VH6 pear - new symbol of Lao Cai highland agriculture

LAO CAI For more than 10 years in Muong Hum (Lao Cai), pear trees have helped many households stabilize their livelihoods, opening up organic production directions associated with environmental protection.

From experiment to mainstay crop

Mr. Tan Lao San, former Vice Chairman of Muong Hum Commune People's Committee (Lao Cai) recalled that in 2009, VH6 pear trees were planted on a trial basis in Muong Hum. Initially, it was not easy to persuade people to switch to growing pears because long-standing farming practices caused many households to refuse to plant new trees. The government had to organize dozens of meetings with the people, go to each household to explain the economic efficiency of pear trees, and at the same time commit to supporting seeds, techniques, fertilizers, etc.

The rain soaked in slowly, some households accepted to try planting a few dozen trees. The results were surprising, the pear trees took root, grew well and bore fruit regularly. From the first models, the pear growing movement spread throughout the commune, creating a breakthrough in agricultural production.

VH6 pear tree is paving the way for green economic development for people in Muong Hum commune, Lao Cai . Photo: Bich Hop.

One of the pioneering households is Mr. Phung Sin Sieu's family, Dao ethnic group. Initially, he resolutely refused to grow pears. After boldly trying a few trees and seeing the effectiveness, he converted the entire hill area to grow pears. Thanks to the support of agricultural extension officers, the pear garden developed well, bringing in hundreds of millions of dong in income each year. His family was able to build a solid house, save money, and have a stable life. From being an opponent, Mr. Sieu became a "propagandist", actively instructing techniques for people in the commune.

Ms. Cheo May Bi's family in Kin Chu Phin village, Muong Hum commune, used to earn only about 10 million VND per corn crop. Since switching to pear farming, their life has improved significantly. Currently, her family has more than 600 VH6 pear trees, of which 200 trees have produced stable fruit, earning over 50 million VND per crop after deducting expenses. Thanks to that, in 2023, Ms. Bi's family officially escaped poverty, her children received a full education, and their house was renovated.

The economic efficiency of pear trees has created a strong motivation for many households to continue expanding their acreage, making this temperate fruit tree a new hope for the highlands.

Growing pears organically

Currently, the entire Muong Hum commune has more than 200 hectares of pear trees, providing stable income for more than 200 households. To increase value and move towards sustainable production, the locality is shifting its focus to organic pear growing.

From an experimental crop, after more than 10 years, VH6 pear has become a key crop in Muong Hum. Photo: Bich Hop.

According to Chairman of Muong Hum Commune People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Minh, organic production not only ensures food safety but also helps protect the environment, which is an important factor for mountainous areas with steep terrain and prone to erosion. Pear trees when cared for according to organic processes not only limit chemicals but also increase soil fertility, creating a healthy agricultural ecosystem.

In particular, Muong Hum has advantages to convert to organic pears such as a cool climate all year round, suitable for pear trees, limiting pests and diseases; soil has not been under pressure from intensive production so it is easy to convert to organic; abundant natural water resources, less affected by pollution; people have experience in growing naturally, easily adapting to organic processes.

Thanks to these advantages, organic farming models were initially tested: using composted manure, covering with natural grass, limiting pesticides, applying biological measures to manage pests. The pears are crispy, fragrant, sweet and cool, favored by the market, and have higher selling prices.

VH6 pear tree - new symbol of Lao Cai highland agriculture. Photo: Bich Hop.

In addition to organic production, Muong Hum is aiming to develop agricultural tourism. Hundreds of pear orchards located on the hillside, covered with fruit during harvest season, become an attractive check-in spot for tourists.

The 2025 pear output of Muong Hum commune is expected to reach about 60 tons. With a garden price of about 30,000 VND/kg, pear trees continue to be the main source of income, contributing to the sustainable economic development of the commune. Above all, pear trees have become a symbol of the change in production thinking from traditional corn and cassava cultivation to commercial agriculture, high quality and sustainable cultivation.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/le-vh6--bieu-tuong-moi-cua-nong-nghiep-vung-cao-lao-cai-d785871.html