The watermelon cultivation model of Ha Van Thai in Chieng Ha hamlet, Mai Ha commune, Mai Chau district, brings in 120 million VND (4,740 USD) in revenue per year.

Nowadays, every resident of Mai Chau district knows about the Mai Ha watermelon brand. Watermelon has long been suited to this land, characterised by large fruit, red flesh, and sweeter taste compared to those grown in other regions, thus attracting buyers from many localities.

Ha Van Thai in Chieng Ha hamlet is one of the first households to cultivate watermelon in the region. His family has been growing watermelon for over 10 years, he said, adding that previously, he cultivated various crops, but they failed to bring in good profits.

Upon noticing that the climate and soil conditions here are favourable for watermelon farming and it can generate good income, his family has focused on watermelon cultivation. Now they have 2,000 sq.m of the fruit. With selling prices ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 VND per kilogramme, his family earns about 120 million VND a year from watermelon cultivation.

Having seen high profits from growing watermelon, many households in Chieng Ha hamlet and in the neighbourhood have shifted to cultivating this type of fruit as it brings in higher income, which is two to three times higher than growing rice. Many families in the commune have become better off thanks to expanding watermelon production.

According to Thai, Mai Ha watermelon has become a recognised brand. Households with small plots have several hundred square metres for watermelon cultivation, while some even have up to several thousand square metres.

Watermelons are grown almost all year round. There are 3-4 watermelon crops a year, but the main one is still around Tet (Lunar New Year) because it is in great demand at that time and can fetch good prices, so people focus on producing more to supply to the market.

Vi Van Phao in Lau hamlet said to get big, red-fleshed and sweet watermelons, proper care technique is crucial. In addition, farmers need to regularly follow weather forecasts and adjust tending practices for optimal growth and development to ensure watermelons are of high quality and sold at higher prices.

According to Vice Chairman of the Mai Ha commune People's Committee Vi Thi Thanh, Mai Ha watermelon are grown in line with VietGAP standards and are labeled with barcodes and quality verification stamps.

For Mai Ha watermelons to be on sale in supermarkets and safe food store chains nationwide, growers must ensure stringent product regulations in line with VietGAP standards, she noted.

Ha also underlined the need to establish a linkage between enterprises and farmers in a sustainable production chain, thus helping local people to promote their potential and strengths, becoming prosperous on their homeland.

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