When agricultural cooperatives participate in tourism development

In recent years, tourism activities have achieved significant economic benefits for many localities, especially in rural areas. In this field, cooperatives play an important role, not only bringing direct efficiency from production, but also generating revenue from the tourism industry.

Tapping existing advantages

Under the goal of developing agricultural cooperatives associated with sustainable agriculture and high added value, in recent years, many localities in the province have taken advantage of existing advantages to set up many agricultural and ecological tourism models, attracting more tourists. Nguyen Van Tien, Director of Dan Tien Agricultural Cooperative in North Tan Uyen district’s Tan Dinh commune said that when his income from rubber trees decreased, he has quickly converted to growing citrus trees.

Agricultural production model in combination with ecotourism development at Dan Tien Agricultural Cooperative in North Tan Uyen district’s Tan Dinh commune

He participated in technical training classes organized by provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DoARD). Encouraged by provincial DoARD, he established a cooperative with 7 members, producing on a total area of ​​50 hectares. Mr. Tien said that in the past, farmers here mainly did small-scale production and did not take full advantage of their potential. Since joining the cooperative, they have created a connection, contributing to promoting stable product consumption.

As of now, the cooperative has invested in a net house system and applied an automatic watering technology to tend its orchards. The cooperative mainly grows green-skin grapefruits and oranges under the VietGAP method. Besides, the cooperative combines production with agricultural tourism such as product collection, recreational fishing, swimming pool, camping... Mr. Tien said that with the motto of "green agriculture, peaceful living", visitors from far places can immerse themselves in a cool atmosphere and enjoy rustic dishes.

As recorded, on holidays, Tet and summer vacation, a large number of visitors flock to the cooperative's orchards. The model of agricultural production cooperative combined with ecotourism has created potential for stable and sustainable development. However, according to Mr. Tien, to attract and retain tourists at farms, it is necessary to have standard food and accommodation service areas.

Paying attention to rural tourism development

Binh Duong has favorable natural conditions, with the Saigon, Dong Nai, Be river systems..., which is potential for developing rural ecotourism.

Tourists visit and learn about grapefruit attar products of Dan Tien Agricultural Cooperative

In fact, agricultural and ecological tourism models... are developing strongly in localities with the active participation of agricultural cooperatives. Agricultural and ecological tourism models...are invested, exploited and managed through cooperatives in accordance with the capacity of rural people and more pervasive factors. Especially, each cooperative in localities can build different tourism models, creating diversity, but still retaining the uniqueness of each locality to attract more tourists. Since then, agricultural products and cultural values ​​of the countryside have spread widely.

To remove obstacles in order to promote agricultural tourism development, provincial People's Committee has issued a plan to implement a rural tourism development program in new-style rural construction for the period of 2021-2025. Accordingly, promoting the development of rural tourism associated with promoting the potential and advantages of traditional craft villages, orchards, high-tech agricultural areas, culture and ecological environment of the province in order to increase income, improve the material and spiritual lives of rural people, contribute to restructuring rural economy and building sustainable new-style rural areas.

Reported by Thoai Phuong-Translated by Kim Tin