Off-season pineapples yield high returns.

BAC NINH - During the sweltering summer days, pineapple growers in Kep commune (Bac Ninh province) often use sacks to cover each growing pineapple. This method helps prevent sunburn and premature ripening caused by the weather. As a result, the quality of the pineapples is ensured, contributing to increasing the value of the agricultural product.

Currently, in Kep 11 village, Kep commune, people are entering the off-season pineapple harvest. This is the result of applying scientific and technological advancements to production. According to the locals, the main pineapple harvest season is around May and June, coinciding with the harvest time of other fruits such as lychees and jackfruit, making it difficult to compete and resulting in low economic value. Thanks to the cultivation of off-season fruiting plants, producing fruit from August to November, and even during the Lunar New Year, many households have reaped high profits.

The people of Kep 11 village are covering their pineapples.

A prime example is Mr. Tran Van Tuyen's household, with over 2 hectares of land planted with pineapples, of which about 0.5 hectares are currently bearing fruit. According to Mr. Tuyen, after deducting expenses, his family earns over 500 million VND annually from pineapples. He shared: "Compared to many other fruit trees, pineapples are easy to grow, have few pests and diseases, and growers can propagate them themselves, significantly reducing input costs. In particular, the plant is very suitable for the hilly and sloping terrain of the area." However, growing pineapples out of season also carries many risks, especially weather fluctuations such as prolonged heat waves interspersed with heavy rains. These conditions can easily cause the pineapples to have poor appearance and reduced quality. To overcome this, Mr. Tuyen's family and many other households have come up with a way to "dress" the pineapples: using old sacks cut into small pieces to cover the fruit at the top to limit the direct impact of sun and rain. This simple solution has proven effective, helping to protect the fruit's quality, maintain its beautiful color, and ensure consistent sweetness.

In Kep commune, pineapple has become the main crop, bringing high economic value to the local people. The entire commune currently has about 200 hectares of pineapple, of which Huong Son Clean Pineapple Cooperative accounts for half the area with 100 hectares. With an average income of about 300 million VND/hectare/year, pineapple cultivation not only helps many households improve their lives but also contributes significantly to achieving the income criterion in the new rural development program. The cooperative's pineapple products have been sold in many provinces and cities such as Bac Ninh, Hanoi , Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, etc., affirming their quality and reputation in the market.

Thanks to the diligence and creativity of the local people, a sustainable development path for pineapple cultivation has been opened up in Kep commune, contributing to increased income, improved quality of life, and a thriving rural economy.

Text and photos: Truong Son

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/dua-trai-vu-cho-hieu-qua-cao-postid423935.bbg