Successful start-up with the model of growing candy grapes grafted on Ninh Thuan grape roots

Ms. Ngoc Ha next to the vineyard preparing to harvest on April 30.

In recent years, the vineyard in Truong Phu hamlet, Truong Dong commune, Hoa Thanh town has become well-known. The owner of the garden is Ms. Dang Thi Ngoc Ha (born in 1980). From a person who had never known about grapes, Ms. Ha has successfully planted a vineyard, creating a tourist destination for many people in and outside the province.

Regarding the opportunity to grow grapes, Ms. Ha said that her family has about 0.5 hectares of land. Previously, she grew cotton, but when the harvest was good, the price dropped, and when the price was good, she could not harvest anything. Thinking of changing crops, she went online to research and chose Ninh Thuan grapes to start her "adventure".

Ms. Ha thought that Tay Ninh has a lot of sunshine like Ninh Thuan, so growing grapes would be suitable. In 2018, she went to Ninh Thuan to order 3,000 grape trees, each costing 200,000 VND. Having never grown grapes before and having no experience, Ms. Ha had to hire an engineer from Ninh Thuan to guide her.

After a few crops, realizing that the grapevines were not yet as productive as expected, Ms. Ha decided to change her method. “Three years ago, I decided to remove 2,000 grapevines and sell them to visitors who came to visit to buy them for ornamental purposes, leaving only 1,000 to care for the fruit. On the remaining land, I invested in 300 passion apple trees, a type of apple from Ninh Thuan, which has no thorns and is very easy to harvest,” Ms. Ha recalled.

With the remaining 1,000 grapevines, Ms. Ha researched and learned how to do it and once again, decided to change. She bought the 126 candy grape variety and grafted it onto Ninh Thuan grapevines. After many times inviting engineers to the garden to guide her on how to care for them, this time, Ms. Ha decided to go to Ninh Thuan to learn and start applying the knowledge she learned to her vineyard in Tay Ninh.

Ms. Ha added: “In the past, when I invited engineers to teach me grape growing techniques, I spent a lot of money and only learned how to take care of the garden at that time. Now, I take a bus to the place, and the engineers take me to different vineyards, some of which are bearing fruit, some of which are being pruned… for me to visit and learn. Going like that, although a bit tiring, I learn a lot.”

Just like that, Ms. Ha gradually accumulated experience and devoted all her heart to the vineyard. She did not hire anyone to take care of it, but did everything herself. From pruning, weeding, fertilizing, she took care of and observed each vine every day, every month. She immediately recognized the small changes in the plants. Over time, the plants did not let down the caretakers. The candy grapes began to flower and bear fruit. The first bunches of candy grapes hanging on the trellis made Ms. Ha happy and joyful.

“I have grafted grapes for 3 crops. The trees bear fruit regularly and the income is more stable than before. I currently sell candy grapes for 150,000 VND/kg, visitors come to the garden and pick them themselves. This year's crop is better than previous crops. Maybe because my techniques are getting better and better. This crop yielded 2 tons of grapes. In about 10 days, the grapes will be ripe, in time to serve visitors on the occasion of April 30th,” said Ms. Ha.

In addition, with the current 300-tree apple orchard, Ms. Ha harvests 5 tons each season, selling at the garden for visitors at 40,000 VND/kg. Compared to grapes, apple growing techniques are simpler. Ms. Ha alternates between grapes and apples for fruit. After 2 months of harvesting, the apples will ripen, giving fruit for a season lasting 5-6 months. The garden always has fruit to serve visitors.

“Every time there is fruit, I open the garden and have a few hundred visitors. Grapes give two crops a year, apples once a year. The income is higher than growing cotton, but it is very hard. After the apple season, I have to cut the branches and push the tree back to grow new branches. I work alone in the garden, I do it to my satisfaction, the tree produces a good yield without being damaged. It is hard but very fun,” Ms. Ha said excitedly.

After investing in the fruit garden, more and more tourists came to visit, Ms. Ha thought of opening a small restaurant to serve everyone, while increasing the family's income. She took care of all the work in the restaurant and in the garden, almost without any time to rest all day, but looking at her achievements, Ms. Ha forgot all the fatigue.

Recently, Ms. Ha was introduced by the Women's Union of Truong Dong commune to borrow capital to create jobs from the Social Policy Bank to invest in fertilizer and repair the greenhouse. "Recently, Ms. Ha discussed with the Association that she needed additional capital to invest in the garden, the Association created conditions for her to borrow 100 million VND from the capital to create jobs. Seeing Ms. Ha's effective business, the Association was very happy. Especially with the restaurant model, Ms. Ha has created jobs for 4 female workers in the locality" - said Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Dieu - President of the Women's Union of Truong Dong commune.

With the knowledge gained from grape care, Ms. Ngoc Ha said that if anyone wants to set up a grape garden, she is willing to support them in buying seedlings and instructing them on how to plant and care for them to achieve productivity. “I am a farmer so I understand how happy people will be when they find a suitable crop that provides a stable income. If anyone needs it, I am willing to support them,” Ms. Ngoc Ha said.

Ngoc Dieu

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