Dragon fruit grown in challenging soil conditions.

In 2005-2006, some households in Tam Phu village tried planting dragon fruit on hilly land, and everyone doubted its ability to survive in this barren area. But after more than a year of planting and caring for it according to proper technical procedures, the dragon fruit yielded a harvest that exceeded all expectations.

Recognizing the economic benefits, many households in the commune have cut down cassava and eucalyptus trees on hilly land to plant dragon fruit. With its rich, sweet flavor, Lap Thach's dragon fruit is well-received by the market, bringing high income and increasing its value 10-12 times compared to growing cassava, eucalyptus, and traditional fruit trees such as longan, lychee, and mango.

Based on the results and successes achieved and the practical requirements for dragon fruit development in the area, the commune and provincial authorities reviewed, planned, and implemented a pilot dragon fruit planting project from 2011 to 2013. In 2018, they continued to implement a pilot program to invest in the sustainable development of dragon fruit production areas for export and domestic consumption, following a production-consumption linkage model. This aims to create a concentrated, high-quality dragon fruit production area to meet domestic demand and target export markets, thereby increasing income for the people.

Dragon fruit trees bring high economic value, helping many people in Lap Thach commune escape poverty and become wealthy.

To build brand awareness, improve quality, and increase income for dragon fruit growers, Lap Thach commune is promoting the transfer and guidance of planting, caring for, and pest control processes according to VietGAP standards; caring for dragon fruit trees using lighting to produce off-season fruit, especially during the Lunar New Year, when dragon fruit prices are two or three times higher than during the main season. Simultaneously, it is collaborating with businesses, the Institute of Biotechnology, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology to conduct research on producing syrup and wine from dragon fruit juice. It is also coordinating with relevant departments and agencies to promote marketing and trade promotion...

After 20 years of establishing itself in Lap Thach district, dragon fruit cultivation has expanded to over 135 hectares, mainly concentrated in the villages of Tam Phu, Dong Nui, Con Voi, Phao Trang, Thanh Cong, Xuan Trach, and Rung Trung. Yields are estimated at over 22 quintals/hectare, with an estimated production of nearly 300 tons. With selling prices ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 VND/kg, after deducting costs, one hectare of dragon fruit yields a profit of 150 to 250 million VND. Dragon fruit cultivation has created jobs for hundreds of local laborers.

Mr. Nguyen Thuan Thanh, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Lap Thach commune, shared: "Up to now, no crop in Lap Thach has yielded as high a value as dragon fruit. Dragon fruit opens up a new direction, creating a strong breakthrough in the restructuring of crop production in Lap Thach and is identified as one of the key crops, contributing effectively to poverty reduction."

In the coming period, Lap Thach commune will continue to coordinate with provincial departments and agencies to support people in implementing and expanding high-tech application models in dragon fruit production, contributing to increasing added value and protecting the rural environment; supporting product consumption connections, trade promotion, and brand promotion of Lap Thach dragon fruit... Developing concentrated dragon fruit production areas in Lap Thach towards high-value commodity production, following a sustainable production-to-consumption chain model. Striving to increase income from dragon fruit production to over 200 million VND/hectare, creating a breakthrough in agricultural and rural development.

Tran Tinh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/thanh-long-tren-vung-dat-kho-242853.htm