Dong Thap builds modern agricultural ecosystem

New mindset from practical production

For many years of implementing the agricultural restructuring project, Dong Thap has strongly shifted from small, fragmented production models to forming large, specialized farming areas managed by technology and closely linked to market value chains. The new production system not only creates stable income for farmers but also contributes to building a green, circular and sustainable agriculture.

Previously, many low-efficiency rice areas in Dong Thap were a concern for farmers due to unstable prices and high risks. However, along with the restructuring policy, Dong Thap has gradually switched to higher-value sectors such as mango, dragon fruit, durian, pineapple, ornamental flowers and especially pangasius.

Nguyen Van Khoa, a farmer in Hong Ngu commune, Dong Thap province, shared: His family converted 1.2 hectares of rice land to organic-oriented mango cultivation in 2021. To date, income has more than doubled compared with growing rice. Mango prices are stable, enterprises guarantee purchasing and provide technical guidance, making production much more secure.

The province has now formed a series of standout production zones such as 14,700 hectares of mango, considered the largest in the Mekong Delta; 133,000 hectares of fruit trees; more than 22,000 hectares of aquaculture, including nearly 1 million tons of pangasius per year; and more than 2,600 livestock farms. In addition, Dong Thap has Sa Dec flower village with thousands of ornamental flower varieties for domestic consumption and export. These figures show that agricultural restructuring in Dong Thap is not only written in resolutions but has truly entered production life.

In the context of climate change and strict requirements from export markets, Dong Thap identifies organic agriculture and the circular economy as strategic directions.

In Lap Vo commune, the model of using agricultural by-products (straw, fruit peels, manure) to produce organic fertilizer is spreading. Vo Hoang Viet, director of Tan Binh Agricultural Cooperative, said the cooperative has reduced more than 30% of chemical fertilizer by replacing it with self-produced organic fertilizer. Soil becomes more porous, fruit is more uniform and Japanese enterprises have begun placing long-term orders.

Many cooperatives in communes such as Thap Muoi, Cao Lanh, Tam Nong and Tram Chim are also combining biogas, microbial composting machines and on-site straw treatment to reduce input costs and emissions. In the rice sector, Dong Thap actively participates in the 1-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project, with more than 58,800 hectares, exceeding 80% of the plan. Many farmers have become familiar with alternate wetting and drying water management, not burning straw, applying IPM and increasing mechanization.

Tran Ba Thanh, a farmer in Thap Muoi commune, Dong Thap province, shared: Growing rice is now more enjoyable because there are fewer pests, costs are lower and productivity remains good. Notably, for nearly two years he has been part of a large-scale field producing under the 1-million-hectare high-quality low-emission rice project, and at the end of each season, enterprises buy the rice at prices VND 100–150 per kilogram higher than independent production.

Strong shift toward the agricultural economy

According to Le Ha Luan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap, the most important highlight is that Dong Thap has shifted its development mindset from agricultural production to the agricultural economy, focusing on efficiency, added value and sustainability. This will be the foundation for Dong Thap to become a pioneer province in ecological agriculture, modern rural areas and civilized farmers.

In recent years, Dong Thap’s substantial transformation has helped farmers, cooperatives and community groups connect agricultural value chains more widely and strongly than ever. The province now has 408 agricultural cooperatives, serving as an essential bridge between farmers and enterprises.

Tinh Thoi Agricultural Production and Service Cooperative in Cao Lanh ward is implementing a value chain linkage for Cat Chu mango exports to Japan and South Korea.

The OCOP program is also a major driver, with Dong Thap currently having 1,002 products rated 3 stars or higher, ranging from dried mango, lotus essential oil, pangasius fillets to Sa Dec ornamental flowers.

Restructuring in Dong Thap is not only based on structural transformation but also on knowledge and technology. In many farming areas, farmers use IoT cameras to monitor fish ponds, pest forecasting software, unmanned aerial vehicles to spray pesticides, automatic drip irrigation systems and QR code traceability. These applications have reduced production costs by 15–30% and improved product quality.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap, by 2030, the entire province will have smart agricultural zones integrating production, market, and weather forecast data to serve management.

Along with agricultural production shifts, Dong Thap aims for ecological, clean, beautiful and livable rural areas. Flower roads, farmer community groups, and community tourism under lotus and mango canopies enhance cultural and spiritual life.

The model “Community group – Cooperative – Enterprise – Government” has become a signature of the Pink Lotus Land, helping people discuss, cooperate and develop together.

With strategic vision and an increasingly professional production foundation, Dong Thap is gradually positioning itself as a high-quality agricultural center of the Mekong Delta. Agricultural restructuring not only changes the production structure but also creates momentum to improve farmers’ livelihoods, making Dong Thap a bright spot in rural economic transformation in the new period

* $1 = VND 26.401 - Source: Vietcombank.