Unexpected results from the model of growing squash on hilly land

Mr. Doan Quoc Hoai in Quang Tho village 1, Vu Quang commune was the first person to plant squash on the hilly land.

After visiting and learning about the green squash growing model in some mountainous areas in Nghe An province, in August 2023, Mr. Doan Quoc Hoai in Quang Tho village 1, Vu Quang commune boldly planted 4 sao of green squash on the hilly land that previously only grew acacia, cassava and oranges. Because it was the first time bringing green squash to the hill, Mr. Hoai could not help but worry, especially about the plant's ability to grow in dry soil and steep hills. However, thanks to proactively applying the technique of tilling the soil in high rows and covering with plastic to retain moisture, the green squash grew well, had a high flower set rate and bore fruit. The plants grew healthily, had few pests and diseases, and had large and even fruits.

Mr. Doan Quoc Hoai said: “This land of Vu Quang has been mainly used to grow oranges and some other crops, but after visiting, learning and researching about growing squash in some mountainous areas, I found that squash can grow well on moderately sloping hills, so I decided to plant it. The exciting thing is that squash has grown well and brought in high income.”

Green squash is suitable for Vu Quang hilly land, high flowering and fruiting rate.

The type of green squash that Mr. Doan Quoc Hoai introduced for experimental planting on the hilly land in Vu Quang commune is the hybrid green squash F1 - Nova 209, a plant variety with strong growth ability, well adapted to drought conditions and loose soil. This squash variety produces fruits weighing an average of 1.5-2 kg/fruit, with a dense flesh, a sweet taste, not sour and a characteristic natural aroma, so it is very popular in the market.

The special feature of the model is that Mr. Hoai grows organically, without using any pesticides or chemical fertilizers, ensuring food safety and maintaining soil fertility. Thanks to that, the pumpkin garden grows well, with stable productivity and beautiful fruit. The model also creates a positive ripple effect in the community. Many households in the commune and neighboring areas have come to visit, learn from experience, and learn about the organic pumpkin growing process to replicate the model on abandoned hilly land. From a pioneering and boldly innovative approach, Mr. Hoai is contributing to affirming the potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural development right on the mountainous area of Vu Quang.

Mr. Doan Quoc Hoai's pumpkin growing model attracts many people to visit and learn about growing techniques and experience.

Green squash grows well on hilly land because the biological characteristics of the plant are very adaptable to dry, well-drained climate and soil conditions. This is a warm-loving, light-loving plant, with a fairly drought-resistant ability, deep and widespread roots, so it easily absorbs nutrients in the loose soil layer of the hilly area. Hilly land is often light, well-drained, and limits waterlogging - a very important factor because green squash cannot withstand prolonged waterlogging. In addition, the hilly climate helps the squash develop a firm flesh, can be preserved for a long time, and is suitable for consumption and export. When people apply techniques such as covering with plastic to retain moisture, watering sparingly and applying organic fertilizers, green squash plants develop their advantages, grow healthily, have few pests and diseases, and provide stable yield and quality.

1 sao of squash in 1 crop with a duration of 4 to 4.5 months gives an income of 30 million VND or more, much higher than other crops.

From the initial successes, Mr. Hoai's family and some households in Vu Quang commune have expanded to nearly 1 hectare. On this area, each year they grow 2 crops of squash and 1 crop of corn. Of which, 1 sao of squash in 1 crop with a duration of 4 to 4.5 months brings in an income of 30 million VND or more, much higher than other crops.

Ms. Thai Thi My Thanh - Economic Department, People's Committee of Vu Quang Commune added: "The trial planting process shows that green squash is suitable and grows well on the Vu Quang hilly land. Currently, some households have intercropped in newly planted orange gardens to maximize economic efficiency per unit area. The trial planting process shows that this is a plant that brings stable income, is easy to grow and can be grown year-round. Therefore, in the near future, we will evaluate specifically to have a plan to expand and create a large-scale raw material area."

The model of growing squash on hilly land in Vu Quang commune has brought many positive signals. This is the basis for people in Vu Quang commune to continue to increase the production area, opening up new prospects to help many people in the area to fully exploit the strengths of local hill gardens to diversify crops and increase income.