‘Fields of Knowledge’ in Noi Bai

Noi Bai Commune (Hanoi) is holding in-field classes, equipping farmers with organic farming techniques, fostering trust in sustainable agriculture, and creating new livelihoods.

Learning and Practicing Farming Directly in the Fields

Where knowledge ‘sprouts’ from the soil

Vice Chairman of Noi Bai Commune People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tan affirmed that ecological agriculture is a vital link in a diversified livelihood chain, connecting the land, people, and markets. Persistently pursuing this model, despite a challenging starting point, comes with strong determination.

In these ‘classrooms in the field’, there are more than just dry theoretical lectures. Guided by members of the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association, farmers directly enter the fields, observe field processes, compare theoretical farming techniques, keep farm logbooks, and learn the conditions for participating in the PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) chain right on their own land.

Under PGS Vietnam standards, farmers must strictly follow the rule of 100% synthetic chemical-free farming and undergo quality inspections at least 3 times a year. Only with this transparency can Noi Bai organic vegetables uphold their brand and maintain stable selling prices that are 1.5 to 2 times higher than conventionally grown vegetables.

This model helps farmers shift from manual laborers to masters of the entire process. At the same time, it helps them realize that organic farming is not merely avoiding chemicals, but a comprehensive technical system requiring meticulous attention, patience, and a high sense of responsibility.

‘Keeping the flame’ of livelihoods alive amidst ongoing challenges

While local vegetables have entered strict supermarket chains like AEON, the journey to develop organic farming in Noi Bai remains fraught with challenges. These difficulties authentically reflect the ongoing tension between traditional economic models and modern agricultural trends.

Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agriculture Services and Business Cooperative. Photo: _Nguyen Ha._

An analysis by Mr. Hoang Van Hung, Director of Bai Thuong Organic Agriculture Services and Business Cooperative, highlighted two core challenges. First is the strictness of the modern market: meeting high-quality standards means production risks are ever-present, where even a minor mistake can result in produce being rejected.

Second, the greatest challenge lies in labor resources. Organic farming demands high technical skills, meticulousness, and patience, yet must fiercely compete with industrial zones for labor. To maintain organic production, about 100 to 120 workdays per hectare per crop season are required—30 to 40% higher than conventional farming.

Meanwhile, Ms. Tran Thi Tho, one of the pioneering farmers, shared her concerns regarding consumption capacity. When supermarket purchasing power declines while traditional markets still favor cheaper conventional vegetables, cooperative outlets are directly impacted. This is a systemic issue requiring stronger market linkage and intervention from local authorities and related organizations.

A corner of the organic vegetable growing area. Photo: _Nguyen Ha._

Addressing these concerns, Noi Bai Commune has committed to continuing its partnership with the Association and the PGS network to support farmers in technical expertise, production organization, and market linkage, demonstrating its dedicated commitment. The ultimate goal is to build a complete organic vegetable value chain, making ecological agriculture a defining highlight of the locality.

_(According to Nguyen Ha – Agriculture & Environment Newspaper)_