Multiplying urban farming models

Extension urban agriculture program is considered as the premise for sustainable urban farming. Many localities have designed strategies for the development of urban agriculture.

On December 10, the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC) in cooperation with Urban Farming Club, the Agricultural Extension Center of Hau Giang province organized a seminar themed "Sharing experiences in developing and multiplying urban and hi-tech farming models.

The seminar was held to evaluate the role of agricultural extension for the development of urban farming, drawing out the direction, creating favorable conditions for connecting and sharing information and experiences in the multiplication of hi-tech farming models as well as new farming methods. Through these activities, the members of Urban Farming Club could know how to apply proper techniques for conducting urban farming and how to set criteria for urban farming development in the future.

The seminar was held virtually with the participation of representatives from the NAEC, the Agricultural Extension Center of Hau Giang, Ho Chi Minh city and Thua Thien - Hue together with representatives of HCM City's agricultural cooperatives.

At the seminar, the representatives together looked back a 20-year journey of the Urban Farming Club and listened to the reports of the achievements, experiences in developing and multiplying hi-tech farming models of Lam Dong and Hau Giang provinces. The representatives also approved the contents to prepare for a conference to summarize a 20-year journey of Urban Farming Club.

After 20 years of establishment and development, Urban Farming Club has seen changes and developments. Vu Thi Huong, Director of the Agricultural Extension Center of Hanoi and Head of Urban Farming Club said from 3 members at the beginning including one in Hanoi, one in HCM city and one in Thua Thien-Hue, the model has been so far expanded across the country.

With the advantages of soil and climate along with incentive policies, Ho Chi Minh City has attracted many enterprises and farmers to invest in advanced techniques such as greenhouse farming or hydroponics to achieve high economic efficiency.  It's a stepping stone for HCM City to form institutes and centers of agricultural science and technology such as Biotechnology Center, Demonstration Farm and Experimental Hi-tech Dairy Farm.

The success today has the contribution of individuals and collectives who have participated in the Urban Farming Club.  The meeting proposed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to reward three urban farming clubs in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Thua Thien - Hue, praising 7 individuals and giving certificates of merit of the NAEC to 14 collectives and 18 individuals.

Also at the seminar, the Head of the Urban Farming Club announced the decision of the Director of the NAEC on recruiting five new members from Bac Giang, Nghe An, Tay Ninh, Soc Trang and Bac Lieu, bringing the total number of the club to 27.

At the seminar, the representatives discussed about a specific set of criteria for urban farming  including saying no to livestock production, applying high technologies in production, protecting environment, encouraging the cultivation of valuable ornament plants, following organic standards and ensuring traceability...

Evaluating the activities of Urban Farming Club over the past time, Ha Thuy Hanh, Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center said the establishment of the Club has become a "bridge" connecting its members and promoting technology transfer among urban farmers. This is the concrete foundation for sustainable and effective agriculture.