Promoting circular economy from straw through 'Mushroom Farmers' Festival'

(Chinhphu.vn) - On September 23, at Tien Thuan Agricultural and Service Cooperative (Thanh Quoi Commune, Can Tho City), the "Mushroom Farmer Festival" took place with the participation of nearly 300 farmers and delegates.

Demonstration of mechanized technology for organic fertilizer production from straw - Photo: VGP/LS

Converting sustainable production models from agricultural by-products

The event was organized by the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Can Tho City in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA), to promote the application of the circular economic model from rice straw within the framework of the Project "Sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030".

The festival demonstrated advanced techniques in growing straw mushrooms indoors and outdoors, along with mechanized technology for producing organic fertilizer from straw. Convincing figures from pilot models showed outstanding efficiency: Rice yield increased by 10-15% when using fertilizer from straw compared to 100% chemical fertilizer, at the same time, circular straw management models helped reduce an average of 3-5 tons of CO₂ equivalent/ha compared to traditional straw burying practices.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Khai, representative of Tien Thuan Agricultural Cooperative ( Can Tho City), excitedly shared: "Before, my family just burned straw, now we know how to make mushrooms and compost organic fertilizer from straw. We have more income, the land is better, and most importantly, there is no more smoke and dust."

Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Vice President of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association, talks with farmers attending the "Rump Mushroom Growing Festival" - Photo: VGP/LS

Orientation for green and sustainable agricultural development

Through 25 training and demonstration events in 6 provinces of the Mekong Delta, the projects have brought comprehensive effectiveness in improving the capacity of 2,097 farmers, cooperative members and agricultural extension officers. Five sustainable business models have been formed and operated successfully, creating jobs for more than 500 workers, helping farmers increase their income by 25-35% compared to just growing rice alone.

Mr. Eisen Bernardo, Expert of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), affirmed: Through accompanying the 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice project, we have witnessed an impressive change in farmers' thinking. From the habit of burning straw in the traditional way, people have gradually become open and enthusiastic about the circular economic model when they see the practical benefits of growing mushrooms and producing organic fertilizer from straw.

"To promote this model to develop more strongly, there needs to be financial support policies to help farmers access machinery, strengthen the role of cooperatives and build value chains connecting with businesses producing animal feed, fertilizers and bioenergy," Mr. Eisen Bernardo emphasized.

Technical staff guide the process of growing straw mushrooms indoors and outdoors - Photo: VGP/LS

Breakthrough of circular agriculture

Referring to this issue, Ms. Pham Thi Minh Hieu, Head of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Can Tho City, confidently stated: "Today's festival is not only an opportunity for exchange and learning, but also an important milestone marking the maturity of the circular agricultural model in the locality. The results achieved far exceed initial expectations, creating a strong motivation for us to continue to expand and perfect these models throughout the city."

Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Permanent Vice President, General Secretary of VIETRISA shared: In many years of accompanying farmers, I have never seen such a strong and positive change in rice production, especially with regard to straw. From regularly burning straw causing pollution, farmers now know how to turn "by-products" into a stable source of income.

In particular, increasing farmers' income and behaving better towards the environment contribute to a positive direction for the future of Vietnam's rice production - green, responsible, smart and sustainable.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/thuc-day-kinh-te-tuan-hoan-tu-rom-ra-qua-ngay-hoi-nong-dan-trong-nam-102250923190137343.htm