Mekong Delta farmers innovate and prosper through green agriculture models

A new mindset in agricultural production

The Mekong Delta, the country’s largest rice, fruit, and seafood hub, is witnessing a strong transformation in agriculture. No longer just a traditional production region, local agriculture is increasingly shaped by green, circular practices that adapt to climate change.

In particular, many farmers, cooperatives, and businesses are boldly changing their mindset, applying science and technology in production, improving economic efficiency, protecting the environment, and building local agricultural brands.

A typical example is Mr. Nguyen Van Nhieu from Tan Dien commune, Dong Thap province. On his 2.8-hectare farm, he applies a rice-vegetable rotation model, uses organic microbial fertilizers, and practices integrated pest management to reduce costs and protect the soil. With methodical production, his rice yield reaches 7-7.5 tons per hectare per crop, earning nearly 400 million VND annually.

Beyond that, Mr. Nhieu utilizes 0.3 hectares to grow vegetables safely. Just from three crops of green onions last year, he harvested over 3 tons, generating nearly 200 million VND in revenue. He also rotates with coriander and other herbs, adding about 50 million VND to his annual income. “Organic farming not only keeps the soil and crops healthy but also benefits us by reducing chemical use, while allowing us to sell at better prices,” he shares.

In Vinh Long, Mr. Le Hoang Phuc from Tan Phu commune is among the pioneers of safe, high-tech durian cultivation. On his 2-hectare orchard, he practices drip irrigation, applies organic fertilizers, and monitors pests and diseases via a mobile app. Each year, his orchard yields about 15 tons of durian, earning him around 1 billion VND (after expenses).

Beyond enriching his own family, Mr. Phuc actively shares his experience. He provides technical guidance to members of the local Durian Cooperative Group, helping to expand the successful model in his community.

In Tay Ninh, Mr. Truong Cong Tao from Tan Long commune is known as a “barefoot billionaire,” owning about 130 hectares of farmland - more than 80 of which are dedicated to sticky rice cultivation, bringing in over 10 billion VND annually.

After decades of hard work reclaiming and improving farmland, Mr. Tao has now mechanized every stage of production: using laser leveling for his fields, cluster seeders and rice transplanters, drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, combine harvesters for reaping, and vehicles for grain transport.

Exemplary farmers like Mr. Nhieu, Mr. Phuc, and Mr. Tao embody the growing trend among Mekong Delta farmers who are proactively shifting crops and livestock, embracing technology, and adopting eco-friendly farming practices. These are crucial foundations for the sustainable development of agriculture in the southern delta amid intensifying climate change.

Linkages for sustainable development

In the Mekong Delta, practice has shown that production-consumption linkages are the key to helping farmers escape passivity and reduce market risks. Many localities have been actively developing agricultural value chains that connect farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises - ensuring stable outlets and enhancing product value.

In Tay Ninh, Long Chu commune currently has three agricultural cooperatives, two crop farms, and seven livestock farms applying VietGAP, VietGAHP, and biotechnology standards. The adoption of advanced techniques has helped effectively control diseases, ensure food safety, and reduce emissions. Similarly, in Hao Duoc commune, four cooperatives and two agricultural production groups have established close partnerships with businesses in both production and marketing, enabling farmers to maintain stable profits.

According to Mr. Truong Tan Dat, Deputy Director of the Tay Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province now operates multiple production-consumption linkage chains. In crop cultivation, these include rice, fruit, and maize; in livestock, cattle; and in aquaculture, freshwater species. These linkage chains have proven effective over time, contributing to stable market access and farmer income.

For Dong Thap, agriculture remains the province’s key economic sector. With its strengths in products such as rice, mango, dragon fruit, pangasius, ornamental flowers, and many high-value fruit crops, the province has great potential to become a hub for green, high-quality agricultural production serving both domestic and international markets.

According to Mr. Le Ha Luan, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province has identified five strategic directions for the 2025-2030 period, with technology serving as the foundation for developing agriculture and the environment in the new era. In the near term, the focus is on developing specialized commodity production zones, applying high-tech, smart, and low-emission agriculture, and strengthening product consumption linkages.

Meanwhile, in Vinh Long, the province has been implementing the 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Project. To date, pilot models have been carried out in two agricultural cooperatives and expanded to six key rice-producing communes. As a result, local farmers have become increasingly aware and begun shifting from traditional to sustainable farming practices, aiming to reduce emissions, increase income, and protect the environment.

Speaking about this model, Mr. Lam Van Tan, Director of the Vinh Long Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that businesses and cooperatives are increasingly active participants in the production value chain— a positive highlight in the project's implementation. The linkage model between enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers is gradually taking shape, laying an important foundation for sustainable rice production.

“In the coming time, Dong Thap will focus on implementing strategic directions to improve production efficiency while protecting natural resources and the environment. The core orientation is to restructure agriculture toward ecology, low emissions, high technology, and comprehensive digital transformation,” Mr. Tan shared.

The Mekong Delta is entering a new phase of development, marked by both opportunities and challenges. The exemplary farmers of this region not only embody creativity and resilience but also serve as a driving force for innovation - reaffirming the central role of farmers in building a green, modern, and sustainable agricultural sector.

On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Agriculture and Environment Day and the 1st National Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is organizing a series of events from July to December 2025. The centerpiece will be the anniversary celebration and the congress, scheduled for the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance. VAN News will broadcast the event live.

$ 1 = VND 26.306 - Source: Vietcombank.