Aloe vera plants in Long Coc

At the foot of the hills in Long Coc commune, where people have traditionally cultivated mainly traditional crops, a new production model has recently emerged, offering much promise: the aloe vera cultivation model implemented by Biobee - Vietnam-France Joint Stock Company, Phu Tho branch. The company's direct investment, production organization, and collaboration with local people not only opens up a new direction in crop restructuring but also creates further impetus for the sustainable development of agricultural economics towards a commodity-based approach.

Recognizing that Long Coc has a humid tropical climate, relatively loose soil, and good drainage, which are favorable factors for aloe vera growth and development, Biobee - Vietnam-France Company, Phu Tho branch, chose this location to establish a pilot planting model and expand the area.

Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow plant with high adaptability, good drought tolerance, few pests and diseases, and a quick harvest time, making it suitable for the farming conditions of people in mountainous areas. Especially in the context of unstable prices for some traditional crops, introducing aloe vera into production has opened up more options for farmers in the challenge of enriching themselves from their land. From the very first plantings, the plants grow well, with thick, glossy green leaves, yielding stable productivity, confirming the feasibility of the model.

The people of Long Coc commune cultivate aloe vera, contributing to job creation and increased income.

Throughout the implementation process, the company focuses on applying systematic technical procedures, from seed selection, soil preparation, planting, care, to harvesting. Aloe vera beds are arranged scientifically , ensuring a reasonable density, combined with the use of organic fertilizers, minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, the aloe vera products meet quality and safety requirements, aligning with the direction of deep processing to serve domestic and international markets.

Field visits to the aloe vera cultivation area show that after only about 6 months, the plants begin to yield fruit, and then can be harvested periodically every 30-35 days. Currently, the company cultivates nearly 10 hectares, with an expected yield of 40 tons/ha, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for processing. In addition to the area directly cultivated by the company, it is also gradually moving towards linking with local people to expand the raw material area, creating jobs and stable income.

As a resident participating in caring for and working in the aloe vera plantation, Ms. Dinh Thi Ngan from Long Coc commune said: "Previously, this hilly land was mainly used to grow low-yield crops. Since Biobee - Viet Phap Company invested in aloe vera cultivation, we have been provided with regular work and guidance on plant care techniques. The work is not too strenuous, and the income is more stable than before, making the people in the commune very happy."

Besides its economic benefits, the aloe vera cultivation model has also contributed to changing the mindset of agricultural production in the locality. The direct involvement of businesses in production helps people access modern farming processes, production along the value chain, and linking production with the consumer market. This is a crucial factor in Long Coc's agriculture gradually shifting from small-scale production to large-scale commodity production.

Evaluating this model, Comrade Nguyen Xuan Viet - Chairman of the Long Coc Commune People's Committee - affirmed: The aloe vera cultivation model implemented in the commune is a suitable direction for the commune's actual conditions. The enterprise has invested systematically, producing according to a clear process, and initially yielding positive results. The local government always creates favorable conditions for the enterprise to confidently produce, while encouraging people to participate in linkages and expand the cultivation area in the future.

The aloe vera cultivation model implemented by Biobee - Vietnam-France Company, Phu Tho Branch, in Long Coc commune has resulted in healthy and uniform plant growth, creating a source of raw materials for food and cosmetic processing.

The Chairman of the Long Coc Commune People's Committee stated that the partnership between businesses and farmers, from production to consumption, has helped reduce risks and create a stable development foundation for the people. In the future, the locality will coordinate with and support businesses in completing infrastructure, expanding the area for aloe vera cultivation according to the plan, while protecting the environment and developing sustainable agriculture.

Given the increasing demand for aloe vera, the aloe vera cultivation model in Long Coc is expected to continue to be effective. The investment by Biobee – Viet Phap Company, Phu Tho branch, not only effectively utilizes the land but also creates jobs, increases income, and contributes to the socio-economic development of the locality.

Hoang Huong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/cay-nha-dam-tren-dat-long-coc-244989.htm