‘Farmers learning from farmers’ makes the most of IPHM

In recent years, the Hue Department of Agriculture and Environment has directed its Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department to coordinate with local authorities, cooperatives, and related units to organize numerous training courses on Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) for rice farmers.

The training courses combine theory classes with hands-on field practice, highlighting the “farmers learning from farmers” approach. Direct guidance through production models can help farmers more easily understand and apply the knowledge in real-world farming.

At Huong Vinh Agricultural Cooperative (Hoa Chau ward), the Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department of Hue recently conducted a pilot IPHM model on 2 hectares of rice fields (with a seeding density of 100 kg/ha), attracting many households.

Farmers attended theory lessons and went directly to the fields to practice rice cultivation techniques, conduct ecosystem surveys and analysis, study rice physiology and nutrient needs at different growth stages. Harmful organisms and pest management methods also receive keen attention from participating farmers.

Most farmers confirmed that through training and participation in pilot production, they learned how to use pesticides according to the “4 rights" principle (right pesticide, right dosage, right timing, and right method). This helped improve the efficiency of pest control, reduce costs, increase economic returns, minimize environmental pollution, and protect community health. The number of pesticide applications was reduced by three times compared with control fields outside the model. As a result, rice yield reached 6 tons per hectare, 0.1 ton higher than control fields.

“Joining the training benefited me greatly. The new perspectives allowed me to reduce pesticide use, improve fertilizer application, shorten care time, and increase rice yield. I hope the local agricultural sector will organize more of these classes in the future,” said Nguyen Van Nguyen, a member of Huong Vinh Agricultural Cooperative.

According to the Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department of Hue, to improve plant health, enhance pest resistance, increase production efficiency, and contribute to environmental protection and biodiversity, the Sub-Department implemented pilot IPHM rice models covering a total of 80 hectares during 2024 and 2025 and organized 40 training courses. Each year, the Sub-Department implemented pilot models on 40 hectares across 20 cooperative-based pilot projects and organized 20 training courses with more than 500 participating farmers. Model fields were selected to ensure representativeness and scalability while attracting strong participation from farmers. Training was delivered by instructors certified in national IPHM standards and experienced in agricultural production.

Nguyen Xuan Truong, Head of the Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department of Hue, emphasized the city’s priority in implementing IPHM for rice cultivation. Each training session helps farmers better understand safe agricultural practices and minimize chemical use in fields, contributing to greener and more sustainable agriculture.

Training content focuses on knowledge and skills related to IPHM in rice cultivation, including identifying harmful organisms and natural enemies in the field; pest monitoring techniques; using pest-resistant varieties; cultivation methods to improve plant health; balanced fertilizer use; applying pesticides under the “4 right principles”; collecting and disposing of pesticide packaging after use; and applying environmentally friendly biological pest control methods.

“After participating in training, many farmers have gradually changed their cultivation practices, applied integrated pest management methods with confidence, reduced dependence on chemicals, improved fertilizer use, and paid greater attention to protecting field ecosystems.

“Practical implementation models show that pesticide spraying frequency decreases, production costs are reduced, crop yield and quality remain stable, and farmers’ awareness of safe production and environmental protection improves. Local technical staff have also strengthened their expertise when it comes to providing farmers with guidance and support in applying IPHM,” Truong said.

The Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department currently has two civil servants certified in national IPHM standards with extensive agricultural experience. The plan is to provide IPHM training for staff and officials responsible for crop production and plant protection at the commune and ward levels.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Hue, in the near future, the department will continue directing the Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department to expand IPHM training for farmers and technical staff, replicate successful IPHM models linked to safe agricultural production, strengthen biological and environmentally friendly technologies, and intensify communication efforts to raise awareness of sustainable farming.

IPHM programs will be integrated with organic farming, emission reduction, and climate adaptation programs. Coordination with local authorities, cooperatives, and businesses will also be strengthened to expand IPHM models across major crops in the locality.

Beyond rice, Hue will continue implementing IPHM for vegetables, fruit trees, and other high-value crops to promote safe and sustainable agricultural production. In 2026, Hue plans to organize three IPHM training courses for rice cultivation, with 25 trainees per class.