Mekong Delta promotes organic rice cultivation to adapt to climate change

In addition to promoting the production of rice varieties that can adapt to climate change, people in the Mekong Delta are now very interested in spreading organic rice farming models.

Research and develop many varieties of rice to adapt to climate change

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Mekong Delta, the rice bowl of Vietnam, is heavily affected by climate change. Climate change in general and El Nino phenomenon in particular have caused very serious damage to agricultural production and the lives of people in some provinces in the Central region, the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta.

Accordingly, in order to provide orientations for rice production in the current context and identify farming strategies in the future, the Mekong Delta Rice Institute has been researching and developing rice varieties adapted to climate change. , especially in areas affected by drought and salinity.

Talking to Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, Dr. Mai Nguyet Lan, Deputy Head of Science and International Cooperation Department, Mekong Delta Rice Institute, said: “Through testing, it can be seen that rice varieties are relatively salt tolerant, for the required yield. In areas under pressure from pests and diseases, the Institute is also working to improve degraded rice varieties, and at the same time breed rice varieties with better resistance to pests and diseases.

According to Mr. Nguyen Phuong Hung, Director of Bac Lieu Agricultural Seed Center, in order to improve the value of rice seeds, adapt to climate change and develop sustainably, the Center has researched, bred and selected varieties of rice. Rice has outstanding characteristics in terms of yield and quality, suitable for production conditions, most importantly, adapting to the local climate.

Up to now, the Agricultural Seed Center of Bac Lieu province has successfully crossed many rice varieties such as BLR103, BLR105, BLR203, BLR312, BLR413, BLR404… Through demonstration production of rice varieties at different locations, each rice variety have conditions to adapt to different ecological regions such as specialized rice areas, rice-shrimp areas that give different yields and adaptability…

In particular, there are very good salt-tolerant rice varieties at the ripening stage such as BLR103, BLR105, which are very suitable for the shrimp-rice area of ​​TX. Gia Rai, Phuoc Long district or Hong Dan district of Bac Lieu province.

“Currently, salt-tolerant and aromatic BLR413-adapted rice varieties are being tested in the Mekong Delta and Southeast provinces. In addition, the Center encourages local farmers to produce salt-tolerant rice varieties in rice-shrimp areas, areas often affected by drought and saltwater intrusion instead of other rice varieties…”, Mr. Nguyen Phuong Hung let me know.

Grow organic rice, increase income

In addition to promoting the production of rice varieties adapted to climate change, people in the Mekong Delta are now very interested in spreading organic rice farming models.

According to Mr. Vo Xuan Tan, Director of the Center for Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Services in Hau Giang province, organic rice production to adapt to climate change is one of the models that farmers are excited to participate in. The reduction of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides in the production process will ensure the health of farmers and ensure the safety of agricultural products when reaching consumers.

“Over the years, the Center has conducted training, transferred science and technology as well as built and replicated the model of organic rice cultivation to adapt to climate change to farmers. . Through the implementation results, the model is now well applied by the people,” said Mr. Vo Xuan Tan.

As one of the typical units deploying organic rice cultivation to adapt to climate change, Tan Long Cooperative (Vinh Tuong commune, Vi Thuy district, Hau Giang province), was established in 2013. By 2018, the cooperative had moved directing inorganic production to organic production to suit the living environment, minimizing the use of fertilizers and chemical drugs, improving the health of producers, and creating peace of mind for consumers.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thich, Deputy Director of Tan Long Cooperative, said that the cooperative currently has 81 members with a total production area of ​​138ha. The cooperative mainly produces rice varieties ST 24 and ST25 according to market demand.

“During the production process, we control the input materials to make sure they are all biological products, and at the same time produce in the direction of improving quality rather than focusing on quantity as before. Thereby, the economic value of the people has been enhanced. Previously, the profit from 1ha was about 30 million VND/crop, now it has been increased to 60-70 million VND/crop. Our brand of Vi Thuy clean rice has achieved 4-star OCOP standard and is certified with VietGAP standard,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Thich excitedly.

Source: https://nongnghiep.vn/dbscl-day-manh-trong-lua-huu-co-thich-ung-bien-doi-khi-hau-d307860.html