Phu Giao commune follows the ‘cherishing crops’ philosophy

Under its 2026 agricultural extension plan, the Public Service Supply Center of Phu Giao commune (Ho Chi Minh City) has been working with the local Farmers’ Union to survey banana growing areas and monitor pest and disease situations. The goal is to gain a timely understanding of production conditions and guide farmers in applying appropriate technical measures to proactively prevent diseases and protect crop yields.

Surveys conducted in hamlet 8, Dong Tam hamlet, and Gia Bien hamlet show that banana cultivation currently covers approximately 300 hectares across the commune. Bananas are mainly grown as intercrops in rubber plantations or on garden land, with Cavendish bananas being the dominant variety. This variety is well-suited to local soil and climate conditions, provides stable yields, and delivers relatively high economic returns for farmers.

However, agricultural specialists have observed symptoms such as yellowing leaves, leaf-edge scorching, aging leaf desiccation, and poor plant growth in some orchards. Certain areas have revealed signs of leaf blight, leaf spot diseases, root-damaging nematodes, and potential outbreaks of Panama disease, one of the most serious threats to banana production if not promptly controlled.

Initial assessments indicate that these issues stem from several factors, including insufficiently controlled planting material, inadequate drainage systems, and increasingly erratic weather patterns characterized by prolonged heat followed by unseasonal rainfall. These conditions create favorable environments for fungi, nematodes, and other harmful organisms to develop and spread throughout banana plantations.

According to Nguyen Van Tam, a banana farmer in Dong Tam hamlet, many farmers used to take action only after disease symptoms became severe, resulting in limited effectiveness. “Since receiving guidance on orchard sanitation, drainage improvement, the use of disease-free planting material, and regular crop monitoring, our banana plantations have become much more stabilized. Early detection allows us to respond quickly, reduce losses, and lower spending on plant protection products,” he said.

In recent years, the Public Service Supply Center has worked closely with the Farmers’ Union to provide direct technical guidance to farmers. Recommended measures include selecting disease-free varieties, improving drainage systems, maintaining orchard hygiene, removing infected plants, applying balanced fertilization, and using plant protection products in accordance with official guidelines. Central to these efforts is the principle of preventing disease from the beginning of the season rather than waiting for outbreaks to spread before taking action.

From the perspective of Nguyen Hung Hai, Director of the Public Service Supply Center, linking technical knowledge with practical farming conditions is essential for effective farmer support. He emphasized the vigilance required from technical staff. They must remain close to production areas, monitor pest developments in each locality, and provide recommendations tailored to each farm’s specific conditions so that farmers can easily understand, adopt, and benefit from them.

The Phu Giao Farmers’ Union considers promoting disease-free planting materials, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management (IPM) among its members a key component of building a safe and sustainable agricultural sector. Through meetings, training sessions, and on-site technical guidance, farmers are gradually improving their understanding of plant health management, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides, and protecting the production environment.

Vu Hai Ly, Chairman of the Phu Giao Commune People’s Committee, said, “The commune is pursuing sustainable agricultural development by improving productivity and product quality while encouraging farmers to adopt safe production standards and gradually move toward organic farming. We will continue supporting farmers with high-quality, disease-resistant banana varieties and promoting advanced techniques such as water-saving irrigation, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management.”

Whether it is disease prevention in banana orchards or melon production in membrane houses, Phu Giao commune is steadily translating its “cherishing crops” philosophy into practical action. By staying close to farms, detecting pest and disease issues early, providing timely technical support, and accompanying farmers throughout the production process, the commune is laying a solid foundation for expanding Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) models, increasing agricultural value, and advancing safe and sustainable farming.