Khiet Tam Cooperative Farm: A Model for Sustainable Agriculture

In Thanh Am Village, Can Tho City, Khiet Tam Cooperative Farm blends recycling, efficient resource use, and machinery support with ecological balance at the heart of its agroecological practices.

On the third day of the learning exchange, participants visited Khiet Tam Cooperative Farm in Can Tho City to share knowledge and experiences on rice production, particularly on the low-carbon rice model.

The activity began with a welcome from the cooperative leaders and local authorities, followed by an introduction to the history of the cooperative. Originally formed as a farmer group, the cooperative evolved with support from researchers and government programs, particularly through initiatives promoting low-carbon rice production models. Today, it serves as a demonstration site for sustainable agriculture, receiving support from both national and international partners.

Participants emphasized that yield variations are influenced by several factors, including farming practices, soil fertility, water availability, crop management strategies, and local environmental conditions.

Building on this, Pi Aum from Thailand provided a deeper context on rice production systems in her country. She explained that in the Northern, Southern, and Northeastern regions of Thailand, most farmers cultivate rice only once a year, primarily due to reliance on rainfed agriculture.

However, in areas with well-developed irrigation systems, particularly in the central plains such as the Chao Phraya Delta, farmers can produce 2-3 cropping cycles annually. She further highlighted that the main factors influencing single-season production include dependence on rainfed systems, soil type and conditions, limitations in water management infrastructure, and use of local varieties adapted to climate variability.

In irrigated areas, dry-season rice (Na Prang) typically achieves higher yields than wet-season rice (Na Pi) due to better control over water and crop management. In her own farm, Pi Aum reported an average yield of approximately 7.2 tons per hectare, supported by a combination of manual labor and mechanization across farming stages, including sowing, transplanting, harvesting, and post-harvest management.

She also shared Thailand’s use of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) as a water management strategy. This involves applying water during early stages to suppress weeds, periodically draining fields to reduce disease pressure and improve root development, and intentionally drying fields for short periods, a practice locally known as “Kaeng Kao” (challenging the rice), which strengthens crop resilience.

Organic and Agroecological Practices

Butz Buerom from the Philippines shared that organic farming reduces input costs by producing their own inputs; organic rice can be sold at 1.5 to 3 times the higher price, depending on market awareness, and crop rotation (e.g., legumes) helps restore soil fertility. However, challenges include lower yields during transition and limited consumer awareness in some countries.

The visit to Khiet Tam Cooperative Farm highlighted how organized farmer groups, supported by research and government programs, can successfully adopt sustainable and climate-resilient practices. The integration of low-carbon technologies, efficient water management, and cooperative systems provides a strong model for scaling agroecology in the region.

Equally important was the rich dialogue among farmers from different countries, reinforcing that while contexts may differ, the shared goal remains the same: to produce food that is environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and beneficial to both farmers and consumers.

Visit to Can Tho City Extension Center

After the visit to Mr. Huan’s farm and seed production center, the participants proceeded to the Can Tho City Agriculture Extension Centre, where they were hosted at the office of Dr. Bui Chuc Ly. During this visit, participants were introduced to a range of value-added products developed by farmers, including rice, tea, snacks, and other processed goods.

Dr. Ly and the team showed how these products were further enhanced through improved packaging, branding, and marketing strategies, highlighting the potential for farmers to move beyond raw production and enter higher-value markets. Participants were also shown sample brochures and ordering systems, illustrating how products are presented and distributed to consumers in a more organized and market-oriented manner.

Students from the university actively supported the activity by assisting participants as they explored and selected products, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment. The visit also included a rice tasting session featuring the ST25 variety, known as one of the best rice varieties in the region, as well as a tea tasting activity. These hands-on experiences allowed participants to directly assess product quality and better understand consumer preferences.

Overall, the experience broadened the participants’ perspectives, showing that there are multiple pathways to enhance product value and diversify income sources. It highlighted the important role of collaboration among government institutions, NGOs, and universities in supporting farmers, not only in production but also in product development, marketing, and enterprise growth.