Cao Phong flourishes

When mentioning Cao Phong, many people immediately think of the sweet taste of oranges and sugarcane. However, this countryside not only has fruit specialties but is also a place where cultural beauty and rich identity are preserved, where people are hard-working, strong, dare to think, dare to do to get rich from the advantages of their homeland.

Cao Phong Commune (including Cao Phong Town, Hop Phong Commune and the old Thu Phong Commune) is blessed with a temperate climate and fertile soil. On the foundation of the old Cao Phong farm, local people have long been attached to citrus fruit trees, especially orange trees. In recent years, Cao Phong has undergone a strong transformation: from small-scale production to concentrated growing areas, from traditional farming to the application of science and technology.

The whole commune has about 1,000 hectares of citrus fruit trees, covering 100% of the hamlets. Many households have become millionaires and billionaires thanks to oranges. Notably, the production area according to VietGAP standards is increasing, opening up opportunities for Cao Phong oranges to conquer not only the domestic market but also the world . Since 2023, the first batches of oranges have been available in the UK - something that few people thought of a few years ago.

Orange gardens laden with fruit in Cao Phong.

Ms. Bui Thi Mai, in sub-area 4, shared: “My family has converted the production area to VietGAP standards for 2 years now. Last season, although the initial investment cost was higher, the quality of the oranges increased significantly, the appearance was beautiful, the fruit was sweeter and especially sold at a good price. VietGAP oranges are much easier to consume, regular customers come to the garden to buy, sometimes even pre-order. This year, I believe the output will be even better, although I am still worried that the output is not really stable. But I think clean production is the trend, if we do it correctly, the product will be welcomed by the market.”

However, the development of citrus trees in Cao Phong still faces many difficulties. Post-harvest preservation, processing and packaging are still fragmented and small-scale. The production-consumption linkage model is not yet stable; production infrastructure is not synchronized with the expanded area. Farmers still have to cope with the market, lacking professional purchasing and distribution "locomotives". This is what makes the added value of citrus trees not meet expectations and poses potential risks in price.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, a long-time orange grower, confided: “The hardest part of growing oranges is selling them. There are years when the harvest is good but the price is low, looking at the whole orange garden makes me feel heartbroken. I hope the government and businesses have more policies and purchasing agencies so that people can feel secure in their production.”

According to the leader of Cao Phong Commune People's Committee, the locality is implementing many strategic solutions such as replanting citrus fruit trees according to VietGAP and organic standards; encouraging businesses to invest in production linkages; forming a closed value chain from planting, care to consumption and processing. The goal is that the majority of orange growers will join cooperatives or businesses; 100% of the business area is certified for food safety, of which more than 85% meet the standards.

Not stopping there, Cao Phong also focuses on researching and crossbreeding new varieties - oranges with few seeds, ripening in different seasons, adapting to climate change to not only "have a good harvest, good price" but also maintain the brand, protect the environment and public health.

Cao Phong is not only a fruit growing area but also a land of cultural convergence. In the area, there is also a cave complex of Dragon Head Mountain - a national scenic relic, attracting tourists to explore. In particular, Mung hamlet is an attractive eco-tourism community destination, attracting thousands of visitors to the "windy land" Cao Phong to check-in on the colorful flower hills, enjoy the fresh, cool air and experience the unique cultural identity. This harmony opens up the direction of agricultural development associated with eco-tourism, creating more value for each ripe orange season.

Cao Phong is facing a great opportunity to become a major citrus growing area in the region with products that meet international standards. If you have the opportunity to visit Cao Phong this season, when the ripe orange hills are about to enter the harvest season, you will understand why this place is called the land of sweetness - not only because of the sweet taste of the oranges but also because of the never-ending desire for change.

Hong Duyen

Source: https://baophutho.vn/cao-phong-khoi-sac-237888.htm