Stable income from pomelo tree

In Thuan Yen commune, Ha Tien city, the profession of growing pomelos has existed for a long time. In the commune, there are more than 100 households growing pomelos, concentrated in two hamlets: Xoa Ao and Hoa Phau. Each year, pomelos bear fruit once, usually in April and May. The economic value of pomelos is high. Each harvest, garden owners can earn tens of millions of dong from selling pomelos.

Having grown pomelo trees for more than 30 years, according to Mr. Trinh Quoc Toan, residing in Xoa Ao hamlet, Thuan Yen commune, caring for pomelo trees does not require complicated techniques. In spring, pomelo trees bloom with pure white flowers, giving off a gentle fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies. When the flowers fade, pomelos bear fruit and turn bright yellow when ripe. Pomelo trees prefer warm, sunny climates and grow well on sandy loam soils.

“Watering, fertilizing and pest control need to be done regularly to ensure healthy growth and good fruit production. This year, pomelos have a good price, my family has an income of nearly 20 million VND from selling pomelos,” said Mr. Toan.

Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Thuan Yen Commune La Thanh Su placed collective brand signs at pomelo traders in Hoa Phau Hamlet.

In Thuan Yen commune, there are two pomelo trees over 100 years old, planted in the garden of Mr. Dinh Quang Minh, residing in Xoa Ao hamlet. According to Mr. Minh, the two pomelo trees were planted by his grandfather during the French colonial period. Through the ups and downs of time, the pomelo trees still stand firm, providing shade. The tree trunk is large, the canopy is wide, creating a cool green roof for the garden.

The two pomelo trees produce thin-skinned, orange-yellow fruits when ripe, with a mild aroma, a sweet taste, and thick, juicy flesh. Therefore, the over-100-year-old pomelo tree in Mr. Minh's garden not only attracts tourists because of its ancient beauty but also because of its heavy fruit and delicious flavor. "When the over-100-year-old pomelo tree enters harvest season, many tourists come to take souvenir photos, harvest and enjoy pomelos. Every year, my family earns nearly 20 million VND from these two over-100-year-old pomelo trees," Mr. Minh said.

Traders come to the garden to buy pomelos at a price of 120,000-150,000 VND/kg, thereby providing pomelo growers with a stable income and improved living standards. Pomelo trees not only bring economic value but also contribute to creating a brand of specialty fruits of Ha Tien City. According to the Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Thuan Yen Commune, La Thanh Su, with advantages in climate, soil and consumption market, pomelo growing in Ha Tien City has the potential to develop.

Realizing the economic efficiency of pomelo trees, many households in Thuan Yen commune replicated the pomelo growing model. To support households in developing production, Thuan Yen commune established cooperatives for growing and trading pomelos in Hoa Phau and Xoa Ao hamlets.

“Growing pomelos in Thuan Yen commune is an effective economic model, bringing income to the people. The establishment of cooperatives helps households connect in production and consumption of products; at the same time, supporting households in cultivation techniques and borrowing investment capital. In the coming time, the commune will expand the pomelo growing model to combine with eco -tourism development, helping farmers earn income and stabilize their lives,” said Mr. La Thanh Su.

Article and photos: DANH THANH

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