Organic vegetable stall in Kim Long

Ms. Tran Thi Dao, Director of Kim Long Agricultural Cooperative, informed that the organic vegetable growing model in Kim Long was piloted since the end of 2015, with the support of the Hue City Farmers' Association. Less than a year later, this model was replicated in the area and now has the participation of 8 households, with an area of nearly 5,000m2.

When participating in this vegetable growing model, households are trained in planting and care techniques by “hands-on demonstration” and follow the correct organic vegetable growing process, from composting, weeding to using safe irrigation water sources… Households actively collect fertilizer for vegetables, buy pig manure, cow manure, green trees and compost according to the correct process.

WWF provides additional support in terms of techniques, materials, and tools for composting and composting nutrients for vegetables from fruits, vegetables, etc. In pest control, only herbs made from ginger, garlic, chili, or by hand at night are used. Households actively weed by hand, without using herbicides or chemicals. Soil and water for organic vegetable production have been sampled and tested to ensure safety before being put into production.

After many years of implementation, fertilized with organic fertilizers, the soil for growing organic vegetables has become loose and rich in nutrients, so the vegetables grow healthy, lush, and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Vegetables put into production include amaranth, Malabar spinach, water spinach, mustard greens, and spices such as green onions, herbs, etc. In addition, fruits such as squash, pumpkin, winter melon, bitter melon, and sweet melon are grown seasonally. The average income from growing organic vegetables per hectare is 300 million VND/year.

Up to now, vegetable growers are occasionally supported by the Action Center for Urban Development (ACCD), creating conditions for visiting and training to exchange and learn more experiences from the owner of Thanh Dong - Hoi An vegetable garden ( Quang Nam ). ACCD has supported funding to upgrade the processing house to meet the standards so that the cooperative can complete the procedures to request the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Quality Management to issue a certificate of food safety eligibility.

At first, there were only a few stores that purchased vegetables for farmers, then there were some other small customers, including a group of friendly customers who came directly to the garden to buy and share difficulties with the households. The remaining majority of organic products were sold by households at Kim Long market. Many customers have understood the nature and benefits of organically grown vegetables, so they choose to use this product. Thanks to that, the output of the products is currently relatively stable, bringing good income to households participating in the project. Vegetable growers also limit the use of plastic bags when delivering goods, but mainly use banana leaves to wrap vegetables, and deliver vegetables in padded baskets, contributing to environmental protection. The organic vegetable garden is also a place for students of kindergartens and primary schools in Hue city to experience.

Article and photos: Thanh Nga