Grassroots in Hanoi have introduced new high-yielding, high-quality crop varieties that have shorter growth cycles and can adapt to weather conditions, resulting in economic benefits and helping address the challenges of climate change.

Agricultural production in Soc Son District, Hanoi. Photo: Trong Tung/The Hanoi Times

Support farmers with high-quality crop varieties

Nguyen Cong Ung, Director of the Dai Phat Livestock and General Services Cooperative in Phu Phuong Commune, Ba Vi District, said that the cooperative had planted 12 hectares of new climate-resistant potato varieties. The harvest met quality standards and yielded an average of 14 tons per hectare, generating approximately VND200 million (US$7,875) per hectare. This new potato variety has proven to be economically advantageous for the cooperative. 

Meanwhile, potato by-products were processed into organic fertilizer for spring rice cultivation, supporting green and safe agricultural practices.

Vu Thi Huong, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Extension Center, said the state agency has introduced new high-yielding crop varieties to enhance agricultural production efficiency. These varieties are designed to adapt to climate change and improve local incomes.

She added that Hanoi has supported farmers with new high-quality potato varieties on 55 hectares in Tam Dong and Tu Lap communes (Me Linh District), Hien Ninh and Dong Xuan communes (Soc Son District), and Phu Luu Commune (Ung Hoa District). A total of 154 households are involved in this initiative, using Julinka and Atlantic potato varieties.

In addition, the city helped 186 families in Hoa Nam Commune (Ung Hoa District) and Phuc Lam Commune (My Duc District) plant 30 hectares of Julinka potatoes to help them recover from flooding, with a germination rate of over 90%.

The city has also supported 28 households to introduce biomass maize production suitable for climate adaptation and market demand, using the NK7328 variety on 20 hectares in Minh Chau (Ba Vi District). Technical staff regularly monitor pest conditions and implement timely control measures.

Huong emphasized that these new varieties facilitate the transfer of scientific advances and encourage farmers to change their agricultural practices. The move also ensures traceability from seed selection to market supply.

"Thanks to these efforts, districts and towns in Hanoi can choose high-yield, high-quality varieties to improve their local agricultural structures, paving the way for economic transformation and higher incomes for residents," said the director.

Establishment of model farms to support adoption efforts

 Safe vegetable area in Thuong Tin District, Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Anh/The Hanoi Times

The director of the Hanoi Agricultural Extension Center acknowledged that new agricultural production models in the region face several challenges, including small-scale farming and limited adoption of scientific advances by some farmers. In addition, uneven infrastructure in specialized agricultural areas hinders large-scale farming, and the market for agricultural products remains unstable.

Nguyen Thi Chinh, Director of the Me Linh District Agricultural Service Center, urged relevant authorities to continue supporting the establishment of model farms to demonstrate their effectiveness and facilitate wider adoption. Local authorities need to step up efforts to raise awareness among residents and cooperatives about incorporating new and safe crop varieties into production, she said.

Nguyen Manh Phuong, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, suggested that local authorities should focus on developing concentrated production areas and investing in related infrastructure to help farmers and cooperatives integrate new varieties into their operations. It is also important to guide farmers on production strategies to prevent oversupply and significant price drops during harvest seasons. The department is committed to working with localities to promote the application of advanced technical innovations and introduce new crop varieties that are high-yield and climate-resilient.

“Hanoi will continue to support cooperatives by facilitating visits to new agricultural production models and strengthening trade links between cooperatives and local farmers through promotional events and fairs. This initiative aims to secure consumption contracts and enable farmers and cooperatives to expand their production," the deputy director said. 

Hanoi’s agricultural sector is targeting a growth rate of 2.5-3% in 2024, according to the plan of the Hanoi People's Committee. The sector will focus on restructuring, regaining growth momentum by improving production efficiency, adding value, and expanding the market.

The city will prioritize the development of commodity agriculture concentration and the introduction of new technologies that offer high productivity, quality, environmental benefits, and adaptability to climate change.

The sector will promote green and smart organic agriculture and link it with urban development, rural tourism, service sectors and experiential education.