Sustainable economic development from grapefruit trees

The area of ​​grapefruit cultivation in the whole province increased from 2,308 hectares (2015) to 5,593 hectares (2023), exceeding the target set by 2025.

In recent years, implementing Conclusion No. 121-KL/TU dated September 21, 2021 of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee on the plan for agricultural, forestry and fishery development for the period 2021 - 2025, with a vision to 2030, the Phu Tho Department of Agriculture has synchronously deployed many solutions to develop grapefruit trees in a concentrated direction, improving productivity and quality. Up to now, the grapefruit growing area of ​​the province has had spectacular growth. From 2,308 hectares in 2015, by the end of 2023, the grapefruit area of ​​the whole province has reached 5,593 hectares, an increase of 140% and exceeding the target set for 2025 (5,500 hectares). Grapefruit output is estimated at 18,000 tons/year.

Along with the increase in area, the province has formed 161 concentrated grapefruit production areas with a total area of ​​2.65 thousand hectares, reaching 135% of the set target. This shows a clear shift in production methods, from small-scale, fragmented to concentrated, large-scale, creating favorable conditions for the application of science and technology and improving production efficiency.

The whole province has 162 establishments with 1,742 hectares of grapefruit with growing area codes.

To achieve the above results, the Department of Agriculture has proactively directed specialized units to coordinate with localities to implement key tasks and solutions. The planning of concentrated production areas has been focused on. Up to now, the whole province has 162 establishments with 1,742 hectares of grapefruit with growing area codes, of which 18 codes (366.1 hectares) are for export. This not only helps trace the origin of the product but also opens up opportunities to bring Phu Tho grapefruit to the international market.

In particular, the promotion of the application and transfer of scientific and technological advances into production has brought about positive changes in the productivity and quality of grapefruit. Many new grapefruit varieties with high productivity, quality, and different ripening times have been put into trial cultivation and expanded, contributing to extending the harvest season and reducing seasonal pressure. Advanced production processes such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, organic, integrated pest management IPM, ICP are encouraged to be applied, increasing product value and protecting the environment. To date, the whole province has 978.1 hectares of grapefruit certified by VietGAP, 20 hectares by GlobalGAP and 6 hectares by organic certification.

The whole province has formed 161 concentrated grapefruit production areas.

Realizing the importance of brand building, Phu Tho has gradually oriented and supported grapefruit regions to build brands through the program "One Commune One Product" (OCOP). Up to now, the whole province has 10 cooperatives and grapefruit production facilities that have achieved OCOP certification with a registered output of over 15,000 tons/year. OCOP grapefruit products are increasingly known and trusted by consumers. Trade promotion and market development are also of special interest to the province. Many major events such as the Doan Hung grapefruit festival, the OCOP and Phu Tho agricultural product fair, and the agricultural product week... have been successfully organized, creating opportunities to promote products and connect trade. The province also focuses on building sales points and introducing OCOP products in central areas and tourist areas.

Specialty grapefruit and grapefruit products are widely promoted in a variety of forms and methods.

In particular, the application of information technology, promoting e-commerce and digital commerce in the agricultural sector has brought practical results. Millions of traceability stamps have been supported for agricultural production and trading establishments. Information and grapefruit products have been posted on the province's e-commerce platforms and other platforms, attracting millions of visits. The digital transformation software of the Agricultural Sector has been built and developed, digitizing 100% of OCOP product records, making management and information lookup convenient and professional. The "Digital Agricultural Map" feature on the software has created a bridge between producers and traders with online consumption channels. Information and propaganda work has also been promoted on media, newspapers and social networking channels, helping people grasp information about production situations, technical processes and effective production models. Training courses on technical progress transfer, digital transformation, production management, and food safety are regularly organized to improve the capacity of producers and agricultural officials at all levels.

For the sustainable development of grapefruit trees, the Department of Agriculture will continue to guide the promotion of intensive grapefruit cultivation and production, improving product quality; reviewing and developing key areas; focusing on disseminating technical knowledge and market orientation to the people. At the same time, replicate model grapefruit gardens that apply synchronous science and technology, especially pruning measures, additional pollination, and increased use of organic and micronutrient fertilizers.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture strengthens management, brand development and linkage in consumption of Phu Tho grapefruit products; continues to build and perfect logos, labels, and packaging for OCOP grapefruit products, and promotes brands on multiple platforms. Encourages businesses and individuals to participate in building collective and individual brands for grapefruit products in key areas. Strengthens quality control of branded products, clearly classifies and classifies products. Focuses on brand protection, searching for and inviting businesses with large purchasing capacity, and developing online sales systems.

On the other hand, it is necessary to replicate models of processing grapefruit products, encourage the processing of grapefruit by-products such as: grapefruit essential oil, grapefruit jam, grapefruit tea, grapefruit wine... This is a new direction with great potential, helping to increase the value of grapefruit trees and create additional income for people.

Hoang Giang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/phat-trien-kinh-te-ben-vung-tu-cay-buoi-231027.htm