Hanoi lures investment in organic agriculture

Hanoi plans to have more concentrated production zones which apply hi-tech agriculture for high-quality and productive organic products.

A vegetable field of Thanh Xuan Organic Agriculture Service Cooperative. Photos: Tran Tam/ The Hanoi Times

High economic value

For many years, Thanh Xuan Organic Farming Service Cooperative has pursued safe farming and achieved some success in terms of members and area. The number of workers reaches 141, and the area of vegetable and fruit cultivation hit 35ha.

Director of the Cooperative Hoang Thi Hau said the cooperative can monitor production thanks to the application of technology. The model enables them to produce high-quality organic vegetables. Their products have been available for 12 companies and 45 retail points in the city each year, earning dozens of billions of Vietnam dong per year.

“So far, 18 products have been given a four-star rating by the Hanoi People's Committee. The rating helps the cooperative to develop products under the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program,” she told The Hanoi Times. 

In 2021, despite the serious impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cooperative's revenue was estimated at around VND4.2 billion (US$169,535), Hau said.

In Chuong My District, a 40-ha organic rice field developed by Dong Phu Organic Farming Cooperative is considered a typical model of organic farming in the city. In addition to rice, the farm also boosts the yields of soybeans, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

According to Dong Phu's Director Trinh Thi Nguyet, the cooperative's safe and high-quality cultivation models have enabled it to sign contracts with large distributors to sell rice at prices 1.5 to 2 times higher than other rice varieties. In particular, some products are also exported to international markets. 

Organic production brings high economic value and is safe for people’s health, contributing to environmental protection, she told The Hanoi Times.

Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Chu Phu My said that organic farming provides safe products for the community, largely contributing to sustainable development. “Over the past years, Hanoi has implemented many organic agricultural models, bringing about high economic values,” he said.

Different ways to support cooperatives

A model of hi-tech agricultural production in Hoai Duc District.

However, organic farming in Hanoi remains on a small scale, which is attributed to high costs. Another reason is the loose management of organic products that fail to earn consumers' trust. 

To solve the abovementioned issues, the city’s authorities have issued a strategy focusing on developing organic agriculture in the 2022-2025 period, with an orientation to 2030.

Under the plan, the agricultural sector will promote organic production with advanced technologies and certification for products that meet national and international standards. 

Meanwhile, localities need specific plans to support farmers, cooperatives, and businesses regarding production infrastructure, technical training, and brand building, Chu Phu My told The Hanoi Times.

He said the department continues working on planning concentrated production areas for organic agricultural products currently in high demand.

Through holding many promotion fairs, they have created opportunities for cooperatives and enterprises to bring organic products into modern and export-oriented distribution channels, according to My. 

Some local producers suggested that the city authorities strengthen inspection and deal rigorously with cooperatives and companies that do not comply with the organic production process.

Chu Phu My underlined the need for specific policies to attract all economic sectors to organic production, highlighting the role of a favorable legal framework for developing organic farming models.