The benefits of growing chrysanthemums

In order to improve economic efficiency on cultivated land, in recent years, leveraging local advantages and the policy of encouraging land consolidation and restructuring crop production towards commercial production, many farmer members in Chinh Nghia commune (Kim Dong district) have converted low-yield rice fields to chrysanthemum cultivation, bringing in high income.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Loan's chrysanthemum garden in Chinh Nghia commune (Kim Dong district).

Recognizing that chrysanthemum cultivation yields higher income than rice farming, coupled with suitable soil conditions, many households in the commune have boldly switched to growing chrysanthemums. Currently, the entire commune has about 30 households growing various types of chrysanthemums, with a total area of approximately 17-20 hectares. The household with the largest area is that of Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, who cultivates nearly 4 acres of chrysanthemums in combination with dahlias. With the increasing experience and cultivation techniques of the people, plus a favorable market, the area of chrysanthemum cultivation in the commune continues to expand.

Ten years ago, Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan's family only grew rice and other crops, resulting in low income. Recognizing the economic benefits of chrysanthemum cultivation, her family boldly switched to growing chrysanthemums. Initially, she grew yellow and crystal chrysanthemums. Lacking experience, she faced many difficulties in planting and caring for the plants, leading to low yields. After receiving guidance from the local Farmers' Association on chrysanthemum cultivation techniques and greenhouse farming models, she gained valuable knowledge and experience. In recent years, she has completely switched to growing Chinese chrysanthemums because their flowers are large, beautiful, and long-lasting, making them popular in the market. With an average selling price of 3,000-4,000 VND per flower, after deducting expenses, her family earns a profit of approximately 300-400 million VND per year. Thanks to chrysanthemum cultivation, her family has earned a significant income, built a spacious house, and improved their living standards. Currently, her family has expanded their chrysanthemum cultivation area to over one acre. Ms. Loan shared: "Growing chrysanthemums isn't difficult, but to get large, beautiful flowers that meet market demand, besides the right seedlings, growers must be patient and meticulous, adhering to technical requirements so that the plants bloom at the right time and yield high value. When the plants are affected by pests or diseases, timely treatment is necessary. Chrysanthemum plants need regular watering, but only a moderate amount. To ensure the plants bloom at the right time for Tet (Lunar New Year), some scientific and technical methods must be applied, such as adjusting the amount of fertilizer appropriately, and adjusting the temperature and light levels. During cultivation, the beds need to be covered with plastic sheeting to protect them from rain and sun, and to prevent insects from affecting the quality of the flowers."

The advantages of chrysanthemum cultivation are that it is easy to care for, has a short harvest time, and is mainly planted in early August, with flowers ready for harvest after 4 to 5 months. Growers can utilize the roots of the previous crop to propagate seedlings for the next crop, helping to reduce seed investment costs. Chrysanthemums are mainly grown by households in the commune to supply the market before and after Tet (Lunar New Year). With a selling price of 3,000 to 4,000 VND per flower, after deducting costs, the average profit is 20 million to 30 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters) per crop. Some households have taken advantage of year-round cultivation in their gardens to stagger the harvest and sell flowers on the 15th and 1st of each lunar month.

These days, many households are focusing on caring for, pruning, and trimming the flowers of their plants to prepare for supplying the market during the upcoming Lunar New Year. Comrade Hoang Tuan Anh, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of the commune, said: The Farmers' Association of the commune actively propagates, mobilizes, and creates conditions for its members to change the crop structure, converting areas of low-yield crops to high-yield, high-quality, and economically efficient crops, including chrysanthemums. To support members in developing their economy, the association has accompanied and supported farmers with seeds, capital, and scientific and technical knowledge so that they can confidently produce and improve their lives.

In fact, thanks to chrysanthemum cultivation, many households in the commune have achieved stable incomes ranging from several hundred million to nearly one billion VND per year. Their lives have become prosperous and comfortable, allowing them to build beautiful houses, buy cars, and other household amenities. Chrysanthemums have truly become a highly profitable crop, contributing to the development of the local economy.

Ruby

Source