Mastering knowledge to reduce poverty: [Lesson 3] Living healthy with dragon fruit

Thanks to information and participation in cooperative economy, many Tay Ninh farmers have overcome difficulties, mastered clean dragon fruit growing techniques, increased income, and sustainably reduced poverty.

Bridge bringing science to farmers

An Luc Long Commune is considered one of the key dragon fruit growing areas of Tay Ninh province. Established during the period when dragon fruit trees faced difficulties, after 5 years of operation, Cau Doi Dragon Fruit Association has affirmed its position as a center for gathering farmers and becoming an "extended arm" of the agricultural sector, helping people access information, learn techniques and produce more effectively together.

An Luc Long commune is considered one of the key dragon fruit growing areas of Tay Ninh province. Photo: Tran Trung.

Mr. Truong Minh Trung, Director of Long Hoi Cooperative, Chairman of Cau Doi Association, shared: "The association was established in 2019 with 22 members, and now has nearly 100 participants. This is a place where people voluntarily come together to share techniques, update market information and exchange production experiences."

Every month, the Club organizes regular meetings, inviting scientists, businesses and agricultural extension officers to provide information, share experiences in applying technical advances and link up product consumption. About 50% of the Club members are currently members of Long Hoi Cooperative - the core force in applying new technical processes to production practices.

“Thanks to dragon fruit, people’s lives are better and they have stable jobs. In particular, participating in the Association helps form a clean, sustainable dragon fruit production chain with stable output,” said Mr. Trung.

Also in An Luc Long commune, Thu Nguyen Cooperative is demonstrating a different development direction when producing organic dragon fruit for export to Europe.

Thu Nguyen Cooperative guides members in producing according to organic standards. Photo: Tran Trung.

Mr. Tran Hong Cuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thu Nguyen Cooperative, said: “We buy and sell together for sustainable development. Dragon fruit exported to the Netherlands must pass inspection of up to 570 safety indicators, absolutely no chemical residues. From flowering to care and fertilization, everything must be completely organic.”

The Cooperative applies synchronous biological solutions and closely monitors the processes of each member. Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Thu, a member of the Cooperative, shared: “Following the organic process set out by the Cooperative is very reassuring. The trees are healthy, the fruit is beautiful, the products are clean, and the consumers are also safe.”

The key to sustainable poverty reduction

Currently, Tay Ninh province has more than 7,300 hectares of dragon fruit, of which nearly 7,000 hectares are bearing fruit. However, to develop organically and sustainably, cooperatives and guilds still need support in terms of capital, technology and consumption markets.

People are excited when their dragon fruit is clean and they don't have to worry about the market. Photo: Tran Trung.

In recent years, local authorities have actively sought information, expanded connections, found outlets for products, and encouraged farmers to switch to organic production and apply high technology to improve fruit quality. However, the consumption of Tay Ninh dragon fruit still depends heavily on traders, making prices unstable.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Trinh, Chairman of Tay Ninh Dragon Fruit Association, commented: “Tay Ninh has advantages in climate, soil and experienced people. Organic farming does not cost much more, while the selling price is stable at about 25,000 VND/kg in the main season and 35,000 VND/kg in the off-season. However, to expand exports, more cooperatives and pioneering farmers are needed to form large raw material areas.”

Organic dragon fruit opens a way out of poverty for Tay Ninh people. Photo: Tran Trung.

Along with technology transfer, improving access to information and markets is considered a decisive factor in helping farmers change their production mindset, boldly switch to organic and circular models, and increase the value of agricultural products.

From models such as Cau Doi Association or Thu Nguyen Cooperative, it can be clearly seen that when farmers are equipped with knowledge and accompanied by businesses and the government, they not only master the techniques but also master their lives, aiming towards the goal of sustainable poverty reduction and building modern agriculture.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/lam-chu-tri-thuc-giam-ngheo-bai-3-song-khoe-voi-cay-thanh-long-d783996.html