New vitality for Cu Lao Gieng commune.

Visiting Cu Lao Gieng today, one can easily sense the flourishing rural landscape. Houses are built close together, rural roads are paved smoothly, and cars and trucks carrying agricultural products bustle along the inter-hamlet routes, especially during the mango harvest season. At the purchasing center, the atmosphere is lively with people sorting and loading mangoes onto trucks to ensure timely delivery. All 22 hamlets of the commune have achieved the standards of new rural development and advanced new rural development, with a bright, green, clean, and beautiful landscape, creating new vitality for this island countryside.

A view of Con En ecotourism site during the flood season. Photo: Hanh Chau

As the year draws to a close, the mango harvest becomes even more bustling. While supervising a group of workers picking mangoes in his orchard, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, residing in Tan Thanh hamlet, said he had just sold over 4 tons of mangoes early at 15,000 VND/kg. “For over 10 years, my 10 acres of mango trees have provided a stable income, helping my family become quite well-off,” Mr. Phuc shared. According to the People's Committee of Cu Lao Gieng commune, the locality has over 2,518 hectares of mango trees, with about 60% of the area producing off-season fruit. Currently, the harvested area has reached over 1,007 hectares, yielding more than 7,033 tons. The price of seedless mangoes ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 VND/kg, while green mangoes range from 20,000 to 27,000 VND/kg at the orchard. Production reality shows that mango cultivation has proven its economic effectiveness, helping farmers become wealthy on the same area of cultivated land.

The commune's infrastructure is increasingly improving. Electricity, roads, schools, health stations, and telecommunications have been invested in comprehensively; the material and spiritual lives of the people are gradually improving. According to Do Minh Tri, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cu Lao Gieng commune, despite facing many difficulties, the socio-economic development of the commune will continue to be positive in 2025. The total value of production will reach over 3,211 billion VND; average per capita income will reach 82.1 million VND/year; and 16 out of 17 key indicators will meet or exceed the resolution's targets.

Mango wholesalers contribute to purchasing and creating a stable market for farmers. Photo: Hanh Chau

According to Vo Minh Nang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Cu Lao Gieng commune, the island's advantageous location creates a unique natural landscape, favorable for the development of agriculture and tourism. To date, the commune has been granted 32 planting area codes with an area of 2,944 hectares; the area certified VietGAP is 735 hectares, and GlobalGAP is nearly 50 hectares. Cu Lao Gieng also effectively exploits its potential for eco-tourism and spiritual tourism. Religious structures, ancient historical relics, and tourist attractions such as Con En islet and riverside homestays create a unique appeal. By 2025, tourist destinations in the area are expected to welcome nearly 58,800 visitors, with estimated revenue of nearly 4 billion VND.

Aquaculture is thriving with 126 households and businesses; more than 1,086 fish cages along the river and 26 catfish ponds for export. Trade and service activities are also vibrant with 10 markets, 4 concentrated trading points, and nearly 600 small traders, contributing to the promotion of the rural economy.

From a purely agricultural island, Cu Lao Gieng is undergoing a powerful transformation, harmoniously blending agriculture, commerce, and tourism. The orchards laden with mangoes, the well-maintained roads, and the vibrant pace of life are affirming the right direction, creating a foundation for sustainable local development in the new era.

HANH CHAU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/suc-song-moi-xa-cu-lao-gieng-a472997.html