As the largest custard apple growing area in Mai Son district with a total area of over 700 hectares, custard apple cultivation in Co Noi used traditional methods in the past, resulting in low fruit set rates and uneven appearance. Now, farmers have mastered the techniques and increased productivity, of which supplementary pollination is the most important step. This process requires meticulousness, pollen is collected from healthy flowers in the afternoon, carefully preserved, and pollinated during the "golden hour" from 5 to 8 am when the weather is favorable and the pistils are most receptive.
According to the old method, farmers had to use soft bristle brushes to apply pollen and then manually pollinate each flower. This method was effective but very time-consuming and labor-intensive. Currently, many households have switched to using equipment to spray to collect pollen, thanks to which, pollination becomes quick, even, cost-saving and increases fruit yield.
Mr. Pham Huu Kien's family, Nhap village, Co Noi commune, currently grows more than 6 hectares of custard apples of various types, including: custard apples, Thai Lan, Taiwanese, and Queen. Since switching to the new pollination method, the work has become easier and more precise, and labor productivity has increased significantly. One person can complete a large area in just a few days, and the fruit set rate is high. Mr. Kien is excited: Science and technology really help us work more efficiently. Looking at the custard apple garden full of fruit, I am confident that we will have a successful crop, expected to harvest about 50 tons of custard apples this year.
In order for science and technology to be widely applied and not just limited to a few models, the role of cooperatives is very important. They are the bridge for technology transfer, guiding people to produce according to clean and safe processes. For example, at Me Lech Agricultural Cooperative, Anh Trang Cooperative..., advanced farming techniques have been widely applied.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hoi , Deputy Director of Me Lech Agricultural Cooperative, said: The Cooperative currently has 27 members, cultivating more than 200 hectares of custard apples. Right from the beginning of the season, the Cooperative organized training and instructed members to strictly implement the stages of care and early pest control. In particular, production according to VietGAP standards is identified as the focus, helping to create uniform products, facilitating brand building and signing consumption contracts, bringing peace of mind to the people.
Not only focusing on improving the productivity and quality of the main custard apple crop, many producers and cooperatives in Co Noi are promoting a new direction by planting custard apples in different seasons. To do this, farmers must prune branches at the right time, combine technical treatment, watering, and fertilizing strictly so that the tree flowers and bears fruit as desired, avoiding mass harvests, aiming at times of market scarcity such as Tet. Although it takes a lot of care, off-season custard apples can sell for one and a half times, or even double, the price of main-season custard apples. This is a testament to the flexible production mindset and technical mastery of Co Noi farmers, turning custard apple trees into a stable, long-term source of income.
Accompanying and creating a solid foundation for farmers and cooperatives is the attention and close direction of local authorities. Mr. Nguyen Anh Thu, Chairman of Co Noi Commune People's Committee, said: The commune currently has more than 700 hectares of custard apples, the application of science and technology is an inevitable direction to increase the value of crops. The commune continues to coordinate with specialized agencies to transfer techniques and support market connections. The success of the custard apple crop helps increase people's income and affirms the effectiveness in restructuring agriculture and building new rural areas.
With thorough investment, the people's eagerness to learn and apply techniques, along with support from cooperatives and the government, this year's custard apple crop promises to be a bumper crop, bringing "sweet fruit" to growers and affirming the Co Noi custard apple brand in the market.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/huong-toi-vu-na-boi-thu-zLWdHiPNR.html
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