The season of tangerine prosperity in Muong Khuong land

With more than 700 hectares, Muong Khuong is the largest tangerine growing area in Lao Cai province.

But the people of Muong Khuong commune have turned hardship into motivation, gradually taking control of their lives on their homeland.

Amidst the vast rocky mountains and the misty fog, Muong Khuong these days is glowing with the golden color of more than 700 hectares of ripe tangerines, not only signaling a bountiful harvest but also spreading the scent of joy and prosperity.

Efficiency from crop conversion

After a smooth, paved road of more than 5 km, winding around towering limestone mountains from the commune center to Muong Khuong border gate, we arrived at Lao Chai village - one of the largest tangerine-growing villages in the commune.

Wherever you go, you can see tangerine trees, from the land strips on the hillsides to the small gardens around the houses, people almost only grow this type of tree. Previously, many households in Muong Khuong like Mr. Lo Din Phu were only used to cultivating corn and rice with unstable income, life was always in a state of lack before, lack after.

When the model of growing clean tangerines for commercial purposes was encouraged, Mr. Phu boldly converted to planting more than 3,000 trees. That decision became an important turning point in his family's journey out of poverty.

Mr. Phu said: "Previously, the entire family's land area was mainly used to grow corn because the terrain was steep and rocky, making it difficult for other agricultural crops to grow. Now, switching to growing clean tangerines is both suitable and has high productivity, bringing in much better income."

Mr. Phu's story is similar to many other households in the economic transformation picture of Muong Khuong. Up to now, the whole commune has more than 740 hectares of tangerines, of which 450 hectares are being harvested with an output of more than 8,000 tons per year. The cool climate, suitable altitude and VietGAP cultivation method help the quality of Muong Khuong tangerines stand out with thin peel, juicy segments, sweet taste and characteristic aroma.

The product is granted geographical indication, achieving 3-star OCOP, becoming the pride of tangerine growers. In 2024 alone, the whole commune earned more than 150 billion VND from this crop. Not only bringing economic benefits, tangerine gardens are opening up a new direction for developing experiential tourism for local people. Tourists from many places come to visit, pick tangerines and learn about the production model, also contributing to improving economic efficiency.

Ms. Ngo Thuy Trang, Cam Duong ward said: "I found it very interesting to travel nearly 60 km to get here and the tangerine garden was a very meaningful experience. Picking the fruit myself and listening to people share their experiences in growing the fruit, I found it very rewarding."

Creating sustainable livelihoods

Tangerine trees are also the main source of income for Ms. Lo Din Sui's family. With 4,000 tangerine trees in harvest, each crop the family can collect nearly 20 tons of fruit. In addition to selling directly in the garden and neighboring areas, she also takes advantage of online platforms such as Facebook, Zalo... to introduce and sell products.

Thanks to that, Muong Khuong tangerines are increasingly reaching a large number of customers. “In recent years, tangerine sales have been favorable, and the specialty tangerine brand has become known to many people. In addition to growing in the main season, my family also grows some early and late ripening tangerine varieties to extend the season.

Thanks to the tangerine tree, the family has a stable source of income,” Ms. Sui said excitedly. If in the past, tangerines were mainly imported from across the border, now Muong Khuong tangerines not only dominate the domestic market but also reach many provinces and cities across the country through e-commerce platforms, social networks and modern distribution systems.

With a stable average price of about 20,000 VND/kg, the tangerine brand of this border region is increasingly asserting its position. According to Mr. Dao Van Chien, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Muong Khuong Commune, the products made by the people are very suitable for the demand, just need to supply domestically and it will be consumed, no need to worry about surplus. However, for Muong Khuong tangerines to continue to reach out and conquer demanding markets, the locality still has a lot of work to do.

The government and people are coordinating to implement solutions towards sustainable development, focusing on improving quality; at the same time effectively exploiting the advantages of climate and soil to turn tangerine into a key agricultural product, contributing to improving the lives of people in the highlands.
Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Muong Khuong Commune, Dinh Trong Khoi, said that recently the association has increased technical training, instructed people on how to care for crops according to VietGAP standards, prioritized the use of organic fertilizers, ensured safety in pest control and harvested according to correct procedures.

At the same time, we coordinate with businesses and cooperatives to expand the growing area and replicate the clean tangerine model in many villages. From being just a tree that helps to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, Muong Khuong tangerine today has truly become a tree that enriches, bringing high income to thousands of households; becoming a symbol of the enduring vitality and spirit of the people on the borderland.

Article and photos: CONG HAI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/mua-quyt-no-am-dat-muong-khuong-post928343.html