The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak is encouraging ethnic minority communities to produce microbial organic fertilizer from agricultural byproducts as it is not only economically efficient, but also boosts soil nutrients and decreases pollution in rural areas.
Since the beginning of this year, local communities have produced tens of thousands of tonnes of organic fertiliser from coffee husks, corncob and straw, which is also keeping streets clean of debris.
According to Pham Quang Muoi, head of Cu M’gar district’s division for agriculture and rural development, the activity not only helps local people save up to 14 billion VND (700,000 USD) each year but also increases crop productivity and reduce environmental pollution.
As stated by officials, microbial organic fertiliser is highly beneficial for plants and soil as it increases minerals and micronutrients, improves soil porosity and nutritional values, stimulates root growth, and reduces harmful pests.
Household-based estimates show that one tonne of microbial organic fertiliser costs 700,000 (35 USD) to 850,000 VND (41 USD) on average, while a tonne of chemical fertiliser costs up to 3 million VND (150 USD).
In the past, Dak Lak province produced substantial amounts of byproducts, which were considered waste, due to its extensive coffee and maize production - over 203.500ha of coffee and 120.000ha of maize.
However, thanks to the success of the new microbial organic fertiliser production model, the province has been distributing technology and skills on how to reuse byproducts usefully, by running training courses, particularly for ethnic minority groups.-VNA
Since the beginning of this year, local communities have produced tens of thousands of tonnes of organic fertiliser from coffee husks, corncob and straw, which is also keeping streets clean of debris.
According to Pham Quang Muoi, head of Cu M’gar district’s division for agriculture and rural development, the activity not only helps local people save up to 14 billion VND (700,000 USD) each year but also increases crop productivity and reduce environmental pollution.
As stated by officials, microbial organic fertiliser is highly beneficial for plants and soil as it increases minerals and micronutrients, improves soil porosity and nutritional values, stimulates root growth, and reduces harmful pests.
Household-based estimates show that one tonne of microbial organic fertiliser costs 700,000 (35 USD) to 850,000 VND (41 USD) on average, while a tonne of chemical fertiliser costs up to 3 million VND (150 USD).
In the past, Dak Lak province produced substantial amounts of byproducts, which were considered waste, due to its extensive coffee and maize production - over 203.500ha of coffee and 120.000ha of maize.
However, thanks to the success of the new microbial organic fertiliser production model, the province has been distributing technology and skills on how to reuse byproducts usefully, by running training courses, particularly for ethnic minority groups.-VNA
