CẦN THƠ — Cần Thơ has launched a project to improve the efficiency of advanced farming models in semi-urban areas.

Nguyễn Ngọc Hè, director of the city’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the advanced techniques include organic farming that does not require large areas of land and is environment-friendly.

Such models help increase the green space in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city and have potential for tourism development, he said.

The programme would be implemented mostly in Ninh Kiều and Cái Răng districts, developing nine advanced models.

The city plans to establish at least one new high-tech agricultural co-operative in every commune and ward that takes part in it.

The co-operatives will receive assistance in achieving global or Vietnamese good agricultural practices (GAP) standards and introducing their produce to supermarkets, wholesale markets and collective kitchens.

Next month, the city will start training courses for farmers and agriculture co-operatives in advanced techniques for growing vegetables and flowers in semi-urban areas.

The department and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will closely monitor farmlands to prevent the use of chemicals that harm water resources and the environment.

Urban agriculture

The city has boosted investment in urban farming models that provide safe products and higher profits for farmers since the farming area has declined in recent years due to urbanisation.  

Ninh Kiều District has developed efficient urban agriculture models for flowers, sprouts and honeydew melon.

In Bình Thủy District, many households earn good incomes from urban farming, with many in Bà Bộ flower village earning VNĐ80-100 million (US$3,500 – 4,400) a year.

Huỳnh Thanh Cần, director of the Phó Thọ Flower Co-operative in the district’s Long Tuyền Ward, said local authorities have organised a number of training courses in growing flowers for co-operative members and organised visits to model flower farms in Đồng Tháp Province and Đà Lạt City for them.

“Thus, the members have improved their farming techniques, resulting in a reduction in production costs and increase in profits.”

The co-operative has built net houses and installed water-saving irrigation systems for growing flowers, he said.

The city has decided to develop tourism at several model farms in Long Tuyền Ward that grow flowers, mushrooms or vegetables or breed ornamental fish or eel in mud-free ponds. — VNS