Hanoi promotes sustainable farming models

Hanoi is taking a wide range of measures to promote farming for farmers' higher living standards. 

A pigeon farm in Soc Son District. Photo: Tung Nguyen

The move, part of the city's efforts to realize Government Resolution No.03 on the agrarian economy, has led to many business models with high economic value.

Farm owner Nguyen Van Lam at Can Huu Commune, Quoc Oai District, said he invested nearly VND10 billion (US$403,400) in raising chickens, pigs, and fish in an area of 1.3 hectares. Currently, he has 100 sows that could produce 600 pigs per litter and a poultry herd of 47,000 chickens in a closed production system.

Lam said that every year, the business model generates revenue of VND20 billion ($807,000) and creates jobs for 12 locals.

According to experts, the farming industry would help farmers take advantage of concentrated and large-scale production to achieve greater productivity, quality, and competitiveness.

Head of the Economic Department of Chuong My District, Tran Thi Thu Hang, said the locality currently has 582 farms, including 575 livestock farms, four fish farms, and three mixed farms, employing a total of 1,524 full-time and 369 seasonal workers with an average monthly salary of VND7 million ($282.4).

Director of Hanoi’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Chu Phu My said the city is promoting effective farming models to ensure the sustainable agricultural production of 1,760 farms.

“A modern farming industry based on the land consolidation contributes to sustainable agricultural development, creates jobs, and increases income for farmers,” My added. However, limited financial capacity and lack of quality labor are problems hindering the development of the agricultural economy.

"Only a handful of farms apply high technology in their operation, not to mention the lack of effective business management methods," he continued.

Currently, Hanoi has set a target of having at least 2,000 farms qualified for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development standards by 2025 and employs about 8,000 farmers.

Further support required for farmers

To further promote the development of the farm economy, farmer Nguyen Van Hanh from Phuc Lam Ward, My Duc District, called for local authorities to create favorable conditions for farm owners to access preferential loans to expand production capacity and provide training courses on the application of hi-tech in production.

On this issue, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Oai District People’s Committee Nguyen Trong Khien said the locality is aware of the problems that farmers are facing and would plan to hold training courses for farmers to better understand market preferences and master new technologies in agricultural production.

"The authorities would provide financial support for farmers and cooperatives with funds from the Agricultural Promotion Fund or the Farmer Supporting Funds," Khien added.

At present, Thanh Oai District is supporting farms in the process of land consolidation, expanding production, and promoting brands.

Meanwhile, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Chu Phu My said in the coming time, the agricultural sector would offer new incentive policies to encourage investment in large-scale farming, agricultural production under value chains, and application of technologies for safe and organic production.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is drafting new policies for the development of the farm economy, including new incentives in terms of taxes, land, and capital access.

The ministry expects the new regulation would provide farm owners with new resources to expand production and contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.