In order to evaluate the results of the project implementation, draw lessons and propose solutions for replication for sustainable development and improve competitiveness in the future, on March 10, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in collaboration with GIZ and the People's Committee of Can Tho City organized a conference to summarize the project "Green Innovation Centers".
The conference was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung, along with leaders of departments, offices, and institutes under the Ministry, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, representatives of 6 Mekong Delta provinces, and enterprises and cooperatives participating in the project. On the international organization side, there were representatives of the German Embassy and the GIC Project in Vietnam.
The first step to changing your mindset
The GIC Vietnam project is a component of the “Green Innovation Centers in Agriculture - Food” program under the global initiative “A World Without Hunger”. The project is funded by the German Ministry for Development Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIC).
This is a project of practical significance, making an important contribution to the sustainable development of 6 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, including An Giang, Kien Giang, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Soc Trang and Can Tho City.
The project has promoted innovation through the implementation of 10 advanced solutions for farmers, including 6 solutions for the rice value chain and 4 solutions for the mango value chain.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung said that the project is an important first step for managers, cooperatives, farmers and businesses to shift from agricultural production thinking to economic thinking, aiming to develop circular agriculture and increase product value.
“Vietnam's agricultural sector will certainly move towards green, clean, organic and circular production to increase farmers' income,” the Deputy Minister said.
Contribute to restructuring the agricultural sector
At the event, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc He said that after 4 years of implementation, the project has brought many practical results. The income of small-scale producers has improved significantly, farmers have more jobs and a stable source of income, and the resilience of the rice value chain has been enhanced. At the same time, production and business models have become more competitive and have reduced environmental impacts. In addition to measurable results, the project also brings great value through close cooperation between the German Embassy in Vietnam, the German Development Organization and German experts in 6 Mekong Delta provinces.
"Close cooperation, along with the dynamic, creative spirit and perseverance of the participating parties, are useful tools and solutions to help the city effectively implement the agricultural restructuring program," said Mr. He.
In Dong Thap, after 3 years of implementing the project, the province has organized 195 training classes, equipping farmers with knowledge and skills, with more than 6,000 farmers participating, of which 75% are elderly.
The province has also implemented many sustainable production models, including the “Rice production according to SRP standards” model at Phu Tho Cooperative, which has helped increase average profits by VND 2.9 million/ha, reduce costs and production prices, and expand the area to 120ha. Post-harvest straw is collected for mushroom production and as raw material for traditional organic fertilizer.
In addition, the model of "Producing and trading organic substrate from straw after growing mushrooms" at Tan Binh Cooperative also brings high efficiency, with an output of 150-200 tons/year, profit reaching 120 million VND/year.
For mango trees, the model of “Applying sustainable farming techniques on Cat Chu mango” helps reduce 50% of fertilizer, save irrigation water, increase productivity to 15.6 tons/ha and improve product quality. In particular, thanks to the application of post-harvest preservation technology, the preservation time of mangoes is extended from 7 days to 21 days, supporting exports to markets such as Australia, the US and Korea.
"From the results achieved, Dong Thap has drawn many important lessons. In particular, not burning straw but using biological products to decompose quickly helps reduce environmental pollution, limit greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility. At the same time, applying mechanization in collecting and reusing straw not only helps cooperatives expand their business activities but also creates more jobs and increases income for farmers," said Mr. Tran Thanh Tam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment.
Key takeaways from the project
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung pointed out 5 important points drawn from the project implementation practice.
First, the project's greatest success is its orientation to change farmers' thinking and production methods.
Second, the project has supported the provision of easy-to-understand and accessible guidance documents, helping farmers and cooperatives improve their knowledge effectively. With more than 200,000 farmers trained, the project has made an important contribution to raising people's awareness and production capacity.
Third, digitizing and quantifying production and business activities has helped farmers change their thinking, make input and output values transparent, thereby improving economic efficiency.
Fourth, the scalability of the project plays an important role. At the end, the question is whether these models can continue to be replicated. According to him, this is an important premise for sustainable development in the future.
Fifth, the project has helped to discover many issues that need further research and implementation, opening up new directions for the agricultural sector, contributing to the development of agricultural production in a modern, effective and sustainable direction.
Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung suggested that provincial authorities continue to accompany, not let the project end but need to expand, mobilize more resources for implementation. Strengthen solutions to remove obstacles to promote innovation, enhance cooperation, expand relations with international partners. Relevant units discuss with the German Embassy about the next cooperation programs.
"Vietnam's agricultural sector should not only focus on output, but also increase product value from green transformation, so that farmers can smile on their own fields," the Deputy Minister noted.
In order to recognize and honor individuals and groups with important contributions to the project, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung awarded the Medal “For the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development” to Ms. Sonja Esche, Director of GIC Vietnam Project. In addition, 14 individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in the project also received certificates of merit from the Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development.
Source: https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/thu-truong-vo-van-hung-chi-ra-5-diem-nhan-tu-du-an-sang-tao-xanh-387420.html
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