Agricultural extension officiers sow seeds of knowledge, empowering farmers

The agricultural sector in Quang Ninh province is undergoing a robust transformation toward modernization, placing pressure on farmers to innovate and adapt. Accompanying them on this journey are the province's agricultural extension officers, who quietly remain close to the fields to introduce science and technology into production. They serve as the vital bridge between policy and practice, and between research and daily life, silently sowing the seeds of knowledge that yield trust and economic efficiency for local farmers.

In this journey, the Quang Ninh extension team's approach has become increasingly practical. They do not merely organize theoretical training sessions; they also provide hands-on instruction, guiding residents from seed selection and crop and livestock care to handling incidents caused by unexpected natural disasters or disease outbreaks. In every production model, the imprint of the extension service is clearly defined by a spirit of companionship, sharing, and responsibility.

Nguyen Thuy Toan, a veteran in technical transfer within the livestock sector at the Quang Ninh Agricultural Extension Center, serves as a prime example. Although her work frequently requires traveling to remote mountain villages and border areas, she maintains a deep passion for her profession. Each of her trips carries not only technical notebooks and veterinary medicine but also the dedication of a vocational practitioner. Toan shared that her most excellent professional satisfaction comes from seeing residents successfully apply new advancements, thereby raising their incomes and feeling more confident in their farming careers.

From livestock models in mountainous communes to coastal plains, Quang Ninh extension officers are always present in the most challenging areas. When pests flourish or livestock show abnormal signs, these officers are among the first to arrive at the scene. Beyond providing technical solutions, they offer encouragement and guidance, helping farmers remain calm and handle the situation effectively while protecting their production. Thanks to this companionship, many households have boldly changed their methods, shifting from fragmented production to linked models that ensure more stable output.

Nguyen Van Dinh, a farmer in Dam Ha commune, shared that previously, he lacked both capital and technical expertise. However, the provincial Agricultural Extension Center provided significant support, enabling him to expand his model.

In Hai Lang commune, when the locality began piloting a spotted scat farming model, many residents were initially hesitant. Bui Huu Son, an officer at the Practical Training regarding Technical Transfer and Extension Services Station, persistently guided each household on monitoring water quality, checking fish health, and managing disease outbreaks. Consequently, the initial harvests yielded positive results, with higher economic value than traditional fish varieties. This success helped locals feel confident enough to expand their scale, simultaneously forming a new direction for local aquaculture development.

Son noted that agricultural extension is not just a technical profession but one of patience and understanding. Each officer must know how to listen and grasp the psychology of the residents while simultaneously self-educating to improve their qualifications and adapt promptly to new requirements.

The process of technical transfer today no longer stops at supporting seeds or supplies but has expanded toward "modern extension," combining ecological agriculture, circular economy principles, and value chain linkages. Extension officers also proactively utilize information technology, connecting with residents via phone and Zalo groups, making technical guidance more flexible and effective.

Hoang Thi The, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Agricultural Extension Center, stated that innovation in extension work has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable production models. From specialty poultry farming in mountainous communes to high-tech crop cultivation in the plains, every model is tied to the efforts of the extension staff. The center works alongside residents to implement vaccination programs, manage disease, renovate barns, and select breeds suited to the natural conditions of each region. As a result, the province's agricultural products have become increasingly diverse, valuable, and capable of expanding into new markets.

To meet the demands of modern agricultural development, the Quang Ninh extension team continuously innovates its working methods. They proactively update their knowledge from institutes and schools, learning from successful models both inside and outside the province to draw lessons appropriate for local conditions. It is this receptiveness, flexibility, and spirit of learning that has helped them become a solid bridge between scientists, businesses, and farmers.