Export prospects for red-fleshed dragon fruit in Lap Thach commune.

Once described as a barren land where "dogs eat rocks and chickens eat pebbles," Lap Thach (formerly Vinh Phuc province) is reviving and developing thanks to the efforts of its people. The model of growing red-fleshed dragon fruit there is a vivid example.

Establishing a key red-fleshed dragon fruit growing region in Northern Vietnam.

Taking us on a tour of his family's red-fleshed dragon fruit plantation, Mr. Nguyen Duc Thanh from Hong Thai village excitedly shared: "This hillside was unsuitable for anything before. Since we renovated it to plant red-fleshed dragon fruit, the economic efficiency has increased significantly. The lives of people in this barren and harsh land are getting better and better."

To date, after many years of development and expanding from zero, Mr. Thanh's family now has more than 2 hectares dedicated to cultivating red-fleshed dragon fruit. He applies technology to many stages of the production process to manage and optimize operations, such as: an automatic drip irrigation system that provides precise water supply, avoiding water waste and ensuring stable plant growth; combining the irrigation system with automatic fertilization according to each growth stage of the plant, ensuring it receives sufficient nutrients; and using temperature, humidity, and other sensors to monitor and control the cultivation environment.

The coordinating unit and businesses surveyed and assessed the export potential of red-fleshed dragon fruit from Thanh Hung Agricultural Production Cooperative, Hong Thai village, Lap Thach commune.

Mr. Thanh shared: "If properly cared for and following the correct procedures, the time from planting to harvesting red-fleshed dragon fruit is about 7 months. With an average of 4 harvests per year, the yield is large, and the price and market are stable. This crop not only improves income but also helps local farmers become wealthy."

During her working visit to the growing region, Ms. Nguyen Hong Yen, Head of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, emphasized: For the former Vinh Phuc area, there are three crops – bananas, cassava, and dragon fruit – with enormous economic potential. In particular, this is the origin of the red-fleshed dragon fruit variety. In terms of both quality and scale of cultivation, few regions can compete.

Currently, the total area of ​​red-fleshed dragon fruit in the former Vinh Phuc region is approximately 400 hectares, mainly in Lap Thach commune.

Export opportunities are wide open.

Now, in Lap Thach district, red-fleshed dragon fruit has become a specialty crop with proven potential and value. Several cooperatives specializing in red-fleshed dragon fruit cultivation have been established and are playing a significant role in the area. Thanks to its attractive appearance, nutritional value, and health benefits, red-fleshed dragon fruit from Lap Thach is popular and consistently sells well in the market.

In mid-September, RYB Company, specializing in exporting fresh fruits and agricultural products from Vietnam, conducted a survey and visited the red-fleshed dragon fruit growing area of ​​Thanh Hung Agricultural Production Cooperative in Hong Thai village. The cooperative has been granted a planting area code, OCOP certification, and produces according to VietGAP standards. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, the company's CEO, stated that with an area of ​​over 20 hectares and the quality of the cooperative's red-fleshed dragon fruit meeting requirements in terms of yield, appearance, and quality, this provides a favorable foundation for exporting this specialty fruit.

Businesses involved in the distribution of red-fleshed dragon fruit are researching target markets. According to the export roadmap, the immediate goal is to export dragon fruit to the Chinese market due to short shipping times, high demand, and less stringent quality requirements; and to aim for export to European countries once the fruit from the growing region meets the criteria for GlobalGAP certification.

With the desire to soon bring local specialties to the market, Thanh Hung Agricultural Production Cooperative has provided VietGAP certification and planting area codes to businesses, while actively implementing production processes that meet export criteria as required by the partner businesses.

Bui Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/trien-vong-xuat-khau-thanh-long-ruot-do-o-xa-lap-thach-239814.htm