Thai Binhs agricultural economy boosted

For many decades, Thai Binh province has been a major granary of the Red River Delta with 70% of its population involved in agricultural production. Now, the province continues to lead in the new-style rural development movement with solutions compared as breakthroughs to create comprehensive changes for the local agricultural sector.

Rearranging paddy fields has increased the mechanization in agricultural production and improved the value of farm produce. (Photo: Manh Minh/VNA)

Since 2002 Thai Binh has rearranged paddy fields to re-master plan the farmland, reformed farming methods, and developed a concentrated agricultural sector. To date, the province has more than 15,000 hectares of land for agricultural production.

Nguyen Van Kien from Me Son 1 hamlet in Vu Thu district has rented 20 ha of cultivation land and applied a modern farming model. He said that all farming and harvest works are now mechanized and only 3 workers are needed. If the weather is favorable, Kien said he can earn more than 61 USD per 360 square meters.

“The commune’s authorities have helped me in renting land. Most locals work for companies. Last year, I rented land for rice cultivation. It has been relatively profitable," said Kien.

Vu Thu district has been successful in re-zoning agricultural land. Last year nearly 360 hectares of rice cultivation area were dedicated to growing vegetables which resulted in higher yields. Advanced production methods have brought local farmers more than 17,000 USD per ha in revenue. More than 160 farmers in Vu Thu have re-arranged their agricultural land on a scale of more than one hectare each.

Dong Van Huan, director of Tan Phong Agriculture Cooperative, said the re-zoning agriculture land has improved productivity and helped farmers apply hi-tech advances, and innovative production models.

Huan added: “We have re-zoned agriculture land pursuant to the Party’s guidelines. We have discussed with farmers about this work. In Tan Phong, tenants and landlords met directly and signed land lease contracts.”

210 agricultural cooperatives in Thai Binh have linked their members with 20 enterprises inside and outside the province to produce and consume agricultural products.

Most households in the cooperatives have bought machines to improve productivity, and reduce production costs, thus reducing the current amount of untilled land.

Dinh Vinh Thuy, Chairman of Vu Thu district People’s Committee, said a modern agricultural model helps to create more jobs with stable income and keeps the locals working in the locality.