Inevitable trend

In recent years, the situation of agricultural production using a lot of fertilizers and chemical pesticides for the purpose of exploitation, chasing productivity and output has been happening. This causes the land to increasingly degrade, the ecosystem to become unbalanced and toxic substances to remain in the soil, affecting human health, product quality and output... Therefore, organic agricultural production with increased use of biological products and organic fertilizers in crop cultivation is a trend in Vietnam in particular and the world in general. The model of "applying biological products in intensive cultivation of durian trees in the direction of biological safety in Da Mi commune, Ham Thuan Bac district" also aims at that purpose.

Mr. Nguyen Van Bang - Head of the Socio-Economic Department - Provincial Farmers' Association said that the model will start to be implemented in October and November 2023 with a total cost of 230 million VND from the capital of the Central Vietnam Farmers' Association (expected to last 9 months). The number of seedlings and materials handed over to households this time includes 1,060 durian trees, 240 kg of nitrogen, 160 kg of phosphate, 200 kg of potassium, 1,000 kg of lime, 130 kg of biological products, 15,000 kg of organic fertilizer. Thereby, the soil will be improved, agricultural waste will be treated, and a large-scale safe durian growing area will be gradually formed. This is also an important premise for organic agricultural production methods to develop strongly, contributing significantly to environmental protection and building sustainable agriculture in the locality.

Mr. Le Van Ky and Nguyen Huu Tri are 2 of 10 households participating in the model in Da Mi commune, excitedly sharing that they are very happy when the Provincial Farmers' Association and related units and localities organize the delivery of seeds, agricultural materials, and biological products for intensive durian cultivation. At the same time, the farmers are guided by technical staff of the Farmer Support Center on safe durian cultivation techniques. Through training, the farmers hope to improve their knowledge in producing clean agricultural products, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, helping farmers reduce investment costs and increase income...

Orientation of high-tech agricultural development

Da Mi is one of the highland communes of Ham Thuan Bac district with strengths in natural conditions, good climate and soil. Therefore, the locality has gradually guided and planned for people to grow high-value crops such as durian, coffee, cashew, etc. with a total area of ​​over 2,300 hectares. In addition, the locality has successfully tested a number of new varieties such as Ri 6 durian, Thai Monthong durian, grafted mangosteen, etc. that are adaptable and developed on a large scale. In addition, the locality also grows other high-value fruit trees such as avocado, jackfruit, mango and short-term crops suitable for local conditions such as corn, cassava, beans, etc., contributing to the development of the commune's agricultural economy. To meet the increasing demand of the market, Da Mi is orienting towards the development of high-tech agriculture. This not only helps people take advantage of all the potential and strengths of the soil and climate that nature has bestowed on Da Mi, but also provides a foundation for people to invest in applying scientific and technical technologies to production such as breeding new varieties, agricultural production in greenhouses and other advanced agricultural care techniques to improve product quality...

According to the People's Committee of Da Mi commune, up to now, many durian growing areas in the commune have met VietGAP standards. Of which, the two main varieties are Ri6 and Monthong with delicious quality characteristics. The average durian yield when harvested is from 20 - 25 tons/ha. After deducting expenses, farmers earn a profit of 150-250 million VND/ha.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Bang, the model of applying biological products in intensive cultivation of durian trees in the direction of biological safety in Da Mi commune is expected to meet the expectations of consumers, contributing to protecting and improving people's health. At the same time, it contributes to raising awareness and responsibility of people in applying biological products in intensive cultivation of crops in the direction of safety. The model will be a highlight in the application of agricultural science and technology to expand the cultivated area.