Urban agriculture model has yet to appear much.

It is necessary to build an urban agriculture in conformity with the rapid industrialization and urbanization process.

High economic value

Word of urban agriculture remains strange with many people but urban agriculture has been emerged at the Southern districts of the province such as Ben Cat, Di An, Thuan An and Thu Dau Mot town. The foundation of the urban agriculture is an essential and proper process with local development progress. Urban agriculture means agriculture with small area of cultivation, high content of tech-science and high investment capital.

In 2009, Binh Duong Center for Agricultural Promotion conducted 122 pilot locations of urban agriculture models such as models of growing gladiolus, tuberose, orchid, clean vegetables, mushroom and breeding ornamental fishes.

In reality, urban agriculture remains strange with residents. In Thuan An district, many residents 10 years ago paid attention to building agricultural models in conformity with local fast urbanization process. At present, the district has emerged urban agriculture models of growing mushroom, hydroponic vegetable, ornamental tree and so on. However, the model has yet to match local agricultural potential. Truong Cong Thach, vice head of the district economic division, said “urban agriculture model requires farmers to apply advanced techniques and grasp market demand”. High investment capital is also a factor making farmers ignore the model. On average, the model needs VND30-40mil for investment capital, models of growing orchid require about billions of VND. Besides, consumption market remains restrictions, causing difficulties for urban agriculture’s development. According to many people, the urban agriculture model brings an 8-10 fold income over traditional agricultural models.

Proper policies needed

Urban agriculture is an advanced, environmentally friendly agriculture and places jobs and increases income for laborers. The concrete goals of local agricultural industry till 2020 including a 4% rise of agro-forestry and fishery production value require a great attention. Urban agriculture needs incentives to facilitate sustainable development.

With the fast industrialization and urbanization in the province, urban agriculture plays an important role that needs training courses and tech transfers to lure participants. Therefore, Binh Duong agriculture will develop harmoniously and equilibrately and brings high economic value.

Reported by D.Binh – Translated by A.C