Agricultural models embraced by the southern province of Dong Thap have successfully ensured that the farming of rice, fruit and vegetables has met Vietnam Good Agricultural Practice (VietGAP) and Global Good Agricultural Practice (GlobalGAP) standards.

The implementation of the models by 100 households in the locality has also resulted in reduced production costs, improved product quality and an increased income for local farmers.

In total, 184 hectares of rice, mandarins, mangoes and vegetables in Dong Thap have been granted VietGAP and GlobalGAP certifications.

By applying the models, over 62 hectares of rice in Tam Nong district produced 7.4 tonnes/ ha. After deducting expenses, farmers collected a profit of over 5 million VND/ha more than they would using the old system.

With 35 ha of sweet mango planted in accordance with the VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, the My Xuong mango cooperative in Cao Lanh district made a profit of as much as 200 million VND/ha.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Thanh Tai said the change of agricultural structure plays an important role in restructuring the locality’s agriculture sector, with less reliance on rice for success.

From now to 2015, Dong Thap province will continue expanding its VietGAP standard fields for rice, vegetables, mango, mandarin and capsicum to more than 700 ha.

Farmers in the province will also be trained in farming techniques and field management to gradually enlarge the area of other main cultivated crops in the locality in line with the standards.-VNA