(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./.
Maximizing local potential and advantages, Yen Tri commune in Yen Thuy district is actively promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs and turning medicinal herbs into One Commune - One Product (OCOP) products.
Situated at the gateway to the Northwest, Hoa Binh province has a population of over 900,000, including about 540,000 of working age. It is home to 6,000 businesses and production facilities, providing employment for over 100,000 workers. The remaining workforce is engaged in informal jobs, works in enterprises outside the province, or contributes to agro-forestry-fisheries. Additionally, around 3,000 workers are employed abroad.
The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee has issued Decision No. 2767/QD-UBND announcing the rankings of departments, agencies, districts and Hoa Binh city in the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR) and the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) in 2024.
The cultivation of Dam Xanh fish (Bangana lemassoni), a unique fish species, has seen remarkable growth in Mai Chau district, thanks to its high economic value and effectiveness. Initially concentrated in Van Mai commune, farming has now extended to four other communes, namely Mai Hich, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau, and Son Thuy. These areas benefit from pristine underground water flowing from mountain crevices, providing ideal conditions for raising this specialty fish.
In 2024, the total state budget revenue of Hoa Binh Province is estimated at approximately VND 6,930 billion, achieving 183% of the Government’s target, 126% of the target assigned by the Provincial People's Council, and 145% compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, Hoa Binh province has shown signs of improvement in attracting investment and developing enterprises.