Agricultural extension accompanies farmers in the fields

Pioneering model in the sun-scorched land

In the early days of the 2026 rainy season, on the Binh Minh land at the foot of Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, lush custard apple orchards are entering a critical stage of crop care. Nestled among the region's specialty fruit plantations are modern greenhouse facilities, where high-tech agriculture models are gradually demonstrating their effectiveness.

One of the standout models is Nguyen Tuan Anh's honey passion fruit orchard. After succeeding with the Nova tomato variety, he continued to explore new opportunities by introducing a premium passion fruit variety for organic cultivation in a greenhouse. On an area of approximately 1,000 m² with nearly 200 passion fruit vines, he applies microbial organic fertilizer in combination with an automated drip irrigation system. The greenhouse helps regulate temperature, minimize pests and diseases, and significantly reduce the adverse impacts of weather conditions.

According to Tuan Anh, the model aims not only to improve productivity but also to produce fruit that meets export standards. Standardized passion fruit can be sold at prices several times higher than conventionally grown produce, creating opportunities to generate greater value from the same unit of land.

Notably, behind the model is the guidance, support, and connection of local agricultural extension officers in helping farmers access market information, promote their products, and apply technical advances. Beyond passion fruit, the Ba Den custard apple growing area is also being supported in its transition toward safe and sustainable production.

For many years, Ba Den custard apple, the locality’s key crop, has been more than just a specialty fruit; it has provided the livelihood for thousands of local households. Following the administrative restructuring, the specialized custard apple cultivation area in Binh Minh Ward has expanded to more than 4,000 ha, making it the largest concentrated production area in the province.

To improve product quality, agricultural extension officers regularly visit orchards to guide farmers on care processes, pest and disease management, and the proper use of agricultural materials.

According to Mr. Ha Chi Mang, Director of Thanh Tan Custard Apple Cooperative, custard apple growers are currently facing a range of pests, including thrips, mealybugs, red spider mites, and oriental fruit flies. As weather conditions become increasingly unpredictable, timely technical guidance has become more important.

"Technical officers regularly visit our orchards to inspect crops, provide guidance on pest management, and update us on the latest production technologies. Thanks to their support, farmers have gained the knowledge needed to reduce production costs and improve fruit quality," Mr. Mang said.

Thanh Tan Custard Apple Cooperative currently has 34 official members and 190 affiliated farmer households, covering a total cultivation area of approximately 90 ha. The adoption of VietGAP standards, water-saving irrigation systems, and integrated pest management (IPM) has helped improve product quality while enhancing the cooperative's competitiveness in the market.

According to MSc Phan Thanh Quang, an official at the Binh Minh Ward Public Service Center, one of the current challenges is that many farmers still follow the practice of treating pests and diseases only after they appear, whereas modern agricultural production requires proactive prevention from the outset.

Thus, technical officers have focused on guiding farmers in the proper use of pesticides, promoting the use of biological preparations, organic fertilizers, and environmentally friendly farming practices. For custard apple in particular, bagging the fruit at the appropriate stage is considered an effective measure to protect against a wide range of pests while meeting market requirements.

"Extended Arms" at the grassroots

Behind the achievements in agricultural production lies the dedication of the staff at the Binh Minh Ward Public Service Center. Established in July 2025, the Center operates as a multi-sectoral model, undertaking numerous responsibilities, from culture and public broadcasting to public services and agricultural extension, to support local agricultural production. Despite having only seven staff members and two part-time personnel, the Center's team consistently works with commitment to fulfill every assigned task.

Rather than waiting for farmers to seek assistance, agricultural extension officers have chosen to go directly to the fields. The Center proposed establishing a 30-member community agricultural extension team to create an extensive technical support network that reaches every residential area.

Through this network, information on new crop varieties, pest outbreaks, cultivation techniques, and market trends is delivered promptly to producers. The effectiveness of this approach was clearly demonstrated when technical officers detected red spider mite infestations affecting approximately 1.4 ha of cassava. After providing on-site guidance on control measures, the entire affected area recovered, helping farmers avoid substantial losses.

Alongside its specialized activities, the Center has intensified communications on agricultural environmental protection, encouraging farmers to use agricultural by-products to produce organic fertilizer rather than burning them as in the past. Knowledge on soil management, balanced fertilizer application, and resource-efficient farming practices is regularly disseminated through the local broadcasting system and community meetings.

Building a green agriculture

Its location adjacent to the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area has created opportunities for Binh Minh to develop agricultural models associated with experiential tourism. Many orchard owners have begun welcoming tourists while showcasing OCOP products and local specialties. In addition to generating new sources of income, these models help promote Tay Ninh's agriculture to both domestic and international tourists.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Deputy Director of the Binh Minh Ward Public Service Center, the locality has identified clean, organic, and high-tech agriculture as its long-term development direction. Greenhouse facilities, automated irrigation systems, biological preparations, and traceability systems will continue to be promoted and replicated to enhance the value of agricultural products and strengthen their market competitiveness.

From custard apple orchards to modern greenhouse facilities, and from technical training sessions to field inspections, the agricultural extension team in Binh Minh Ward is gradually affirming its role as a bridge between science and producers.

Working quietly at the grassroots level, agricultural extension officers, now operating under the Public Service Center, always accompany farmers to help them overcome challenges and adapt to market demands, contributing to a new face of Binh Minh’s agriculture built on knowledge, technology, and the aspiration for prosperity.