand developmentorganic farming.

A turning point in agricultural development strategy.

As one of the leading agricultural regions in Son La province, Moc Chau has long been famous for its distinctive products such as tea, temperate fruits, organic vegetables, and livestock. However, traditional production methods only help farmers maintain their livelihoods and have not truly elevated the value of their products. Faced with increasingly stringent market demands and challenges from climate change, Moc Chau's agriculture is in need of change.

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

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

The initial fruits of innovation.

To realize the objectives of the Project, the Moc Chau district government has proactively implemented many synchronized measures. These include closely adhering to the goals, tasks, and solutions to develop and issue implementation plans, and consistently and decisively directing and inspecting agencies, units, communes, towns, businesses, and cooperatives in the application of digital transformation, high technology, and organic production. Simultaneously, the government has intensified propaganda, dissemination, training, and guidance for farmers on applying technology and digital transformation in the production, processing, and consumption of agricultural products.

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

Meanwhile, the villagers, with their eagerness to learn, have boldly applied new technologies to production. "Previously, the fields in the village mainly grew corn, with little vegetable cultivation, and the quality of the produce was low. We produced little but still couldn't sell it all, and sometimes had to throw it away. When the cooperative was established in 2011, the people didn't understand VietGAP, and didn't see the benefits of building a safe vegetable brand, so few people participated. However, after two years, witnessing the increased value of agricultural products, VietGAP certification, and the successful establishment of the Moc Chau safe vegetable brand, the vegetables have reached a wider market; especially after a successful trial of off-season vegetable cultivation, which brought high economic efficiency, many households have registered to join the cooperative," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, manager of the Tu Nhien Safe Vegetable Cooperative in Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district.

In recent times, besides support from the government, cooperatives and businesses in the area have also played an important role in guiding and developing the agricultural value chain. The Tu Nhien Safe Vegetable Cooperative is one of the typical examples. By applying technology to the production of safe vegetables, this cooperative not only supplies products to the domestic market and wholesale markets, but also, with the support of the Institute of Vegetables and Fruits and in collaboration with partners, has begun to supply vegetables to large supermarkets such as Metro and BigC.

To ensure quality and timely delivery, the cooperative invested in purchasing trucks for transportation. Initially, there was only one 1-ton truck, which later increased to two. Currently, the Tu Nhien Safe Vegetable Cooperative exports 2-3 tons of vegetables daily, supplying supermarkets, Korean kitchens, and organic food 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 government and people of Moc Chau have been rewarded with impressive results. According to assessments, after two years of implementing the project, by the end of 2023, Moc Chau district had achieved 5 out of 7 targets for high-tech application; and met or exceeded 2 out of 5 targets for organic agricultural production. Despite extreme weather conditions with prolonged heatwaves and droughts, the average production value in high-tech application areas still reached 200 million VND/ha; of which tea growing areas achieved approximately 80 million VND/ha, and plum growing areas over 268 million VND/ha.

Recognizing the effectiveness, in just a few years, the area of ​​greenhouses and net houses in Moc Chau has increased to nearly 80 hectares, and the area of ​​water-saving irrigation has reached over 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, but their quality has also improved significantly. Products such as tea, plums, clean vegetables, and cow's milk from Moc Chau have not only dominated the domestic market but have also reached demanding international markets such as the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

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

Belief in a green future

One of the most important factors in Moc Chau's success is the shift in mindset among its farmers. From practicing agriculture in the traditional way of their ancestors, they have learned to master technology and understand that agriculture is not just about farming but also about business.

The journey of change was not easy. Many people were hesitant to switch to the new farming model due to the high initial costs and the need to completely change their working methods. However, upon seeing the practical results, they gradually realized the value of innovation.

Speaking about the benefits of switching from corn and rice to growing safe vegetables, Mr. Nguyen Van Chu, a member of the Tu Nhien Cooperative, said: "At first, I thought I was too old to learn anything more. But seeing my children and grandchildren successfully implement this new model, I also tried it, and the results were surprisingly effective."

“My family only has 2,000 square meters of rice fields, which we used to grow corn on, resulting in very low income. Since joining the cooperative and switching to growing clean vegetables according to VietGAP standards and orders from the cooperative, we don't have to worry about competition even with a small plot of land. The cooperative also guarantees product purchase and provides technical support, so productivity is high, and income is stable. We earn a profit of 120-150 million VND each year,” added Mr. Nguyen Van Chu.

High-tech orchid production. Photo:Quang Dung.

Despite numerous challenges, from large investment costs to access to loans, the determination of the government and people gives Moc Chau's agriculture a bright future. The lush green tea plantations, the greenhouses producing clean vegetables, and the herds of dairy cows raised to international standards – all are testaments to the vibrant life and innovative spirit of this plateau.

The agricultural revolution in Moc Chau not only brought prosperity to the region 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 across the fields of Moc Chau today, one not only sees the green of the trees but also feels the hopeful green of a future of stronger development than ever before.

Source: nongnghiep.vn