A lingzhi mushroom hi-tech farming model being trialled at the Củ Chi District Agricultural Hi-tech Park in HCM City. It will be made available to interested farmers later. — Photo nhandan.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City Farmer’s Union has been facilitating the development of hi-tech farming models for future technological transfers that will be allowing more farmers to apply them, officials say.

Nguyễn Văn Quên, chairman of Thủ Đức City Farmer’s Union, said that while the amount of land for agricultural farming in the city has dropped over the years because of rapid urbanisation, many farmers have been applying modern technology to obtain high quality and output.

For example, many have set up indoor straw mushroom farms that use smartphone applications to water plants and do not use crop protection agents.

Also, orchid farmers in the city have been researching and producing new breeds that are more resilient to disease and grow faster.

These models yield billions of đồng in revenues every year, and are considered “exemplary” ones that more farmers can apply in the future, Quên said.

The HCM City Farmer’s Union and Thủ Đức City Farmer’s Union have been encouraging farmers to apply hi-tech farming models by organizing events like competitions, gatherings where they can share experiences and other activities.

Nguyễn Thanh Xuân, chairwoman of the HCM City Farmer’s Union, said that last year, the union set up many smaller branches and groups for specific industries and focused on working with relevant departments to carry out technological transfer of hi-tech farming models to local farmers.

It also organised training sessions on modern farming methods as also trips for members to visit and study outstanding farming and co-operative group models, she said. — VNS