The Da Nang Farmers' Association and its chapters at all levels along with related units in the city have been increasing efforts to support members in implementing many effective agricultural models, contributing to the development of the local economy and improving the quality of life, while reducing poverty sustainably for residents.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung (left) has been successful with the calcium worm breeding model supported by the Da Nang Farmers' Association through training and guidance. Photo: NGOC QUOC

Since 2023, the Da Nang Farmers' Association has been conducting training for many households in Hoa Vang District on the biological bedding livestock farming model to improve barn sanitation, boosting resistance to diseases and reducing digestive disorders among livestock. In the case of Mr. Nguyen Van Bich, Hien Phuoc Village, Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, by applying this model, his farm has remained clean, and his chickens have grown quickly and healthily. He sells them twice a year, with the price ranging from VND 90,000 to VND 110,000 per kilogram.

In Bac An Village, Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District, Mr. Nguyen Tai was the first to successfully implement the model of growing long-legged mushrooms. Previously, Mr. Tai had tried farming snails, fish, and water lilies, but with little success.

In October 2024, the Da Nang Biotechnology Centre, in collaboration with the Farmers' Association in Hoa Vang District’s Hoa Tien Commune, supported Mr. Tai to trial the long-legged mushroom growing model. This new mushroom variety, researched by the Centre, is well-suited to the local climate and holds significant potential for commercial production. Mr. Tai received training on cultivation techniques, along with 1,700 mushroom spawn, sawdust, and clean soil.

In December 2024, Mr. Tai harvested over 250 kilograms of long-legged mushrooms during the first crop and supplied them to several markets across the city. Seeing the initial success, the Hoa Tien Commune-level Farmers' Association continued to work with the Biotechnology Centre to train 60 households in the area, expanding the long-legged mushroom growing model.

Previously, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, residing in Van Duong Village, Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, spent nearly VND 3 million per month to feed over 100 chickens, ducks, and a fish pond. However, since 2024, he has significantly reduced feed costs by successfully applying the calcium worm breeding model, as guided by the city's Farmers' Association.

Mr. Hung shared that black soldier flies lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which, when grown to maturity, are rich in calcium. Using calcium worms as feed helps livestock grow healthily, reduces the rate of disease, lowers feed costs, and increases profits for farmers. Each month, his income has increased by VND 7 to 8 million from selling calcium worms.

The calcium worm breeding project was launched by the municipal Farmers' Association in January 2023. By the end of 2024, the project had expanded to 184 households across the city. The immediate benefit is that people are using agricultural by-products and kitchen waste to breed worms, thus reducing waste and benefiting the environment. Many households that breed large numbers of calcium worms not only provide feed for livestock but also sell them to other residents, bringing in a stable monthly income.

According to the Chairman of the Da Nang Farmers' Association, Mr Nguyen Huu Thiet, to support farmers in developing economic models, aside from providing loans from the Farmers' Support Fund and the Social Policy Bank, the association regularly organizes science and technical training courses for its members.

For example, in 2024, the association organized over 100 training sessions, providing education, knowledge, and skills to 4,838 members; established 5 cooperatives, 23 cooperative groups, 50 professional farmers’ groups, and 24 professional farmers' subgroups, creating opportunities for members to link up and develop production, contributing to economic growth in local areas. Based on these achievements, the association continues to support members in expanding and developing successful agricultural models.

In particular, the association is focusing on the implementation of circular agricultural models to help farmers raise awareness of sustainable production practices, minimizing negative environmental impacts. These support activities include training on organic farming techniques, using biological fertilizers, handling and reusing agricultural by-products, and applying advanced technologies in production.

Reporting by NGOC QUOC - Translating by TRUC VY