Transforming barren land into a farm

The Nguyet Ban area in Cao Duc commune (Gia Binh district) was previously exploited for the production of handmade bricks, with many areas becoming pits and swamps that were very difficult to cultivate for agriculture. With the mindset of consolidating large areas for commercial agricultural production, Mr. Nguyen Van Linh transformed nearly 40 hectares of land in the Nguyet Ban area into a farm producing carrots, cantaloupes, and watermelons, generating tens of billions of dong in revenue annually.

Mr. Nguyen Van Linh's 40-hectare farm generates tens of billions of dong in revenue annually.

Despite the scorching summer heat, dozens of workers are diligently trimming melon vines. Ms. Nguyen Thi Viet, one of the seasonal workers at the farm, said: “For those of us who are too old to be hired by factories in the industrial zone, earning around 6-7 million VND per month from seasonal work at Mr. Nguyen Van Linh’s family farm is very meaningful. All the work is assigned on a piecework basis, so we take advantage of every opportunity to work, even in the hot weather.”
Seeing Mr. Nguyen Van Linh's farm firsthand, few would know that it was once an abandoned "oasis." Originally from Hai Duong province, while trapping birds in Nguyet Ban beach, he noticed that the land was suitable for growing vegetables and fruits but was being left fallow, a great waste. Therefore, in 2008, he leased the entire area of ​​about 40 hectares to renovate and cultivate it.
Having a stable income from his construction job, when he decided to switch to agriculture, both his wife and children objected because farming involved many risks, not to mention the difficult farming conditions. However, he remained determined. Speaking with us, he said: “Although it’s abandoned land after being used for handmade brick production, the soil here is very good, enriched with alluvial deposits, making it suitable for growing short-term crops.” Mr. Linh then began improving the land and building his farm.
In early 2009, he started planting his first carrot crop; however, due to heavy rains and rising river levels, the entire area was submerged and he lost everything. After this failure, Mr. Linh learned a lesson: the most important thing for farmers is to firmly grasp the principle of "seasonal crops." Accordingly, crops like carrots and sugar beets, with a growing season of about 80-90 days, are only suitable for winter production. During the rainy season, the area is often flooded, so it is only suitable for short-term crops like cantaloupe and watermelon, which can be harvested in about 40-45 days.
Mr. Linh further shared: “Carrots are very suitable for growing on alluvial soil and high floodplains. Along with factors such as the variety, the soil preparation before planting, ensuring it is dry, loose, and especially free of pathogens, is very important. During the production process, the entire farm only uses organic fertilizers and biological products. The average yield reaches 2.5-3 tons/acre, with good quality and appearance of the carrots, which are purchased directly from the field by the company and traders.”
Thanks to adhering to the "three no's" process – "no pesticides, no fertilizers of unknown origin, and no chemicals in processing and preserving products" – all of the farm's agricultural products always have a strong market position, especially sugar beets and carrots. Currently, the farm produces over 30 hectares of vegetables and fruits annually. In addition to selling to traders at wholesale agricultural markets, Mr. Linh exports 1,500-2,000 tons of various agricultural products to Japan and South Korea each year, generating nearly 10 billion VND in revenue, with a profit of nearly 1 billion VND per year after deducting expenses.
With the achievements in land consolidation, the formation of large-scale commercial agricultural production farms, and the creation of regular and seasonal jobs for dozens of workers, Mr. Nguyen Van Linh was honored to receive Certificates of Commendation from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ), the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province, etc., for his outstanding achievements in production and business.

Nguyen Tuan

Source: https://baobacninh.vn/bien-at-bai-thanh-trang-trai-97917.html