Qi Lu effectively utilizes the economic benefits of winter pumpkin cultivation.

Thanks to its easy cultivation, minimal pest and disease problems, suitability for various soil types, and high yield, pumpkin has become a key crop, bringing high economic efficiency to many localities in the province. Expanding the area under pumpkin cultivation not only helps people increase their income and improve their living standards but also contributes significantly to the transformation of crop structure, increasing land use efficiency and agricultural production per unit area.

Pumpkins have become a key cash crop in Te Lo commune for many years now.

Promising income from pumpkins

Previously, the winter crop season in many fields mainly consisted of growing corn and soybeans, which yielded low incomes and discouraged farmers from engaging in this crop. However, since the province implemented a mechanism to support the production of safe, commercially viable vegetables and fruits according to VietGAP standards, farming techniques have undergone many positive changes. The products produced are of guaranteed quality, meet food safety requirements, and bring significantly higher economic value.

In Te Lo commune, pumpkins have become a key cash crop for many years. Sharing about the effectiveness of pumpkin cultivation, Ms. Nguyen Thi Sang, from Nhan Trai village, Te Lo commune, said: “Our people have been intensively cultivating pumpkins for many years, so we have a solid understanding of the planting techniques. Now, we can harvest both the flowers and the shoots, and traders buy them. This year, overall, pumpkin cultivation is very promising and effective.”

Pumpkin plants yield a profit of 2 to 3 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters) during the winter crop season.

Not only the pumpkins themselves, but also the harvesting of flowers and young shoots has further increased the value of this crop. Mr. Nguyen Kim Sy, Head of Gia Bang village, Te Lo commune, emphasized the superiority of pumpkins over rice: “The yield reaches two to three million dong per sao (approximately 1000 square meters) in winter crop production. That's even more profitable than rice. Rice only sells for about 850,000 dong per quintal, but now, green pumpkins are being bought up by traders right at the field for 10,500 to 11,000 dong per kilogram. Traders buy them all. Pumpkin cultivation is proving profitable and creating more jobs.”

Forming concentrated production zones

Recognizing the economic benefits of pumpkin cultivation, in recent years, in addition to the areas supported by the province for commercial production, farmers in many localities have also proactively expanded their planting areas, making the most of available land for intensive farming. This has led to the formation of concentrated pumpkin production zones, generating large volumes of commercial produce.

This winter season, the entire province planted over 500 hectares of pumpkins. Along with timely support from the province, the farmers' production methods have shifted from small-scale and scattered to regionally integrated production. This has created a large volume of goods, ensured food safety, increased the value of agricultural products, and improved production efficiency for farmers.

Green squash is weighed by traders right at the shore at prices ranging from 10,500 to 11,000 VND per kilogram.

Discussing the achievements, Mr. Vu Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Te Lo commune, expressed his delight and suggested: "In the 2025 winter crop, pumpkins fetched much better prices compared to the 2024 winter crop. Farmers are very pleased. This result is thanks to the attention and assistance of the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Environment. The People's Committee of Te Lo commune hopes that the Provincial People's Committee will continue to pay attention to and support farmers in growing other winter crops more effectively."

Pumpkin cultivation is proving to be a truly effective solution, contributing to sustainable agricultural economic transformation and warming the lives of people during the winter months.

Ngoc Thang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/te-lo-phat-huy-hieu-qua-kinh-te-tu-cay-bi-do-vu-dong-242970.htm