Ca Mau: Sweetness on the saline-acidic soil

Located at the southernmost tip of Vietnam, Nam Can commune in Ca Mau province is known not only for its vast mangrove forests and intricate network of rivers and canals, but also as a challenging land – a place where the soil is acidic and the water is saline almost year-round. Yet, thanks to the strong hands of soldiers, amidst the acidic soil, saline water, and harsh southern sun and wind, pineapple plants still bear golden fruit – a vivid testament to the unwavering will, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, and the enduring love for this land at the southernmost point of the country.

Returning to the 42nd Naval Squadron, under the command of the 4th Coast Guard Region, stationed in Nam Can commune, Ca Mau province, during the scorching hot days, amidst the dry, arid climate of this southernmost region, we were amazed to see rows of pineapple plants, straight and lush green, interspersed with ripening yellow fruits, emitting a gentle fragrance. In a place where only sea breezes, mud, and saline soil prevail year-round, pineapples—a plant not easily cultivated—thrive, inspiring both surprise and admiration.

Below are images of pineapple harvesting by officers and soldiers of the 42nd Naval Squadron, Region 4 Coast Guard:

The Queen pineapple garden is a test site of the 42nd Naval Squadron.

Without modern machinery or agricultural experts by their side, the soldiers of Naval Squadron 42 relied solely on experience, willpower, and teamwork to produce sweet, fragrant pineapples.

Each ripe pineapple represents a small step beyond the limits of nature and a silent victory for the soldier.

Harvesting pineapples.

The soldiers of Naval Squadron 42 beam with smiles as they reap the rewards of their hard work on the saline, acidic soil of Nam Can (Ca Mau).

With saline soil, a thin topsoil layer, and a year-round lack of freshwater, pineapple cultivation here seemed impossible. Yet, with unwavering determination, they gradually improved the soil, brought in water, replenished the topsoil, selected suitable varieties, and learned techniques from practical experience. The sweet pineapples grown in this saline land are not simply a supplementary product, but the culmination of the sweat, willpower, and perseverance of the officers and soldiers of Naval Squadron 42.

THUY AN (compiled)

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Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/tin-tuc/ca-mau-vi-ngot-tren-vung-dat-phen-man-839694