The change has not been easy, but it has seen positive results in some localities. One of the first places in Hanoi to receive organic certification is Thượng Phúc Village in Chuong My District.
Over the past 3 years, 100% of Thuong Phuc's rice production no longer uses chemical fertilisers. Instead, they use manure and compost. This new method of growing rice no longer uses herbicides or insecticides.
Three years ago, these farmers were reluctant to return to the traditional method of growing rice they abandoned 20 years ago. At first only a few families decided to start growing organic rice with just 2 hectares. But the results were unexpected: Organic rice yielded only 430 kgs per hectare, but the selling prices were two times higher than conventional rice.
"We used to use pesticides so it was less work. When we first switched to organic, we didn't like it so we had to keep encouraging each other. When we applied organic fertilisers, the leaves were tougher and there were fewer pests, so from now on until harvest time, the rice plant is fertilised only once", Nguyen Thi Toan - Thuong Phuc village, Chuong My District, Hanoi City - said.
Farmers are now aware of the effects of chemicals. Thanks to a great deal of motivation and support, Phuc Thuong farmers have been successful with their organic rice production.
"The staff were determined to do it, so together with JICA, we went to each household to discuss the methods with them and plan each area. At first, we took care of the water irrigation system and the breed, then we showed them how to do the technical aspects, and lastly we took care of the output", Phan Van Thanh - Director of Dong Phu Cooperative, Chuong My District, Hanoi - said.
The rice of Thuong Phuc village is labeled with an address and photo of the producer. It is certified organic and has become very popular with consumers. At 1.5 USD per kilo, farmers can now earn over 7000 USD per person per one ha of organic rice.
