Mountainous resident starts business from organic vegetable farming

9/27/2017 - 7:48:03 AM

HBO – Visiting Quyet Chien commune, Tan Lac district, this time, we made an appointment with Dinh Thi Quyet, head of the Quyet Chien Cooperative. Although it was established recently, the cooperative supplies several tonnes of organic vegetables for the Hanoi and Vinh Phuc markets everyday.

Dinh Thi Quyet prepares chayote shoots to be sold at wholesales markets in Hanoi.

Located nearly 1,000 metres above the sea level, the Quyet Chien commune has cool climate suitable with many kinds of vegetables. Many years ago, several companies eyed this land to plant vegetables and considered it a "miniature of Da Lat”.

Thanks to these advantages, over the past time, the province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other organisations have carried out many projects supporting the development of organic farming of vegetables in the area. With the hope to switch to profitable crops, Quyet and other households have actively participated in these projects. Talking to us, Quyet said: "locals have planted forests, corns and other food crops on this land for generations. However, these crops produce low economic efficiency. So it is difficult for us to escape from poverty. After being trained, I began planting vegetables on nearly 5,000sq.m of land owned by my family. Participating in the project, we received assistance in the form of seeds, capital and more importantly, we gained access to advanced cultivation technologies from experts and different regions, so that we can learn from experience and determine our own ways. Among the vegetables planted here, chayote is the most suitable in terms of climate and cultivation conditions and customs of mountainous residents. Chayote is easy to plant with little care and prolonged harvest, so we have regular incomes”.

Quyet also visited wholesales markets in Hoa Binh city and Hanoi to seek consumption partners. She learnt that many people liked chayote shoots and the price remained stable. She set up direct ties with dealers at these markets, and then purchased vegetables of locals and hired cars to transport to dealers in Hanoi.

Quyet said, "Along with vegetables planted on my family’s 5,000sq.m land, I buy vegetables of villagers. When they trust in me, they want to sell at stable volume and prices. When delivering vegetables for distributors, the price is sometimes low due to several objective reasons, but to maintain stable supply, I myself have to bear the loss, so that villagers feel secured to continue their plantation”.

Sharing her experience in planting organic vegetables, Quyet said: "unlike in other areas, in our place chayote shoots can be harvested all the year round. As the area is surrounded by rocky mountain, we do not have to water regularly and fertilise much. The plant also suits local soil and does not attract pests. Therefore, the organic plantation is pretty easy”.

When the Quyet Chien cooperative was established, Quyet was elected as its head. At that time, 30 households participated in the cooperative with the understanding that they can only gain a firm foothold on the market by planting clean and organic vegetables. At present, together with chayote, the Quyet Chien cooperative also received help to farm off-season turnip and cabbage./.

Workers excited to return to work after Tet

After the Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays, trade union members and workers in Hoa Binh province returned to work with an excited spirit at the beginning of the new spring. Throughout the workshops, factories and enterprises, they were full of enthusiasm, immediately getting to work, striving to excellently complete tasks and production and business targets.

Sweet, fragrant red grapefruit of Tan Lac

Red grapefruit is a native crop of Tan Lac district, where the fertile soil and favourable climate create ideal conditions for its growth. With over 80% of the area being mountainous, at an altitude of 300-400 metres above sea level, red grapefruits here thrive on well-drained, fertile hillside soil. The region’s large temperature variation between day and night enhances the fruit's nutrient absorption. The local cultivation techniques also contribute to its uniqueness

Business association pledges support for local firms

The provincial business association recently convened a conference to review its 2024 operations and outline plans for 2025. The meeting was attended by Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Bui Duc Hinh along with leaders from various departments and agencies.

Hoa Binh focuses on rural transportation infrastructure development

Hoa Binh province is prioritising rural transportation infrastructure to improve mobility, facilitate trade, and boost socio-economic development.

Two products in Hoa Binh have been recognized as “National OCOP products”

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has just issued Decision No. 377/QD-BNN-VPĐP approving the results of the evaluation and classification of the products of the National One Commune One Product Program in 2024 (phase 3).

Bustling Tet market

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, the market becomes more vibrant than ever. In Hoa Binh province, preparations for Tet have been bustling since the 20th of the last lunar month, with an abundant supply of goods to meet the growing consumer demand.