Farmers' associations in Hoa Binh province have played a vital role in bringing knowledge, technology, and job opportunities closer to their members, opening new directions on their own fields and hillsides.
In Bu Cham hamlet, Thinh Minh commune, Hoa Binh city, farmer Do Van Chien, recognised as an Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer in 2021, exemplifies this transformation. Seeking a new path for cassava and canna crops, he invested in a starch processing line to make canna vermicelli using local raw materials. With support from the farmer associations at all levels, he attended training sessions in science, technology, and production management, leading to the creation of the Chien Tho vermicelli brand which is now a certified 3-star OCOP product widely sold within and beyond the province.
In the first quarter of 2025, the associations coordinated 13 vocational training classes for over 420 farmers in Lac Thuy and Luong Son districts, and Hoa Binh city. These courses equipped farmers with diverse skills, not only in agriculture but also in non-farm areas, helping rural residents diversify income and improve adaptability.
Along with training, technology transfer has been a focus. Forty-four sessions on crop and livestock techniques attracted the participation of nearly 1,800 farmers. The associations also helped bring 43 OCOP agricultural products to e-commerce platforms, expanding market access for Hoa Binh's farm produce. In the same period, the associations provided 518 tonnes of fertiliser and 3.4 tonnes of rice seeds, worth over 4.2 billion VND (162,000 USD), supporting farmers with high-quality inputs for modern production.
The emulation movement for innovation, mutual support, and poverty reduction has become a top priority for the provincial farmer association. Across the province, many farmers have experimented with and expanded into new crops, livestock, and rural industries, creating successful models such as organic vegetables, livestock raised under bio-safety methods, citrus fruit grown according to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, and homestay businesses.
However, some areas still lag in applying scientific and technological advances. According to Vice Chairman of the provincial Farmers Association Bui Duc Bien, this is partly due to farmers’ hesitancy to invest in modern methods. To address this, the associations continue to promote collective economic models, interest-based farmer groups, digital marketing for agricultural products, and home garden renovation advice. These initiatives aim to foster knowledge exchange and empower farmers to pursue modern, sustainable agriculture together.
The steering committee for key projects of Hoa Binh province convened on May 14 to assess the progress of major ongoing developments