Sweet fruits from the land in the middle

The family of Ms. Han Thi Thanh Binh in Zone 1 planted 120 seedless persimmon trees, bringing in a stable income and helping them become a well-off household.

Before the merger of Gia Thanh, Bao Thanh, Tri Quan, and Ha Giap communes into the present-day Dan Chu commune, the old Gia Thanh commune was an area with uneven terrain, many undulating hills resembling an inverted bowl. During the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, the forests here sheltered cadres, soldiers, and state agencies and warehouses stationed in the area. Following the success of the August Revolution, the people of the commune ended their lives of slavery and rose up to take control of their own destiny... The victorious spirit of the August Revolution spurred the people of the commune to steadfastly and loyally overcome subsequent wars to protect and build the nation, and to develop their homeland into an increasingly modernized place.

The rolling hills that were once covered in dense forests sheltering revolutionary cadres have now been replaced by orchards of persimmons, pomelos, and other fruit trees laden with fruit, as well as large-scale livestock farms, bringing high economic value. In particular, the expansion of seedless persimmon cultivation has affirmed the correct direction taken by the local government. Gia Thanh seedless persimmons have a high, rhomboid shape rather than a round one, with upturned lobes. When ripe, the fruit is light yellow, crunchy, and sweet. Persimmons also contain many vitamins beneficial to health, making them an attractive gift for those who have left their hometown and tourists visiting Phu Tho.

According to statistics from the People's Committee of the commune, the area planted with persimmons in the locality has expanded to nearly 200 hectares, of which 98 hectares are in production with an estimated average annual yield of 15 tons/ha. Revenue from this specialty persimmon crop brings in approximately 450 million VND/ha. This seedless variety has an economic value 30-40% higher than traditional persimmon varieties. The application of modern farming techniques, such as automatic irrigation and the use of organic fertilizers, has helped reduce production costs and improve fruit quality, bringing stable income to hundreds of households in the commune.

One of the pioneering households in the commune that cultivates seedless persimmons on a large scale is the family of Ms. Han Thi Thanh Binh in Zone 1. Ms. Binh shared: “Given the high market demand for persimmons, a specialty fruit symbolizing the Mid-Autumn Festival, my family decided to cut down our unproductive orchard and switch to persimmon cultivation. After 4-5 years, we started harvesting the first crop, yielding a relatively high income compared to other crops. Seeing this, many households in the commune followed suit, improving their orchards and converting some areas to persimmon cultivation – a perennial fruit tree that increases income and provides sustainable value as a legacy for future generations.” It is known that from 120 fruit-bearing persimmon trees, Ms. Binh's family harvests an average of about 10 tons of fruit annually, generating approximately 400 million VND in revenue. However, this year's persimmon crop has been significantly affected by heavy rainfall, resulting in a considerable decrease in the yield of seedless persimmons for Mrs. Binh's family in particular, and hundreds of households in the commune in general, estimated at 500-600 tons. Despite this, the quality and appearance remain unaffected. The price of persimmons this season is still quite high, ranging from 50,000-60,000 VND/kg, and is expected to increase further in the coming period.

Given the value that this specialty fruit variety brings, since September 2022, Gia Thanh seedless persimmons from the Gia Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative have been recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as a 4-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) product at the provincial level, and are favored by consumers. This confirms the correct direction taken in converting inefficient forestry and mixed orchard areas to cultivating high-value specialty persimmons, contributing to increased income for the people and promoting socio-economic development of the locality.

Sweet fruits from the land in the middle

Hong Gia Thanh is a local delicacy that brings the unique flavor of autumn.

Comrade Pham Quang Dang - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dan Chu commune, said: "Many programs supporting farmers, such as training in cultivation techniques, providing high-quality seedlings, and connecting with purchasing businesses, have been implemented for each persimmon-growing household, contributing to increased income. Identifying the Gia Thanh seedless persimmon as the main crop, bringing high economic value to the people, the commune government has oriented towards expanding the planting area with specific solutions such as: focusing on caring for existing persimmon orchards; paying attention to caring for trees that have already produced stable fruit; advising people to prune branches, shape the canopy, and have a reasonable fertilization and irrigation regime to compensate for the nutrients that nourished the fruit of the previous season. At the same time, we continue to encourage people to expand the planting area. Facing challenges such as climate change and pests, the commune will continue to coordinate with specialized agencies to support farmers in applying high technology in care and harvesting, bringing sustainable value to this local specialty crop."

The economic benefits brought about by seedless persimmons have proven that with perseverance and proper support, agricultural production can become a sustainable economic development engine for this midland region. The sweet fruit of Gia Thanh persimmons will continue to spread, bringing a more prosperous life to the people of this midland countryside.

Hong Nhung

Source: https://baophutho.vn/trai-ngot-tu-vung-dat-giua-239735.htm