Binh Thuan Rice: Towards the Gia An Rice Brand

This progress has attracted an increasing number of participants to the cooperative.

Leading the way in Scientific and Technical Application

Established in 2015 with 12 members, the Gia An Agricultural Service Cooperative faced numerous challenges, particularly due to the limited awareness among some local farmers. Additionally, the traditional practice of small-scale production made it difficult for members to invest confidently in the cooperative. At that time, the cooperative struggled with operational funding, had not yet accessed financial institutions, lacked information on credit policy consulting, and had no assets to use as collateral. Mobilizing human resources for development processes was fraught with difficulties.

The rice seed production area of the Gia An Cooperative

Recognizing that all members primarily relied on rice cultivation, the Gia An Cooperative established a clear operational direction, guiding its members in adopting scientific and technical advancements and transitioning to more commercial crop and livestock production. In 2015 and 2016, the cooperative continuously sent members to Can Tho to learn rice production techniques at the Technology Transfer Center of the Mekong Delta Rice Institute. Those who participated in the training were responsible for sharing their knowledge with fellow members, gradually raising awareness about the application of scientific techniques in production and phasing out outdated farming practices. Thanks to these dedicated learning efforts, a new path for the Gia An Cooperative began to unfold in 2017.

Gia An Cooperative Partners with the Mekong Delta Rice Institute for Seed Production

The Gia An Agricultural Service Cooperative has established a partnership with the Mekong Delta Rice Institute to engage in rice seed production. To gain practical experience, the cooperative hired 26 experts from Can Tho to provide guidance on proper planting techniques and rice care according to established protocols. Transitioning from traditional rice farming to seed production proved challenging for many cooperative members, with some expressing frustration and even contemplating withdrawal. This is because seed production requires meticulous attention to detail at every stage, making it more labor-intensive than producing commercial rice.

From the initial steps of selecting seeds and soaking them to planting and maintaining proper spacing as dictated by the partnering organization, the process is rigorous. Additionally, the tasks of sterilization and filtering out impurities are more demanding. While farmers typically filter out impurities in commercial rice one or two times, seed production necessitates up to four rounds of filtering.

However, participating in seed production offers farmers scientific and technical support, partial funding for fertilizers and pesticides, guaranteed product off-take, and access to rice seeds at prices lower than market rates, providing them with peace of mind in their production efforts.

In 2023, the Gia An Cooperative partnered with Loc Troi Company to implement machine planting in the cooperative’s seed production area in the Bac Song Lo Ba Hang region, covering an area of 25 hectares with the OM18 rice variety. Furthermore, the cooperative regularly collaborates with OMON Can Tho Agricultural Technology Transfer Company to carry out certified seed propagation in the commune. Throughout the 2023 crop seasons, the Gia An Cooperative has produced over 45 hectares of rice varieties such as OM5451, OM18, and OS20, achieving yields exceeding 5 tons per hectare, with a total output of over 225 tons of seed rice annually.

Not only the Gia An Agricultural Service Cooperative is a leader in rice seed production in the region, but it has also been at the forefront of introducing new rice varieties. In 2019, the cooperative brought the OM18 rice variety to the area for trial cultivation and organized field workshops for local farmers to assess its viability. Due to its outstanding characteristics, high yield, and strong resistance to pests and diseases, many cooperative members registered to purchase the OM18 seeds for large-scale production. However, as a new variety at the time, OM18 faced a lukewarm market response, with traders exerting downward pressure on prices. In response, the Board of Directors of the Gia An Cooperative stepped in to purchase rice from its members at market prices. This intervention allowed cooperative members to confidently continue their production, and today, the OM18 variety has become a staple crop in Gia An commune.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dong, a member of the Gia An Cooperative since its inception, shared that joining the cooperative was a wise decision for him. Through his participation, his family not only received technical guidance and applied scientific and technological advancements in rice production but also had opportunities to attend technical training sessions and workshops hosted by various organizations. This has significantly enhanced members’ knowledge and production experience, contributing to improved living standards for their families.

In addition to the efforts of the Gia An Cooperative members, the cooperative has also received support from the Gia An Commune People’s Committee and specialized departments of Tan Linh district. Mr. Nguyen Phu Yen, Chairman of the Gia An Commune People’s Committee, noted that during its early days, the cooperative operated hesitantly and did not fully demonstrate its potential. However, it has since excelled in its role, leading the way in applying scientific techniques, introducing new rice varieties, and securing stable markets for its members. The development of the Gia An Cooperative has played a crucial role in helping the commune achieve its targets for enhanced rural development.

To further bolster the growth of the Gia An Cooperative in the future, the commune has implemented supportive policies, such as prioritizing access to preferential agricultural financing and allocating 15 to 20 hectares of land for the cooperative to ensure stable rice seed production. The commune has also planned to assign the Gia An Cooperative to manage irrigation services, ensuring reliable water supply for irrigation and drainage.

After nine years since its establishment, the Gia An Agricultural Service Cooperative has expanded from an initial 12 members to 61 today. The joint ventures and collaborations between Gia An Cooperative and various enterprises have begun to yield positive results, enhancing the cooperative’s production capacity, competitiveness, and product quality, while ensuring tangible benefits for both the cooperative and its members.

The Gia An Cooperative has played a significant role in promoting household economies, supporting farmers and members in organizing production to increase the output of agricultural commodities. It has successfully mobilized resources to boost industry development and shift the economic structure in agriculture and rural areas, contributing to job creation and increased income for members and workers. Additionally, it has played a part in infrastructure development and addressing various social issues.

In August 2024, the Gia An Cooperative was granted a planting area code by the Plant Cultivation and Protection Department under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a 15.5-hectare rice production area. This certification provides a favorable condition for the Gia An Cooperative to expand its production scale and gradually build the Gia An rice brand.