Long An encourages farmers in applying high-tech to agricultural production

The cost of using laser-controlled equipment and rice transplant machine should be increased from 30 to 50 percent 

After nearly 2 years of implementing the program, the farmers have gradually changed their business operation from small scale of production into production links; the quality and quantity of farming products have met market demand. However, some localities have still faced challenges and difficulties.

Specifically, Vinh Hung district has actively called for local farmers to join in cooperatives, cooperative groups, aiming to reach its target of 4,500 hectares of high-yield rice using high-tech application. However, some farmers are not keen on joining the program.

"I take part in the cooperative in hope of applying high-tech in agricultural production. However, the fee to pay for transplanting rice is about VND 4.5 million per hectare but the cooperatives’support is only 30 percent, lower than my demand.", said Mr.Truong Minh Vuong in Go Xoai hamlet, Hung Dien A commune, Vinh Hung district.

The provincial leaders should carry out the pilot models as well as invest more in infrastructure for hi-tech applied agriculture program

According to the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Hung District - Nguyen Huu Hong, because of the inappropriate support policies, local farmers have hesitated to join in the program. He suggested that the provincial leaders should plan for expenditure, encouraging farmers in using high-tech agricultural application. For instance, the capital for the construction of electric pump station should be increased from VND 133.4 million to at least VND 200 million per station and from 30 to 50 percent for the cost of using laser-controlled equipment and rice transplant machine. At the same time, the provincial leaders should carry out the pilot models as well as invest more in infrastructure for hi-tech applied agriculture program.

Similarly, in Thanh Hoa district, the program has contributed to increasing the value and quality of agricultural products. Therefore, the farmers have got higher profits. “However, the district has met many difficulties such as the lack of electricity to operate pumping stations, unstable market, the shortage of rice transplant machine…In addition, some areas could not apply laser-controlled equipment so the farmers could not get benefits from the program. I propose that the provincial leaders should help the farmers seek the market and adjust some unsuitable policies.”, added the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa District - Ho Thi Ngoc Lan.

Overall, farmers in Duc Hoa district have still been facing difficulties in supplying and consuming products. Therefore, they have not actively participated in cooperatives.

By Thanh My - Translated by Pham Ngan