'Sweet fruits' on the hills of Trang Xa

Taking advantage of the cool climate and suitable soil, the people of Trang Xa commune (Thai Nguyen province) have gradually shifted their production mindset, focusing on developing agricultural economy. In particular, fruit trees have been identified as the main direction, contributing to increased income and improved living standards for the people.

Ms. Vu Thi Thao, from Hop Nhat hamlet (Trang Xa commune), is harvesting dragon fruit from her family's farm.

Recognizing that their family's hillside land was suitable for fruit trees, in 2019, Ms. Vu Thi Thao's family in Hop Nhat hamlet boldly switched to dragon fruit cultivation. Previously, nearly 2,000 square meters of their alluvial land were mainly used for growing corn, which yielded low productivity and did not generate much economic benefit.

After proactively researching techniques, learning from successful production models, and receiving local support, Ms. Thao's family decided to cultivate red-fleshed dragon fruit. Currently, with selling prices ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND/kg depending on the variety, the model has initially yielded clear economic benefits, increasing income per unit of land.

Ms. Vu Thi Thao shared: "Dragon fruit mainly requires proper care, including regular pruning, fertilizing, and pest and disease control to ensure good growth. Compared to growing corn before, dragon fruit yields higher economic returns, has a stable market, and provides my family with an additional source of income and improved living standards."

As a mountainous commune with favorable natural conditions for fruit tree development, Trang Xa has proactively guided its people to transform their crop structure towards commercial production. Taking advantage of existing resources, the people have actively expanded the area and diversified the varieties to include pomelo, dragon fruit, custard apple, longan, and guava.

To date, the total area of ​​fruit trees in the commune has reached approximately 520 hectares, including about 260 hectares of pomelo, about 150 hectares of custard apple, and over 30 hectares of dragon fruit. The main growing areas are concentrated in the hamlets of Mo Dinh, Hop Nhat, Lo Gach, and Cau Nho.

The family of Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy, from Cau Nho hamlet, is one of the pioneering households in converting 3,600 square meters of hillside land to custard apple cultivation. Currently, the family has over 600 custard apple trees that are growing well and providing a stable income.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy said: "After receiving guidance and information from the local authorities on changing the crop structure, my family boldly invested in developing this model. Thanks to the suitable climate and soil, the custard apple trees grow well, produce beautiful fruit, and are consistently purchased by traders. After deducting expenses, my family earns over 50 million VND per year."

Over 600 custard apple trees belonging to Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy's family in Cau Nho hamlet (Trang Xa commune) are thriving, providing a stable income.

Looking ahead to 2030, agriculture and forestry will continue to be the economic pillars of Trang Xa, accounting for over 56.6% of the economic structure. Adhering to this goal, the locality focuses on developing key products in a marketable direction, linked to improving quality and added value.

At the same time, the commune is stepping up propaganda and guidance for people to expand the area of ​​fruit trees, apply production processes that ensure food safety, and aim for organic standards.

Ms. Duong Thi Huong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Trang Xa commune, said: "Developing fruit trees contributes to increasing people's income and promotes the shift in the agricultural economic structure towards sustainability."

In the coming period, the locality will continue to support people in applying science and technology to production, building concentrated fruit-growing areas, gradually forming a product consumption chain, increasing the value of agricultural products and building distinctive local brands.

From low-yielding, sloping hills, Trang Xa is gradually developing into thriving fruit-growing areas, bringing clear economic value. The proactive innovation in production thinking by the people, along with appropriate guidance from the local government, has opened up a sustainable development path for the agricultural economy here.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202605/trai-ngot-tren-vung-doi-trang-xa-ffb3026/