"The tree that brings wealth" in Bac Giang province.

On the gentle slopes of Bao Son commune, Luc Nam district, Bac Giang province, the pineapple plant has become a symbol of progress and prosperity through agriculture. The story of Mr. Nguyen Van Quy and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Bau's family in Hue Van 2 village is a vivid testament to the appeal of this crop.

With over a decade of dedication, Mr. Quy proudly considers himself one of the pioneers in bringing pineapple cultivation to Luc Nam district. From 5 hectares of hilly land, his family planted approximately 160,000 pineapple plants, harvesting 80,000 each year, with the remainder being planted in staggered cycles to ensure continuous production. In 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the sale of many agricultural products, Mr. Quy was still able to bring his pineapples to market thanks to timely support from the local government. This year, pineapple prices have risen sharply, ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 VND/kg, and his family estimates a profit of around 600 million VND. Regarding the secret to his success, he attributes it to his experience in selecting the best pineapple cuttings for propagation and proper plant care techniques. From the early days of having to borrow money from the bank for investment, his family has now built a spacious house and enjoys a comfortable life. "Not only my family, but many households in the commune have also become more prosperous thanks to pineapples," Mr. Quy shared, his eyes sparkling with pride.

Pineapple cultivation is not only a source of income but also a symbol of agricultural transformation in many localities in Bac Giang province. With its easy cultivation, resistance to pests and diseases, and suitability for barren hilly land, pineapple has transformed seemingly uncultivable areas into a valuable resource. The province currently has over 700 hectares of pineapple plantations, concentrated in Luc Nam and Lang Giang districts, with prominent communes such as Bao Son, Huong Son, and Tam Di. Average yields reach 35-40 tons/ha, and even up to 50 tons/ha in intensively cultivated areas.

In Bao Son commune, Luc Nam district, pineapple is considered a "wealth-generating crop." The entire commune has approximately 300 hectares of pineapple plantations, of which 170 hectares yield harvests year-round, concentrated in the villages of Dong Cong, Ho Son, Quat Son, and Hue Van 2. Thanks to staggered planting techniques, farmers can harvest pineapples from March to September, or even throughout the year, ensuring stable output and high economic value. In 2024, the total pineapple production in Luc Nam district is estimated at 15-17 thousand tons, bringing in over 100 billion VND in revenue for the local people.

Huong Son commune in Lang Giang district is also a shining example. With nearly 200 hectares of pineapple, 50% of which meet VietGAP standards, Huong Son produces over 4,000 tons of pineapple annually, generating a profit of approximately 25 billion VND. The family of Mr. Tran Van Tuyen in Kep 11 village is a prime example. From 3 hectares of pineapple, he and his wife earn a profit of about 500 million VND per year without needing to hire laborers. Mr. Tuyen shared: “Choosing good varieties and managing off-season cultivation are the keys to success. Now that the pineapples are ripe, traders come directly to the farm to buy them, so we just need to focus on caring for them.”

The development of pineapple cultivation in Bac Giang cannot be achieved without the role of local authorities and organizations. Since 2014, Luc Nam pineapples have been recognized as a collective trademark by the Intellectual Property Office ( Ministry of Science and Technology ) as "Luc Nam sweet pineapple". In 2017, 15 hectares of pineapples belonging to the Luc Nam Pineapple Cooperative in Dong Cong village, Bao Son commune, received VietGAP certification. By 2024, the "Lang Giang pineapple" trademark will also be recognized, opening up opportunities for wider product promotion.

The authorities of Luc Nam and Lang Giang districts have implemented numerous programs to support farmers, from providing seeds and fertilizers to guiding cultivation techniques according to VietGAP standards. Cooperatives such as Huong Son clean pineapple and Luc Nam pineapple play a bridging role, linking farmers with the market. In particular, bringing pineapples to e-commerce platforms like Postmart.vn and Voso.vn has helped the product reach consumers quickly, reducing dependence on traditional traders. Duong Ngoc Vuong, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Bao Son commune, said: “The commune's community digital technology team has supported farmers in bringing pineapples to e-commerce platforms. Although still new, this is a big step forward, helping Bao Son pineapples become more widely known.” In addition, trade promotion programs, field workshops, and digital skills training have also been implemented, helping farmers become familiar with modern sales methods.

In the future, pineapple cultivation in Bac Giang promises to continue being a driving force for agricultural economic development. With expanding planting areas and improved productivity and quality thanks to the application of science and technology, pineapples will not only meet domestic demand but also have export potential. The brands "Luc Nam sweet pineapple" and "Lang Giang pineapple" will be leverage to help the product reach further and assert its position in the market. Notably, the local government is aiming to combine agriculture with experiential tourism. The vast pineapple hills in Bao Son have become an attractive destination for tourists from within and outside the province. Bao Son commune is researching the development of an agricultural tourism model, allowing visitors to tour, pick pineapples, and learn about the production process; this will not only help increase income but also contribute to promoting the culture and people of Bac Giang. In addition, scientists are also researching the utilization of pineapple waste, such as the research by Associate Professor Duong Minh Hai on transforming pineapple leaves into biodegradable aerogel, opening up a new direction in sustainable development. If commercialized, this technology will help Bac Giang optimize the value chain from pineapple to leaf, minimizing waste and protecting the environment.

DANG GIANG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cay-lam-giau-tren-vung-dat-bac-giang-post888464.html