Many innovative models in agriculture

With the dynamism and creativity of young scientists, many models of applying science and technology in agricultural development being implemented in Bac Giang province have shown initial efficiency and are likely to be replicated.

Ong The Dung (left) introduces the model of farming Caterpillar fungus.

Being successful with determination

According to the introduction of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, we came to Dai Dong village, Dong Hung commune (Luc Nam district) to study the model of breeding Caterpillar fungus of Ong The Dung (born in 1994). Amid a peaceful space with vast trees, stepping into a 30sq.m laboratory, everyone was surprised by modern Caterpillar fungus growing technology. 

Hundreds of jars raising Caterpillar fungus are arranged in line on the stainless steel rigs, waiting for harvest. Laboratory cabinets, bactericidal lamps, air conditioning system, refrigerator and material containers ... are arranged scientifically.

Caterpillar fungus has many uses such as: supporting treatment of cancer and diseases related to heart, liver, kidney and lung; and controlling diabetes ... At the end of 2017, Dung started to implement the model, but due to lack of experience, nearly 7,000 jars of Caterpillar fungus were infected with bacteria and became rotten, causing damage of more than 400 million VND (17,540 USD). Failure did not make him surrender. Dung continued his work, drew experience and finally came to success.

Cultivating Caterpillar fungus is very thorough. The experimental tools must be put in an electric steamer of 120 degrees Celsius for sterilization before the technical operation. Seedling, incubation, adjustment of temperature and lighting, and preservation must be absolutely accurate. 

After being dried, Caterpillar fungus is sold at about 5 million VND per gram. The distinctive feature of the model is feeding Caterpillar fungus with silkworm instead of brown rice. Recently, Dung has sold his product to the market, earning hundreds of millions of Vietnam dong in profit.

Over the past time, high-tech agriculture has attracted the attention of many "amateur young scientists" in the locality with many innovative models and ideas such as freshwater pearl farming of Truong Dinh Tung in Dong Phu commune (Luc Nam district); clean vegetable growing of Nguyen Van Tien in Xuong Giang ward (Bac Giang city); and herbal tea production of Ngo Van Van in Lien Son commune (Tan Yen district) ...

Creating motivation

Not only in the countryside, many people working and studying at universities and colleges have also contributed new scientific initiatives and projects towards the 4.0 technology approach. 

The "Smart Agriculture System in Asparagus Production in Bac Giang" project of Nguyen Tuan Khoi (Bac Giang Agriculture and Forestry University) is an example. The author developed the process of producing asparagus and some vegetables by modern technology such as intelligent irrigation and data analysis (PH, EC, NO3- ...) via sensor equipment, cloud computing on crops, artificial intelligence, internet of things (IOT) and QR code scanning, etc.

When applied, the supply of fertilizer, water and plant protection chemicals to the crops is done accurately, to right positions and at right times, thus raising product quality.

It is known that many high-tech agriculture application models of young people have received attention and support from authorities, competent agencies and enterprises in and outside the province, bringing in high economic values and contributing to generating jobs for local laborers and fostering local socio-economic development. 

In the coming time, the provincial Department of Science and Technology will continue to coordinate with related units to promote communication in order to attract more scientists, especially young people, to contribute new innovative and feasible ideas and projects, creating breakthroughs in the development of high-tech agriculture.