Encouraging farmers to use agricultural supplies responsibly

Currently, the total cultivated land area of Lam Dong province is estimated at more than 1,046,000 hectares. Of which, the area of annual crop land is about more than 408,000 hectares, and the area of perennial crop land is estimated at about 638,859 hectares. In recent years, Lam Dong agriculture has made remarkable progress, becoming a key economic sector, accounting for a high proportion in the province's economic structure.

In recent years, Lam Dong province has implemented many programs to reduce environmental pollution in agricultural production to each production area and household. Communes have also responded and guided farmers to use agricultural chemicals responsibly and environmentally friendly. From there, contributing to the sustainable development of the province's agricultural products.

For example, in Duc An commune, an agricultural production area with a variety of crops such as coffee, pepper, macadamia, green vegetables... with a large area of cultivated land, the annual demand for fertilizers and pesticides for crops is quite high. Of which, for fertilizers, the amount of inorganic fertilizer used for coffee and pepper plants consumes tens of thousands of tons each year, mainly in the form of synthetic NPK. As for pesticides, on average, farmers use about 3-4 sprays per hectare per year, the amount of pesticides used is estimated at 40,000 - 50,000 liters per year.

Currently, there are many gardeners who use agricultural materials that do not follow the guidelines of specialized agencies. Many households mainly rely on the guidance of fertilizer and pesticide dealers. Due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides that are not suitable for the needs of the plants, and excessive fertilization, the garden is poorly developed, causing waste of water resources, and inevitably polluting the soil.

Mr. Tran Van Quyen, Nam N'Jang commune, Lam Dong province said: "Many people think that when coffee and pepper prices are high, it only takes 3-4 years to harvest, so people do not hesitate to increase the amount of fertilizer and growth stimulants to shorten the growth time and recover capital quickly. Therefore, the amount of fertilizer used is quite high compared to the physiological needs of the plants."

Faced with this reality, Lam Dong’s agricultural sector has stepped up guidance and propaganda on the harmful effects of overusing chemical fertilizers and improper fertilization. At the same time, localities have built many models using agricultural by-products from coffee husks, corn stalks, plant branches and leaves, etc. to produce organic fertilizers, partially replacing chemical fertilizers and increasing economic efficiency.

Along with that, to minimize environmental pollution from plant protection chemicals, the provincial agricultural sector coordinated with the Global Coffee Forum (GCP) to launch a movement to collect waste in coffee and pepper growing areas in the province. The program was widely launched from students, union members, youth to coffee farmers in communes such as: Krong No, Dak Som, Dak Song, Di Linh...

Mr. Do Thanh Chung - representative of the Global Coffee Forum shared: "In the coffee industry alone, Vietnam is the second largest exporter in the world, with coffee export turnover reaching more than 4 billion USD/year. However, to export coffee to demanding markets such as the US and Europe, coffee growers are required to produce cleanly, with conscience and responsibility."

According to the leader of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lam Dong, to reduce environmental pollution from plant protection chemicals, the whole community needs to join hands. All levels, sectors and localities need to have active solutions in managing and treating hazardous waste in the agricultural sector in a more scientific way.

“Ensuring the principles of using agricultural materials, collecting and treating waste according to regulations will contribute to helping Lam Dong agriculture move towards sustainable development and protecting the living environment for people in rural areas,” added Mr. Do Thanh Chung.