JICA project transforms farmers' mindset for agricultural economy

On September 9, the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC), in collaboration with the Son La Department of Agriculture and Environment, held a seminar titled "Raising Awareness of Safe Vegetable Production" under the framework of the "Strengthening Safe Crop Value Chains in Northern Vietnam" project.

Attending the seminar were Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the NAEC; Mr. Tran Dung Tien, Deputy Director of the Son La Department of Agriculture and Environment; Mr. Kayano Naoki, JICA expert and direct project coordinator; along with leaders of the Departments of Agriculture and Environment from provinces and cities such as Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen; and representatives of numerous cooperatives, businesses, and local farmers.

Transforming mindset for agricultural economy

Son La is among the provinces participating in the "Raising Awareness on Safe Vegetable Production" project, implemented by JICA in collaboration with the NAEC. Despite notable breakthroughs in recent years, agricultural production in Son La still has many limitations. Most farmers cultivate small, fragmented plots, 70–75% of which are under one hectare. This limited scale constrains the planning of concentrated raw material zones and makes it difficult to apply uniform technology, hindering quality control and traceability and restricting linkages between farmers, cooperatives, and processing or distribution enterprises.

According to Mr. Tran Dung Tien, Deputy Director of the Son La Department of Agriculture and Environment, the project has had profound significance. Within a short time, the project supported key cooperatives in Son La, organizing dozens of training courses on GAP standards, marketing, seedling nursery models, organic composting techniques, and safe production practices. As a result, farmers have both reduced costs and increased yields while expanding market access.

Beyond improving technical skills, the project also strengthened the management capacity of cooperatives and businesses. Average crop productivity has risen by 15–20%, product quality has improved remarkably, and new opportunities have opened for accessing demanding export markets such as Japan, the EU, and the U.S. At the same time, the project has encouraged a shift from small-scale, fragmented production toward larger, more concentrated, and sustainable models, laying an important foundation for Son La's agricultural economic development in the future.

During the implementation process, JICA's project selected and supported five target cooperatives, including Nong Xanh, Bao Sam, Son La Agriculture, Son La Agricultural Products, and Xuan Tien Agriculture. These cooperatives specialize in producing key local crops such as mango, banana, custard apple, bird’s eye chili, and safe vegetables, closely tied to the province’s advantages.

Alongside technical support, the project organized 15 training classes covering topics ranging from cultivation techniques to customer-oriented marketing. More than seven practical demonstration models were established, enabling farmers to apply lessons easily. In addition, 10 Training-of-Trainers (TOF) courses on marketing and basic GAP standards were held for 250 participants, including cooperative managers, members, and stakeholders.

Beyond the target cooperatives, the project also coordinated with district-level agricultural service centers to replicate techniques. In 2023, five training courses on intensive fruit cultivation were organized with 75 participants. Many classes on producing organic compost using alcoholic ferment or EMUNIV yeast were also conducted, contributing to soil improvement, reducing production costs, and enhancing sustainability in farming.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized, "The project has brought about a shift in economic awareness; it is not only a matter of quality or efficiency. The value chain has been comprehensively built, from growers to distributors, with the important point being that consumers are now ready to pay for quality products." According to Mr. Thanh, Japanese experts not only delivered techniques but also conveyed Japan's culture of safe production and consumer habits.

Maintaining the project's values after its completion

The NAEC highly valued the project's post-completion impact, as farmers have continued to inherit and further develop its outcomes. After participating in JICA's project, cooperatives have proactively conducted market surveys and connected with supermarket systems. The NAEC has signed a cooperation agreement with AEON Mall, which is the largest Japanese retail corporation in Vietnam with the strictest standards in the region. As a result, safe agricultural products from the project have successfully entered this supermarket chain.

"The distinguishing characteristic of the project is that, even after its completion, farmers continue to operate its practices. Farmers who once only grew crops are now surveying the market, which is a transformation in mindset," said Mr. Kayano Naoki, JICA expert and project representative.

Mr. Tran Xuan Dan, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh Center for Agricultural Extension and High-Tech Agricultural Development, remarked, "The initial efficiency is very clear. The capacity of extension officers has improved, their expertise has advanced, and they are now providing more practical support to farmers. After 4 years of participation, cooperatives selected changed their thinking, personally visiting supermarkets to explore market potential, learning about preprocessing and packaging, and thereby developing suitable production plans."

The Xuan Mai General Agricultural Service Cooperative (Bac Ninh), which specializes in melon production, was also among the units supported from the beginning of the project. Mr. Bui Xuan Que, the cooperative’s director, shared, “Through the project, we have learned a lot about brand building and developing consumption markets. From registering trademark protection to completing VietGAP certification, all aims to meet supermarket requirements and ensure price stability."

According to Mr. Que, the cooperative previously only gathered farmers to produce collectively in order to reach large volumes and sell to traders, avoiding price squeezing. "Previously, we knew nothing about safe production or the market. JICA guided us from sowing and care to production management. Most importantly, it changed our economic mindset. Before planting, we now ask who we will sell to, how we will sell, and at what price," Mr. Que said.

Appreciating the project's values, Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the NAEC, stressed, "Farmers should not only sell products but also sell the process and production methods. Only by clearly defining the market can we achieve lasting efficiency. We must become professionals, building an agricultural economic value chain from producer to consumer. Once awareness is complete, production will grow according to plan."