Khmer people in Bot Chech hamlet have a relationship with organic coconut

Bot Chech Hamlet (Song Loc Commune) has more than 420 households, of which nearly 90% are Khmer ethnic people. Faced with the need to develop clean agriculture , the Khmer people of Bot Chech Hamlet boldly switched from traditional farming methods to organic farming (HC), gradually shaping a sustainable direction.

Mr. Kim So Phiep (left) and Mr. Kim Van Thanh talk next to the organic coconut garden that is bearing fruit.

At the end of 2022, the hamlet was selected by the agricultural sector as a pilot site for the HC coconut model, with an area of 3 hectares of 3 households with coconut gardens nearly 3 years old. Initially unfamiliar with HC farming techniques, the households had difficulty in preventing pests and diseases without using chemicals. However, with perseverance and technical guidance from the sector, the people gradually adapted.

In the hot summer afternoon sun, Mr. Kim Van Thanh said: “Since switching to growing HC coconuts, without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, I feel more secure. Thanks to proper care as instructed by technical staff, my coconut garden has achieved higher productivity.

Previously, 1.2 hectares of coconut trees only yielded 40-50 dozen (12 fruits) in a month. Since using the HC coconut method, my family has doubled the amount of dry coconuts harvested in a month, and sold them at a high price of 200,000-230,000 VND/dozen. My family has an average income of 200 million VND/year". The old farmer over 70 years old happily shared: "My daily work is to trim coconut leaves, pull weeds to make HC fertilizer, not only to help the coconut trees grow well but also to help me exercise, to live happily and healthily".

Growing HC coconuts is not only an economic story, but also a driving force to create community cohesion, arousing the spirit of solidarity and creativity in the community. The households that grow first guide the households that grow later, and share experiences.

Among them, Mr. Kim Van Ut and Thi Van Gioi's households... were instructed by Mr. Kim Van Thanh and other previous households on how to plant and care for HC coconut gardens without using chemicals or fertilizers. In particular, they were also instructed on how to intercrop short-term vegetables during the time when the coconut trees were newly planted, in order to create additional income in the early stages when the coconut trees had not yet created a main source of income.

Mr. Kim So Phiep - Head of the People's Committee of Bot Chech Hamlet, said: The hamlet's HC coconut growing model shows long-term development prospects. Especially in the past 2 years, the price of coconuts has increased 2-3 times compared to previous years. Currently, with the price of dry coconuts from 200,000-230,000 VND/dozen (12 fruits), after deducting costs, HC coconut growers have a profit of 200 million VND/ha/year.

To continue to maintain and improve the effectiveness of the HC coconut model, it is necessary to continue to inspect and certify HC products of growers; create conditions for HC coconut growers to access the market better. Local authorities need to continue to provide technical guidance, support composting equipment, biological products; and promote communication so that people understand the benefits of HC coconut cultivation.

Up to now, the HC coconut model in Bot Chech hamlet has had 280 households participating in planting more than 150 hectares. From a hamlet with many difficulties and low income, by the end of 2024, the average income of Bot Chech hamlet residents will reach 79 million VND/person/year, an increase of 9 million VND compared to 2023, including contributions from the HC coconut planting model.

Article and photos: SU CHIA

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep/202508/dong-bao-khmer-ap-bot-chech-ben-duyen-voi-dua-huu-co-d2c138c/