Unique Binh Dinh: Village grows 'giant' squash, some fruits weigh more than half a quintal

With more than 30 years of experience growing squash, Mr. Le Ba Bien (75 years old) said that this type of squash is very difficult to grow, requiring special care from the grower. To achieve the desired yield, it is best to only choose one squash per vine to grow.

Mr. Bien takes care of his squash garden. Photo: Truong Dinh

According to Mr. Bien, the "giant" squash is considered a typical product of My Tho land. Until now, it is still unclear why the squash in this land produces such large fruit.

People in Chanh Trach village believe that the unique pumpkin variety that produces giant fruits is partly due to the rare soil and partly due to the pumpkin variety that has been preserved by the people for generations, and the way it is grown and cared for.

“I have sold seeds to many people, but when I bring them to other places to plant, the biggest fruit is only 30 kg or less,” said Mr. Bien.

"Giant" squashes weigh up to half a quintal. Photo: Truong Dinh

Mr. Bien said that his family planted about 200 squash vines on an area of ​​about 500 square meters. After 5 months of planting, the garden is now entering the main harvest season. The average weight of each squash is about 30 kg, with some weighing up to nearly 60 kg.

“I estimate that this crop yield is over 6 tons of fruit. With the selling price at the garden fluctuating at 10,000 VND/kg, my family earns tens of millions of VND,” Mr. Bien shared.

Because of the weight of the squash, people have to use nets to anchor the squash on the trellis. Photo: Truong Dinh

Currently, the entire Chanh Trach 2 village has about 20 households growing giant squash. In addition to meeting market demand, households also develop experiential tourism in the garden.

Mr. Nguyen Kim Trac - Chairman of the People's Committee of My Tho Commune (Phu My District) said that the biggest difficulty now is the output for the products, so the growing area has not been expanded much. After harvest, squash is mainly sold at traditional markets, a small amount is exported to markets outside the province. Besides, it is also sold to tourists to buy as gifts when visiting and experiencing the garden.

Winter melon vine. Photo: Truong Dinh

The leader of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Binh Dinh province said that the giant squash growing village in Chanh Trach 2 village does not meet the criteria for recognition as a traditional village. Therefore, switching to experience tourism in the village is a good and effective way to help people stay with the profession for a long time and earn more income.

According to Truong Dinh (TPO)

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/doc-la-binh-dinh-lang-trong-bi-dao-khong-lo-co-qua-nang-hon-nua-ta-post323096.html