Cayenne pineapple helps Muong Nha people get rich

DIEN BIEN On the arid Pu Lau hills, Cayenne pineapple trees have taken root, spreading green in the sun and wind, opening up a new direction of development for the people.

Established in 2021 with an initial capital of 2 billion VND and 7 members, Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative (Muong Nha commune, Dien Bien province) faces many challenges. On the arid Pu Lau hills, Cayenne pineapple trees have taken root, spreading green in the sun and wind, opening up a new direction of development for the people.

From the beginning, the Cooperative's Board of Directors has developed a methodical production plan, focusing on technology transfer, ensuring the planting, care and harvesting of pineapples according to safe and sustainable processes.

Lush Cayenne pineapple growing area of ​​Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative on Pu Lau hill. Photo: Hoang Chau.

Mr. Thao A Giang, Director of Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative, shared: "The most difficult thing is when people do not trust the model. But when they see that pineapples grow well and have high productivity, people have proactively expanded the area. We determined to do clean agriculture , closely linked with businesses to ensure stable output."

From the initial few hectares, by 2024, the Cooperative had expanded to 150 hectares, nearly double that of 2022. The Cooperative has linked up with Dong Giao Food Joint Stock Company (Doveco) to produce according to the value chain, the enterprise provides seeds, technical guidance, and consumes products.

Not only harvesting the fruit, the cooperative also makes use of the entire pineapple plant. Buds, leaves, and old roots are all purchased, processed, or sold. Each hectare of pineapple brings in an average profit of 150 million VND/year, helping many households escape poverty and become well-off.

By 2024, Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative will have 22 members, creating regular jobs for 47 workers, with an average income of 4-5 million VND/person/month. Annual revenue is about 2.4 billion VND, with a stable profit of 1.7 billion VND. The Cooperative always puts the interests of its members first, focusing on practicing thrift, applying technical advances, and financial transparency to make people feel secure in their commitment.

Members of the Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative harvest Cayenne pineapples - a crop that is helping many local households escape poverty. Photo: Hoang Chau.

Thanks to pineapple, the lives of Pu Lau villagers have changed dramatically: in 2022 there were 7 poor households, by 2024 there was only 1 poor household and 6 near-poor households. Pineapple not only helps increase income but also changes production thinking, connecting farmers with cooperatives, linking production according to the value chain.

In addition to production development, the Cooperative pays special attention to environmental protection. In farming, the Cooperative prioritizes the use of organic fertilizers, limits pesticides, and treats by-products in a circular manner. Pineapple leaves and stems after harvest are used as fiber and bio-compost, helping to reduce waste and develop a green economy .

Mr. Do Quang Minh, Head of the Department of Rural Development of Dien Bien province, commented: Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative is a typical model linking agricultural production with circular economy, in line with the orientation of green agricultural development and sustainable rural areas of the province.

Mr. Dang Van Tuan, Chairman of Muong Nha Commune People's Committee, said: The commune government always accompanies and supports the cooperative in land procedures, technical training and connecting businesses to consume products. The pineapple growing model on Pu Lau hill not only brings high income but also helps the locality complete many criteria in building new rural areas. In the coming time, the commune will continue to replicate this model to other villages, aiming at a sustainable green pineapple growing area.

The success of the Cooperative comes not only from the dynamism of the Board of Directors but also from the solidarity and responsibility of its members. Every year, the Cooperative organizes a members' congress, publicizes its financial plan, and ensures transparency and democracy in management.

People of Muong Nha commune introduce fresh pineapple products - OCOP specialties of Pu Lau hill area, Dien Bien province. Photo: Hoang Chau.

The Cooperative actively participates in the OCOP program, agricultural fairs, trade promotion, gradually building the "Muong Nha Pineapple" brand that meets VietGAP standards, aiming for export. The model also contributes to helping Muong Nha commune complete the new rural criteria for the period 2021 - 2025.

In the coming time, the Cooperative aims to expand the pineapple area to 200 hectares, replicate the model to other villages, and form a large-scale pineapple specialized area. At the same time, it will continue to sign contracts to consume products, apply high technology, and move towards a closed agricultural value chain.

Director of Thao A Giang Cooperative said: "We hope that each pineapple tree not only brings income but also helps people escape poverty, helping people to have a sustainable attachment to the land and farming."

The 5-year journey of Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative is a testament to the strength of cooperation and the will to rise of the people in the highlands of Dien Bien. From a barren hill, Pu Lau today has been covered with green pineapple trees, providing a sustainable livelihood, contributing to the realization of the goal of building ecological agriculture, modern countryside, and civilized farmers.

With practical contributions to socio-economic development and environmental protection, Muong Nha Pineapple Cooperative deserves to be a bright spot in the movement of green agricultural development and new rural construction in Dien Bien province.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/dua-cayenne-giup-nguoi-dan-muong-nha-lam-giau-d783870.html