Increase income from growing cantaloupe in greenhouses.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu, Director of the Tan Quoi Lo Saemaul Agricultural, Service, and Trade Cooperative in Tan Binh commune, has boldly introduced technology into production with the model of "Growing cantaloupe in greenhouses using biological methods." On her homeland, Ms. Kieu and the cooperative members have opened up a path to sustainable wealth creation through modern farming practices.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu boldly introduced technology into production with her model of "Growing cantaloupe in greenhouses using biological methods".

Ms. Kieu said: “Thanks to choosing to start a business with the model of “Growing cantaloupe in greenhouses using organic methods” since 2019, my family's economy has developed and income has increased significantly. Currently, I am implementing processes to improve the quality of cantaloupe, aiming for OCOP 3-star standards and investing in products according to VietGAP standards.”

In 2019, high-tech cantaloupe farming was still quite new in the area. Therefore, when starting her business, Ms. Kieu faced many obstacles, lacking both management experience and technical knowledge. In addition, the initial investment costs for greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, seeds, and supplies were quite high, while the product's market was not yet stable.

Undeterred, Ms. Kieu proactively sought solutions to each problem. She actively participated in training courses on scientific and technical transfer, learned from agricultural engineers about growing cantaloupe in greenhouses using biological methods, and visited many successful production models. Regarding capital, she utilized support from startup programs and collaborated with cooperative members to invest together. Importantly, she identified the market demand as the "key," so she actively sought partners to purchase the products. To date, all of the cooperative's cantaloupe has been sold through established partnerships, at a stable price of around 25,000 VND/kg. As a result, members can produce with peace of mind, no longer worrying about "bumper harvest, low prices."

After more than 5 years of development, the Tan Quoi Lo Saemaul Agricultural, Service, and Trade Cooperative has expanded to over 60 members, with a melon cultivation area of ​​approximately 9,000 m², comprising 5 greenhouses. The model focuses on producing two main melon varieties: the Ha Quyen melon and the TL3 melon, ensuring consistent quality. On average, each melon crop lasts about 3 months, yielding 3-4 tons per 1,000 m², and after deducting costs, the profit is nearly 20 million VND per 1,000 m².

Ms. Kieu's modern farming methods not only bring economic benefits but, more importantly, contribute to changing the production mindset of local farmers. From small-scale production relying on experience, many have now boldly switched to controlled farming models, applying technology and linking to the market. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ut, a member of the cooperative, shared: "Previously, I grew crops, and the selling price was very unstable. Since participating in Ms. Kieu's melon farming model, I have received systematic technical guidance, and my products have a stable market, so my income is much better."

Mr. Cao Van Tam, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Tan Binh commune, affirmed: "Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu's production model is one of the bright spots in the locality in the transformation of agricultural production structure. The greenhouse melon model is in line with modern agricultural trends, helping to increase product value and reduce production risks."

Text and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tang-thu-nhap-tu-trong-dua-luoi-trong-nha-kinh-a200795.html