Elevating the status of pomelo as a specialty fruit.

As one of Phu Tho's renowned specialties, the pomelo tree has long been a key crop, helping many households in the province escape poverty and achieve prosperity. To develop pomelo cultivation sustainably, alongside improving product quality, the agricultural sector has focused on deep processing and diversifying pomelo products to enhance economic value, opening up new avenues and elevating the status of Phu Tho's specialty.

Images of Phu Tho's specialty pomelos are widely promoted through various means.

During the period 2021-2025, with a vision towards 2030, the agricultural sector has implemented a comprehensive set of solutions to develop pomelo cultivation in a concentrated manner, improving productivity and quality. The area planted with pomelo in Phu Tho province (before the merger) increased from 2,308 hectares in 2015 to 5,593 hectares at the end of 2023, exceeding the target set for 2025.

Along with the increase in area, the province has established 161 concentrated pomelo production zones, showing a clear shift from small-scale to large-scale production methods.

To achieve these results, the planning of concentrated production areas has been emphasized. The entire province now has 162 establishments with 1,742 hectares of pomelo orchards granted planting area codes, including 18 codes for export; nearly 980 hectares of pomelo orchards have received VietGAP certification. This not only helps trace the origin of the product but also opens up opportunities for Phu Tho pomelos to reach international markets.

The promotion of the application and transfer of scientific and technological advancements into production has brought about positive changes in productivity and quality. Advanced production processes such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic farming are encouraged, enhancing product value and protecting the environment.

The area planted with specialty pomelos has more than doubled compared to 2015.

Recognizing the importance of brand building and product consumption, Phu Tho province has gradually guided and supported grapefruit-growing areas in building brands through the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program. The province now has 10 grapefruit cooperatives and production facilities that have achieved OCOP certification, with a registered output of over 15,000 tons per year. Trade promotion and market development have also been given special attention by the province, with many major events such as the Doan Hung Grapefruit Festival being successfully organized.

Furthermore, the application of information technology and the promotion of e-commerce and digital commerce in the agricultural sector have yielded practical results. Millions of traceability labels have been provided, and information on pomelo products has been posted on the province's e-commerce platforms and other platforms, attracting millions of visits.

Pomelo is a crop that brings high economic value, helping many households become well-off.

At the same time, the expansion of models for processing products from pomelo is being emphasized, creating new sources of income for the people. Besides the main product, the pomelo fruit, all parts of the pomelo tree are fully utilized. The peel is extracted to obtain essential oil, a high-value product in the cosmetics and healthcare industries, or dried to make a snack.

The peel of the pomelo is processed into traditional pomelo tea and delicious pomelo jam. Pomelo seeds contain a lot of pectin, which can be extracted to create a natural skin care gel. Even unripe and low-quality pomelos are not wasted, but are used to produce pomelo wine, a novel product with great potential.

People harvest pomelo blossoms from young trees that have not yet borne fruit.

Currently, some production facilities and cooperatives processing pomelo products are purchasing fresh pomelo pulp at 50-60 thousand VND/kg, fresh pomelo flowers at 150 thousand VND/kg, and pomelo seeds (depending on the time) at around 50-150 thousand VND/kg. After processing, dried pomelo pulp is sold at 480-550 thousand VND/kg depending on the type; pomelo essential oil is priced at approximately 5 million VND/liter; and pomelo flower essential oil is priced at 1.5 million VND/10 ml bottle.

Processing pomelo products doesn't need to be done in the growing region; it can be expanded to neighboring areas, making it easier to reach consumers and generating higher income for farmers. This is an effective approach that not only maximizes the use of raw materials but also expands the market, brings higher economic value, and helps affirm the position of Phu Tho pomelo.

Ingredients are prepared for making pomelo sweet soup.

As one of the leading cooperatives in implementing the model of processing products from the specialty pomelo of Doan Hung, Bang Luan Pomelo and General Services Cooperative currently produces and sells several products such as: distilled pomelo essential oil (peel oil, seed oil); pomelo jam, pomelo pulp used as an ingredient in tea... These products are currently widely consumed in traditional markets and on e-commerce platforms.

Currently, the cooperative has 50 members and links its products with many grapefruit growers in communes within and outside the province. The average income of cooperative workers is approximately 6 million VND/month. According to Mr. Nguyen Tuan Oanh - Director of the cooperative, to sign contracts with large enterprises, it is necessary to meet high quality requirements, commit to standards, and regularly send samples for testing for pesticide residue. Mr. Oanh emphasized: "We believe that, in parallel with quality, ensuring food safety is also a factor in building trust with partners and aiming for long-term contracts, bringing sustainable economic benefits."

With comprehensive solutions ranging from promoting intensive pomelo production, managing and developing the brand, to replicating product processing models, Phu Tho pomelo is not only a specialty fruit but also a diverse product with high economic value, affirming its solid position in the market.

Hoang Giang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/nang-tam-buoi-dac-san-237654.htm