Ecological rice fields call red-crowned cranes back

DONG THAP Ecological rice farming not only minimizes the impact of agricultural chemicals but also takes advantage of the flood season to regenerate the field ecosystem.

DONG THAP Ecological rice farming not only minimizes the impact of agricultural chemicals but also takes advantage of the flood season to regenerate the field ecosystem.

From the 2023-2024 winter-spring crop, the ecological rice growing project will begin to be implemented on an area of ​​200 hectares in the area adjacent to zone A4 of Tram Chim National Park. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Project for conservation and development of red-crowned cranes

The conservation of red-crowned cranes in Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province is not only an environmental task but also a commitment of people to nature. Dong Thap has concretized this commitment with the Project on conservation and development of red-crowned cranes, combining ecosystem restoration and building a sustainable ecological rice production model. This model not only contributes to environmental protection but also opens up a new direction for farmers, connecting agricultural production with conservation and economic development.

From the 2023-2024 winter-spring crop, the ecological rice growing project will begin to be implemented on an area of ​​200 hectares in the area adjacent to area A4 of Tram Chim National Park in the enclosure plots No. 25 (Phu Duc commune) and No. 43B (Tan Cong Sinh commune), Tam Nong district. By 2032, this model is expected to expand to the entire buffer zone, becoming a new symbol of harmony between agricultural production and biodiversity conservation.

With the characteristics of organic farming, the ecological rice area not only minimizes the impact of agricultural chemicals but also takes advantage of the flood season to regenerate the rice field ecosystem. In particular, the development of this model also opens up opportunities to build the brand "Tam Nong Crane Rice" - a typical product that not only serves the domestic market but also aims for export, creating stable income and improving the health of the community.

Organic rice - a typical product not only serving the domestic market but also aiming for export. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

To realize this goal, the participation of 12,000 households living around the buffer zone is a decisive factor. From the summer-autumn crop of 2023, the project started with a scale of 39 hectares and only 4 farming households participated. However, after 4 crops, the area increased to 312.5 hectares with the participation of 41 households in the summer-autumn crop of 2024, which is a clear demonstration of the consensus of the community.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Man, one of the pioneer farmers participating in the project in Phu Duc commune, reducing the amount of seeds sown from 20kg to 10kg per hectare of land has saved production costs. Farmers participating in the model do not burn straw, thereby limiting dust and environmental pollution. “Previously, we used a lot of chemical fertilizers, but now we only use organic fertilizers. Although rice yield has decreased slightly, actual profits have increased thanks to cost savings,” Mr. Man shared.

This change in farming habits not only brings economic benefits but also creates a green - clean - beautiful environment, creating favorable conditions for the return of the red-crowned crane. For the people of Tam Nong, this crane species not only has ecological significance but also has deep spiritual value. The red-crowned crane is a symbol of prosperity. Wherever the crane returns, the people's lives will be more prosperous.

Ecological rice and experiential tourism

Mr. Tran Thanh Nam, Chairman of Tam Nong District People's Committee, said that the district currently has 170 hectares of organic rice production. In particular, the district is promoting the development of sustainable organic agriculture, has developed a plan to use electronic diary recording applications, and monitor fields on smart devices. At the same time, it has registered the rice brand produced by Quyet Tien Cooperative, and invested in equipment for post-rice processing such as rice flour, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, it has invited and created favorable conditions for associated companies to invest and consume rice in the model for farmers.

At the same time, build an economic development model for cooperatives, cooperative groups, guilds, and farmers to use local straw resources to reuse for straw mushroom production and organic substrates, compost traditional organic fertilizers, and make animal feed, contributing to increasing income. Develop rice production associated with ecological technology, create landscapes, attract natural enemies, etc. associated with developing experiential tourism.

More specifically, the ecological rice models in Tam Nong not only protect the environment but also play an important role in restoring the ecosystem in Tram Chim National Park. Reducing the use of agricultural chemicals helps improve soil quality and water resources, creating favorable conditions for the natural ecosystem to recover and develop.

Farmer Nguyen Van Man (Phu Duc commune, Tam Nong district) on the ecological rice field. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Nam emphasized that the ecological rice area in the district is also expected to be linked with eco-tourism, turning the rice fields into attractive destinations for tourists. From there, it will not only increase the commercial value of rice products but also bring income to the community, contributing to sustainable economic development.

Although the ecological rice fields in Tam Nong have made significant changes, the number of red-crowned cranes returning is still not much. However, growing ecological rice is not only an act of farming but also a mission to protect life. It helps farmers get rich not only with money but also with pride in contributing to building a peaceful environment for future generations. And in those green fields, the cry of the red-crowned cranes will resound as a reminder of the close relationship between humans and nature.

Source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn/canh-dong-lua-sinh-thai-goi-seu-dau-do-tro-ve-d412847.html