Get rich from growing fragrant squash

The fragrant green squash growing model opens up a new economic development direction for the people of Van Ban commune.

Previously, more than 2,000 m² of land of Ms. Dang Thi Tuyet's family in Na Thai village mainly grew rice, corn, and vegetables, but the income was unstable. In 2023, after visiting effective agricultural models, including growing fragrant green squash in Bac Kan , realizing the economic potential, Ms. Tuyet boldly converted the entire land area to try growing this plant. Although the initial unfavorable weather made the plant grow slowly, she still persevered in learning and applying care techniques.

As a result, the tree produces large, high-yielding fruits, which are popular with consumers because of their sweet taste and distinctive aroma. “Squash is not only a daily food but also has medicinal value, so it is easy to consume, and is sold out as soon as it is planted,” Ms. Tuyet excitedly shared. Not only does she stop at developing her family’s economy, Ms. Tuyet also actively shares her experiences, supports seeds and techniques for other households.

Up to now, in Na Thai village, there have been seven households participating in the model, with a production area of more than 2 hectares; at the same time, a Professional Association for growing fragrant squash with seven members was established. The formation of a concentrated production area not only helps to improve production efficiency, but also creates favorable conditions for linking product consumption, aiming to build a local agricultural product brand.

Also one of the pioneering households in converting ineffective crops to growing fragrant green squash, Mr. Do Thanh Binh's family converted more than 3,000 m² of rice fields and rented additional land around them to grow. In 2023, the first rows of squash took root, marking a change in his agricultural thinking. Initially, many people were hesitant because no one in the area had grown this crop, but after just one crop, the large, shiny, fragrant squashes confirmed that this was the right direction.

In 2024, Mr. Binh expanded his low-yield rice land to grow squash, combined with vegetable cultivation, aquaculture and poultry farming to make the most of the land. Thanks to the correct application of farming techniques from soil preparation, organic fertilizer application to economical irrigation, the average yield reached 4 tons/crop. In addition to the main crop at the beginning of the year, he also planted a second crop to increase output. His family's fragrant green squash is sold retail for 25,000 VND/kg, or sold to Van An Agricultural Cooperative (Khanh Yen commune) under a contract of 20,000 VND/kg.

This model brings in an income of more than 160 million VND/year, a significant number for farmers in the highlands. Mr. Binh said: “After nearly 2 years of experimental planting, I find this model really effective. A few years ago, I only thought about how to have enough food, now growing squash, I have more income, and it is not too hard. What I am most happy about is that I found a new direction that is suitable for my family's conditions, and has a good income. People around here have started to follow, I am willing to share knowledge and experience to develop the economy together."

The fragrant green squash plant is opening up a new direction for agricultural development in Van Ban. This plant is suitable for local natural conditions, easy to care for, low risk, high yield and stable output. In addition to serving the needs of the province, fragrant green squash also has the potential to expand the market, creating a basis for Van Ban to build a unique agricultural brand. The model not only brings economic efficiency but also contributes to changing production thinking, helping farmers switch from traditional crops to crops with high economic value, increasing income, creating a premise for the formation of concentrated commodity production areas, promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

Green squash is not a new crop in Van Ban commune. However, the fragrant green squash variety, with its characteristic of fragrant stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, large, heavy, thick-bodied fruits with high yield, is being tested by households for the first time in large quantities. According to the assessment, on average, 1 hectare can yield about 30 tons of fruit or more, giving a much higher income than some other crops.

According to Ms. Trinh Thi Hoa, Chairwoman of the Farmers' Association of Van Ban Commune, after careful research, the commune determined that the fragrant green squash variety from Bac Kan (old) is suitable for the local soil and climate conditions. Not only is it easy to grow, this squash variety also brings economic efficiency many times higher than rice or corn. Therefore, the Farmers' Association of the commune has promoted and provided technical guidance for people to replicate the model, creating a large-scale production area.

Previously, people only grew one crop per year, but now that they have mastered the technique, many households are growing two crops. “Our goal is to turn fragrant green squash into a key commodity, aiming to build an OCOP product for the commune in the near future. From there, people can sell squash to more places, and the value will increase further,” said Ms. Hoa.

Article and photos: CONG HAI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lam-giau-tu-trong-bi-xanh-thom-post921515.html