Developing the ornamental kumquat cultivation industry.

( Quang Ngai Newspaper) - Recognizing market demand, some farmers in Nghia Lo ward (Quang Ngai City) have proactively implemented a model of growing ornamental kumquats, bringing high income to their families.

Some farming households in Nghia Lo ward (Quang Ngai city) earn a considerable income from growing ornamental kumquats.

Previously, during the Lunar New Year season, the family of Mr. Le Van Can (47 years old), residing in residential area 1, Nghia Lo ward, would import ornamental kumquat trees to sell. Recognizing that kumquat trees were well-suited to the local soil and climate, in 2015, Mr. Can decided to start a trial planting. Learning from experience, he quickly grasped the characteristics of the kumquat tree. From just a few initial trees, he has now expanded his planting area, cultivating approximately 800 ornamental kumquat trees annually. With prices ranging from 600,000 to 1,000,000 VND per tree, after deducting expenses, Mr. Can expects to earn around 200 million VND per season.

According to Mr. Can, to have beautiful, lush kumquat trees for sale during Tet (Lunar New Year), planting begins in February of the lunar calendar. After planting and securing the tree, the top is pruned and branches trimmed according to the desired shape. “Growing ornamental kumquat trees isn't too difficult, but you need to understand the tree's characteristics to have the right care methods. Kumquat trees flower and bear fruit year-round, so in the beginning, I have to visit the garden regularly, removing any flowers to allow the tree to focus on growth. Starting in May or June of the lunar calendar, growers must restrict watering to encourage simultaneous flowering and fruit setting, which will ripen just in time for Tet. Besides that, kumquat trees are often infected with fungal diseases, especially during the ripening stage, so growers must proactively spray preventative pesticides to ensure a bountiful harvest and prevent fruit drop,” Mr. Can explained.

Mr. Le Be (51 years old), residing in residential area 1, Nghia Lo ward, has been involved in growing ornamental kumquats for nearly four years. Currently, his garden of 200 potted kumquat trees is bustling with traders from various places coming to view and place orders. Mr. Be shared, "I work in construction, and growing ornamental kumquats is just a side job, but it provides my main source of income. Kumquat trees aren't too difficult to care for, but to have a beautiful shape and bear fruit at the desired time, you need a lot of technique and gardening experience. Although it depends heavily on the weather and market prices, compared to other crops, growing ornamental kumquats yields much higher income. If the kumquats aren't all sold, they can be kept and cared for, and sold at a higher price the following year. Thanks to growing kumquats, my family earns over 80 million VND in profit each year."

According to Le Thien De, Chairman of the Nghia Lo Ward Farmers' Association, with their dynamism and determination to get rich, some farmers in the ward have boldly implemented the model of growing ornamental kumquats. In the future, the Nghia Lo Ward Farmers' Association will establish a professional association for growing ornamental kumquats to bring together households with shared interests, share experiences, expand the area of kumquat cultivation, and connect with markets for consumption, helping members and farmers in the locality to have additional income during the Lunar New Year season.

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