Organic Rice Farming to Repay Environmental Debt

FINDING WAYS TO REPAY ENVIRONMENTAL DEBT. In Kiên Giang province, the 339 Agricultural Cooperative is leading the way in organic rice farming. With support from authorities and businesses, 29 member households transitioned to organic practices on over 122 hectares. Training, access to organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and guaranteed purchase agreements empowered farmers to embrace sustainable agriculture. Farmer Bùi Văn Chín acknowledged the 'environmental debt' created by overuse of chemicals. The cooperative's director, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Kích, highlighted reduced pesticide use and improved soil health through techniques like alternating wet-dry irrigation. Yields matched conventional methods at 8.5 tons/ha, and despite slightly lower revenue, profits increased by over 2.3 million VND/ha due to lower input costs and higher selling prices. SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC RICE. Thạnh Phước commune, primarily reliant on rice cultivation, is embracing organic farming to improve economic and environmental sustainability. Vice Chairman Đỗ Văn Đông explained that traditional practices often neglect efficiency and environmental impact. The organic project, supported by the Giồng Riềng District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to reduce pollution and enhance rice quality for export markets. The project expanded from 185 hectares in 2023 to over 686 hectares in the 2023-2024 winter-spring crop. The district provides support for organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, along with establishing planting area codes and facilitating market linkages.