In 2024, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Son La province piloted the IPHM application model in cantaloupe cultivation. After more than a year of implementation, the model has initially demonstrated practical effectiveness and has been actively received by farmers and is going to expand to many other crops.

IPHM - Smart agricultural solutions, adapting to climate change

IPHM (Integrated Plant Health Management) - Integrated plant health management system, built on the foundation of IPM (Integrated Pest Management), but with a more comprehensive and in-depth approach. If IPM focuses on pest control, IPHM aims to improve the overall health of crops, with special attention to soil improvement and protection, a vital factor in sustainable agriculture.

The IPHM model not only helps crops grow healthily but also minimizes the abuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the leading causes of environmental pollution, which affect human health and land degradation.

Guide farmers to care for cantaloupe plants.

Developing IPHM is a step in line with the strategy of green agriculture and organic agriculture, as well as adapting to climate change, while ensuring food safety and hygiene, which are urgent requirements in the trend of integration and sustainable development.

Through the process of implementing the model on cantaloupe plants, monitoring results show that the amount of chemical fertilizer used is reduced by 15-20%, and the rate of pests and diseases is reduced by 20-30% compared to traditional farming methods. In particular, toxic pesticide residues are strictly controlled, thereby ensuring food safety and health for both producers and consumers.

The IPHM model also contributes to reducing production costs, increasing productivity and quality of agricultural products, and helping people increase income per unit area. In addition, reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers also helps protect the environment, reducing the risk of water, land, and air pollution.

Farmers are proactive and produce more responsibly

One of the notable points of the model is the explicit change in farmers' awareness and actions. They no longer rely entirely on chemical measures in farming, but have become more concerned about soil health, choosing suitable varieties, applying crop rotation, intercropping, and using biological measures to prevent pests and diseases.

Son La farmers have begun to cultivate a responsible farming mindset, prioritizing quality and sustainability over output. It is a key factor in developing clean and safe agriculture, meeting the increasingly high demands of domestic and international markets.

Towards expanding and replicating the model

After initial positive results, the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection is developing a plan to expand the IPHM model to other crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, industrial crops, etc., at the same time, it is necessary to strengthen training and transfer techniques to people, creating conditions for the model to go into depth and develop sustainably.

The replication of IPHM not only brings economic benefits to farmers but also contributes to building a safe and effective agricultural production area, in line with the orientation of green, fast, and sustainable agricultural development of Son La province.

The IPHM model is not only a technical solution but also a strategic orientation for Son La agriculture in the future, when people, authorities, and professional units join in cooperation, this model will be a crucial boost to help Son La assert its position as a key agricultural region in the North, with high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly products.

Quoc Tuan

Translated by Tuan Minh Dang