Quynh Phu: Growing water chestnuts in low-lying rice fields yields high economic efficiency.

Instead of planting two rice crops in low-yield, low-lying fields, in recent years, thanks to crop restructuring, farmers in some localities in Quynh Phu have switched to combining rice and water chestnut cultivation. This approach has brought high economic efficiency to the people.

Quynh Hoi commune is experimenting with growing water chestnuts on 3 hectares of low-lying rice paddies, and the results are more effective than growing rice.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khanh's family in Hoang Xa village, Chau Son commune, owns 3 acres of rice fields. Previously, he cultivated two rice crops per year, but the harvest failed every year because the fields were low-lying, the rice would be flattened by heavy rains, and drainage was slow. After researching, he found that water chestnuts were suitable for low-lying areas, so he brought them in to replace the rice crop. Rotating rice and water chestnuts on his fields has brought him a considerable income.

Mr. Khanh shared: "Water chestnuts are easy to grow, require little care, cost less than rice cultivation, and have a short growing time, about 3 months to harvest. Water chestnuts are mainly grown in the cold season, so they are less susceptible to pests and diseases. This year, the weather has been favorable, and there is an abundant water source, so the water chestnuts have grown and developed well. Currently, my family has harvested 4 batches of water chestnuts, averaging 5-7 batches per season. This year, the water chestnut crop is very productive, yielding 6-7 quintals per sao (approximately 1000 square meters), currently selling for 12,000-15,000 VND/kg. Compared to rice cultivation, water chestnut cultivation is 4-6 times more profitable. Growing water chestnuts is both economically efficient and improves soil quality."

“After harvesting the water chestnuts, I leave the field as it is without plowing. The fertilizer used for the water chestnuts is green manure and bio-fertilizer, which is buried underground. Planting the rice doesn't require plowing. The rice grown in the water chestnut field is disease-resistant and grows well. The average yield for the spring rice crop is 2.5 quintals per sao (approximately 1000 square meters),” Mr. Khanh further shared.

Water chestnuts grown in low-lying, less thorny fields are fragrant and delicious, making them popular among locals.

Following the success of Mr. Khanh's family's water chestnut cultivation model in low-lying areas, many households and localities within and outside the commune have come to learn from him and switch to growing water chestnuts. For example, in Quynh Hoi commune, this year's harvest marks the first time some households have experimented with growing water chestnuts in low-lying areas. Currently, the water chestnuts are in the harvesting stage, initially yielding high economic returns.

Mr. Nguyen Van Truong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Hoi commune, said: "In recent years, the locality has introduced several crop models for experimentation, but water chestnut cultivation on acidic, low-lying land is very suitable. Although it is only the first season, the results are high, 4-5 times higher than rice cultivation, while maintaining the agricultural land and stable environment, and especially creating jobs for the people. This year, the locality has only experimented on about 3 hectares. With the effectiveness of water chestnut cultivation, next year the locality will expand to an additional 15-20 hectares; at the same time, we will organize zoning to ensure environmental factors, stable growth and development of water chestnuts without affecting other crops. Furthermore, the large amount of organic fertilizer from water chestnuts will provide nutrients for spring rice cultivation, reducing fertilizer costs and bringing high yields."

Water chestnuts are easy to grow, require little care, cost less than rice cultivation, and have a short growing season of about 3 months before harvest.

In Quynh Phu district, there are approximately 50 hectares of water chestnut cultivation concentrated in the communes of Chau Son, An Quy, An Thai, Quynh Hoi, etc. Determined to prevent land from falling into disuse, Quynh Phu district has issued directives to local authorities to utilize land resources for rational crop conversion, yielding high economic returns.

Mr. Do Tien Cong, Deputy Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Quynh Phu District, said: "Based on the successful model of growing water chestnuts in low-lying areas in some localities, the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of the district will advise the District People's Committee to continue expanding the area of water chestnut cultivation in low-lying areas in the communes. At the same time, we will organize training and provide guidance on cultivation techniques and pest control to make water chestnuts a key crop in the locality, increasing farmers' income and encouraging them to be more committed to farming and feel secure in their work and production."

Nguyen Cuong

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