From technical training, farmers in Quang Ngai secure stable markets

These days, in Ray field, Thach Thang hamlet (Lan Phong commune, Quang Ngai), the atmosphere of peanut harvest is bustling and urgent. On the land, loose soil beds, clusters of well-filled peanut plants with abundant pods are being gathered and piled into large heaps by local farmers. The vibrant scene reflects not only a productive season but also farmers' growing confidence in adopting new farming practices and participating in organized production models.

This result demonstrates the initial effectiveness of the peanut production linkage project along the value chain, implemented over 13 hectares with the participation of 77 households.

The core of the project is to provide systematic technical training for farmers, along with support covering 50% of the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection products. Farmers are guided through advanced cultivation processes, from soil preparation, seed selection, planting, and care to pest and disease control. As a result, both yield and quality of peanuts have improved significantly. Such support has helped reduce production risks and encouraged farmers to invest confidently in expanding cultivation areas in future seasons.

Busy harvesting in her field, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Phan said that in the 2025–2026 winter-spring crop, her family cultivated 0.5 hectares of peanuts, achieving a yield of about 3.5 tons per hectare, approximately 0.7 tons higher than before.

“In the past, we relied on experience, so yields were unstable. Now, farmers receive technical training and know how to follow proper processes, so crops grow better. With support for inputs and guaranteed output, we feel secure in production,” Mrs. Phan shared.

Sharing the same satisfaction, Mr. Vo Xuan Canh, who joined the project with an area of 0.9 hectares, said that he used to worry about output markets and production efficiency. “Since participating in the project, with proper technical guidance, yields have increased clearly and costs have decreased. Most importantly, there is a stable purchasing enterprise, so farmers are very encouraged and confident to invest long term,” he said.

In practice, the training sessions have fundamentally changed farmers’ production mindset. Instead of relying on habits, they now use scientific techniques, certified seeds, balanced fertilization, and effective pest and disease control. This is the key factor that helps peanut plants grow uniformly and improves both yield and product quality.

Not limited to peanuts, the rice production linkage model in Lan Phong is also proving effective, with a 32-hectare area and around 500 participating households. Here, farmers continue to receive technical training and mechanization at all stages, from land preparation to harvesting. As a result, production costs are significantly reduced, yields increase, and the situation of traders forcing prices is minimized since products already have linked buyers. The application of mechanization also helps reduce labor requirements and shorten production time, making farming more efficient and less dependent on manual labor.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Chau, Director of Duc Phong Agricultural Cooperative, in addition to supplying input materials, the cooperative places special emphasis on technical training for farmers.

“We believe that effective production requires farmers to master techniques. The cooperative coordinates with professional agencies to organize regular training and also connects with enterprises to ensure stable output for products,” Mr. Chau said.

From a management perspective, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong, Vice Chairman of Lan Phong commune People’s Committee, said the locality is focusing on developing agricultural models suitable to soil conditions. Building soil maps and identifying production zones will go hand in hand with training, helping farmers choose appropriate crops and improve cultivation efficiency. At the same time, the locality is strengthening product-consumption linkages to create stable markets, giving farmers confidence in their production.

From 13 hectares of peanuts to 32 hectares of linked rice production, the transformation in Lan Phong lies not in scale or output, but in the change in production organization and farmers’ mindset. When knowledge and skills become essential “inputs,” training becomes the “key” to restructuring. This is also the foundation for expanding value chain linkages, increasing incomes, and moving toward building a truly sustainable new rural model.