An Giang Agricultural Extension 30 years of carrying out the mission of supporting farmers

After 30 years of construction and development, agricultural extension work in An Giang province has changed a lot, but what is proud is that the agricultural extension system from the province to the grassroots level has always been maintained and developed strongly. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Focus on sustainable agricultural production

On March 27, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang and the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center held a conference to summarize 30 years of agricultural extension (1995 - 2025) and orient agricultural extension activities for the period 2025 - 2030. Attending the conference was Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center.

Mr. Ton That Thinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of An Giang, said: Agricultural extension activities in An Giang began in 1988 and the Agricultural Extension Center was officially established in 1995. Initially, the Center had 24 staff, including 1 director, 2 deputy directors and 3 specialized departments. In 2002, the agricultural extension system was expanded to districts, towns and cities with the establishment of 11 affiliated agricultural extension stations, bringing the total number of staff to 57. By 2006, the number of staff increased to 63 due to the expansion of activities at the provincial level.

In 2009, to meet the needs of agricultural development, An Giang continued to increase its staff to 85 people, of which the number of staff at district and town stations was increased from 33 to 55 people. By 2010, the total number of staff in the agricultural extension system reached 121 people. Over the past 3 decades, the provincial agricultural extension apparatus has been continuously consolidated and expanded, playing an important role in transferring technical advances to farmers.

During the 2016–2025 period, agricultural extension activities in An Giang focused on sustainable agricultural production and adaptation to climate change. Agricultural extension programs have supported farmers in accessing high-yielding crop and livestock varieties, modern farming techniques such as water-saving irrigation systems, organic farming, and reduced use of pesticides.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, acknowledged and highly appreciated the contributions of the agricultural extension force of An Giang province over the past three decades. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

In addition, the transformation of crop and livestock structure towards diversifying agricultural products with high economic value has helped increase people's income. Chain-linked production models have also been strongly implemented, helping farmers access stable consumption markets.

An Giang has implemented many agricultural extension models in the direction of value chains, from production to consumption, helping to increase the value of agricultural products. Some typical products such as high-quality rice, Hoa Loc mango, and exported tra fish have affirmed their position in the domestic and international markets.

In addition, programs to support local agricultural product branding, VietGAP and GlobalGAP certification have helped enhance the reputation of An Giang products in the market.

According to Mr. Thinh, in the coming period, An Giang agricultural extension activities will focus on strategic goals such as: Applying high technology in agricultural production, promoting digital transformation and automation in farming. Developing circular agricultural models, minimizing environmental impacts, reusing agricultural by-products, expanding agricultural consumption markets, especially exporting to potential markets such as the EU, the US, and Japan. Strengthening cooperation with businesses, promoting production linkage models according to sustainable value chains.

After 30 years of establishment and development, An Giang agricultural extension has made an important contribution to the agricultural development of the province. With new orientations, the agricultural extension system will continue to accompany farmers, contributing to increasing the value of agricultural products and developing modern, sustainable agriculture.

Community agricultural extension team in An Giang. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Fulfill the mission of supporting farmers

Ms. Huynh Dao Nguyen, Director of An Giang Agricultural Extension Center, said: After 30 years of construction and development, agricultural extension work in An Giang province has changed a lot, but what is proud is that the agricultural extension system from the province to the grassroots level has always been maintained and strongly developed to help farmers and the agricultural sector develop more and more.

Currently, the Government is considering approving the “Agricultural Extension Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050”, continuing to affirm the important role of agricultural extension in agricultural production and ensuring food security. In the new context, although there are many difficulties ahead, with the capacity, qualifications and dedication of the agricultural extension team, we believe that agricultural extension officers will adapt flexibly, continue to accompany farmers with the motto: “Where there are farmers, there are agricultural extension officers” to continue to fulfill the mission of supporting farmers and developing sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the conference summarizing 30 years of operation of the An Giang agricultural extension system, Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, acknowledged and highly appreciated the contributions of the provincial agricultural extension force over the past 3 decades. According to Mr. Thanh, An Giang agricultural extension has constantly innovated, becoming an important bridge to bring scientific and technological advances into production, helping to improve productivity, quality of agricultural products and improve farmers' livelihoods. In recent years, the agricultural extension system has not only focused on production but also expanded to the fields of environmental protection, sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.

Displaying agricultural products that the district-level agricultural extension system is effectively implementing for farmers. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

The achievements of An Giang agricultural extension not only contribute to the socio-economic development of the province but also contribute to the overall success of the agricultural extension system nationwide.

Mr. Thanh also expressed his gratitude to generations of leaders and agricultural extension officers, as well as the continuous support and guidance of the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (formerly) over the past 30 years. Entering the new phase, the agricultural extension system needs to continue to innovate its methods of operation, improve the efficiency of science and technology transfer, help farmers adapt to new challenges, and develop An Giang agriculture in a modern and sustainable direction.

Source: https://nongnghiep.vn/khuyen-nong-an-giang-30-nam-thuc-hien-su-menh-ho-tro-nong-dan-d745154.html