(HBO) – Red-flesh dragon fruit farming has become increasingly popular in Lac Thuy district over the last 10 years. The district now has nearly 56 hectares under the tree, mostly in Ba Hang Doi township and Phu Thanh commune. Productivity is estimated at 18 – 20 tonnes per hectare on average and output reaches 810 – 900 tonnes per year.
A farmer works on his red-flesh dragon fruit farm in Ba Hang Doi township, Lac Thuy.
Red-flesh dragon fruit produced by Thanh Hoa agricultural and service cooperative has been recognised as a three-star "One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) product of the province. It is among the six OCOP products of Lac Thuy made available on e-commerce platforms in an effort to gain broader market access for the district’s farm produce. The district is also planning to expand intensive-farming areas of the fruit.
Ba Hang Doi township alone is home to 26 hectares of red-flesh dragon fruit cultivated by 40 households on T-shaped frames, the latest farming technique, which have not only helped improve productivity but also cut labour costs and generate 4 – 5 crops per year.
However, the farming of the fruit in the district has yet to achieve sustainability as most of the farming areas are on a small scale and the district has not developed a large-scale production zone for the sector. Additionally, seedling quality still varies and application of advanced technology and disease control remain limited.
Head of the district’s division of agriculture and rural development Ngo Dinh Tam said Lac Thuy is seeking a certification for the trademark "Lac Thuy Dragon Fruit” which is expected to finalise this year. It has been raising growers’ awareness of Production Unit Code and Packing House Code, accelerating the granting of the codes, and strengthening the management of the granted codes, he said, adding that these factors are crucial for local dragon fruit to enter foreign markets.
In the long term, the district needs to set sight on dried and juice products from the fruit in order to raise its values, he noted./.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on November 20 coordinated with Hai Dang Group Hoa Binh Seafood Company Limited to release 1.5 tonnes of fries into Hoa Binh Lake to regenerate aquatic resources, with a total value of 266 million VND (10,460 USD).
On the afternoon of November 16, Nguyen Phi Long, alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, held a reception for a delegation from the Indian Embassy led by Ambassador Sandeep Arya. The delegation included the chairperson of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, embassy personnel, and Indian businesses operating in Vietnam. Accompanying Long at the meeting were leaders of the provincial People's Committee and representatives from various departments and sectors.
Hoa Binh province hosted the "Meet India 2024" conference on November 16, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties between Vietnam and India.
In recent times, with its core role in building and fostering great national unity, Cao Phong district's Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee has actively carried out its responsibilities and front work, and closely collaborated with member organisations to encourage locals to implement the Party’s guidelines, and the State’s policies and laws. At the same time, it has worked to promote the dynamism, creativity, and contributions of officials, Party members, and local people to help the district develop further.
From a type of bulb used as a seasoning for daily meals, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and farmers, shallots have become a commercial crop in Yen Thuy district, contributing to promoting the transformation of crop structure in agricultural production, bringing higher incomes to locals.
