Peach Blossom - Sweet Fruit of Windy Pass

Anyone who has had the opportunity to pass through Gio Pass in July will surely be amazed by the beauty of the bright red peach gardens, standing out against the cool green of the foliage. On both sides of the road, people are busy picking the plump peaches, creating a bustling yet poetic scene.

Dao ethnic people in Ngan Son commune harvest peaches.

Leading us around the peach trees laden with fruit, Ms. Hoang Thi Hai, Director of Pac A Peach Cooperative, excitedly shared: The cooperative currently has 9 members, working with 5 households to plant and care for about 20 hectares of peach trees, of which 15 hectares are in harvest season. Having only entered the harvest season for about half a month, we have sold more than 10 tons of fruit at a wholesale price of 30,000 VND/kg.

Previously, each family's garden had only a few peach trees planted for decoration, blooming during Tet. When the fruit season came, people picked and enjoyed them as a rustic gift from the countryside, and if there was a surplus, they would bring them to the market to sell. Realizing that peaches are increasingly popular in the market and bring high economic value, people have expanded the area, concentrated planting into commodity production areas. Peaches of Pac A Peach Cooperative have been certified as 3-star OCOP since 2024.

Comrade Nong Van Hoat, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Na Phac Commune Party Committee, said: In order for peach trees to truly become a sustainable commodity, the commune is focusing on building the OCOP brand for peach products, linking with cooperatives and enterprises to develop deep processing, while prioritizing investment in transport infrastructure, forming community tourism areas associated with the peach blossom and fruit seasons. These are key solutions to "elevate" native peach trees, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction and promoting local tourism development.

The local government has coordinated with Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry to implement a scientific project to research, exploit and develop the genetic resources of Pac A Peach. Through the project, people have access to and apply scientific and technical advances in cultivation, contributing to improving product quality and increasing the economic value of this local specialty crop.

The Gio Pass area is located at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level, often covered in fog all year round and has a temperature 2-3 degrees Celsius lower than neighboring areas. These special climatic conditions have created an ideal environment for peach trees to grow, giving high productivity and outstanding quality.

Peaches here have a very unique flavor - sweet, not harsh, the part close to the skin is slightly sour, the flesh is crispy, firm and rich, standing out more than many other growing regions.

Tourists stopped to buy peaches from the people of Ngan Son commune.

Located on Highway 3, the Gio Pass area also includes Ngan Son commune, where people also grow about 5 hectares of peach trees, contributing to increasing family income.

Peaches are not only a specialty of Na Phac and Ngan Son communes, but also a beauty that attracts tourists every spring and summer. Mr. Trinh Xuan Huy, who often travels through National Highway 3, shared: During Tet, I am very impressed when I see peach hills blooming brilliantly on both sides of the road, creating a poetic and peaceful scene. When the fruit season comes, every time I pass the Gio Pass area, I stop my car, enjoy and buy peaches as gifts. The peaches here are unforgettable after just one bite - sweet, crunchy, with a very unique flavor. Therefore, every time I come here, I often buy dozens of kilos to give to relatives and friends, everyone praises the deliciousness and feels secure because I know the origin and quality of the fruit.

Peach trees are gradually asserting their role as a key crop thanks to their potential for diverse economic development. Peach gardens have become attractive destinations for tourists to visit, experience flower viewing, and take photos in early spring. When the fruit season comes, peaches continue to generate revenue thanks to their delicious quality and popularity in the market.

With these advantages, peach trees are opening up an effective economic development direction, contributing to increasing income and promoting the image of the homeland. According to statistics, Na Phac and Ngan Son communes are currently growing nearly 30 hectares of peach trees, of which nearly 20 hectares are being harvested, with an average yield of 48 quintals/ha, selling prices ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND/kg.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202507/dao-tien-trai-ngot-deo-gio-882148f/