Growing squash for export is highly effective

At this time, farmers in Nho Quan district are harvesting gourd squash. Thanks to its easy-to-grow characteristics, drought resistance, short growth period, few pests and diseases, and low labor cost. After 2 crops, the model is evaluated as effective, with high productivity and favorable consumption, and farmers are very excited.

Visiting the gourd pumpkin growing model for export of Phu Son Agricultural Cooperative, Phu Son commune, Nho Quan district right when farmers are in the harvest season.

Mr. Nguyen Van Long, representative of the cooperative, said: The gourd pumpkin was put into trial cultivation in Dong Trung, Phu Son commune, from the end of 2023 with an area of 12 hectares. Up to now, 2 crops have been produced, initially showing that this is a new crop suitable for the soil and drought-resistant, with a crop yield of 48-50 tons/ha, the total output of the whole commune reaching nearly 600 tons. With the current purchase price of 2,500 VND/kg at the field, the total revenue of 12 hectares is over 1.4 billion VND, after deducting costs, the profit is 960 million VND. If comparing pumpkin with rice or some traditional local crops, it is 3.5 times higher than rice cultivation.

Growing squash for export is highly effective — Harvesting pumpkin at Phu Son Agricultural Cooperative.

Also in Thach Binh commune, since the end of 2023, the cultivation of gourd squash for export has been deployed on an area of about 8 hectares. Mr. Vu Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thach Binh commune, assessed: According to estimates, compared to other crops in the commune, no other crop has the same income. We hope that after 2 trial crops, good results will be spread so that people can expand. However, due to soil conditions in the commune, only about 50-70 hectares can meet the requirements for growing squash. Therefore, the commune hopes that the company will support people to improve planting and fertilization techniques to increase productivity.

It is known that in 2023, Hai Thang One Member Co., Ltd. (Nho Quan) has introduced imported gourd pumpkin varieties from Korea to grow in two communes of Thach Binh and Phu Son on a planned area of 20 hectares, and at the same time undertakes to purchase products for farmers.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai, Director of Hai Thang One Member Co., Ltd. said: Up to now, the gourd pumpkin products grown by Thach Binh and Phu Son communes have met the requirements set by the Company. The cultivation is strictly in accordance with organic production standards, ensuring productivity and quality to serve the export market. The Company is committed to purchasing the products for a long time. If farmers continue to implement the model, the enterprise will accompany them in supplying, purchasing the products, and providing technical guidance. However, this is an export product, so the Company hopes that farmers will take care of it according to the instructed process, so that the products meet safety criteria.

To ensure long-term development, localities have cooperated with enterprises in the issue of supplying seeds and consuming products for large-scale export. Mr. Dinh Van The, Head of the Department of Agriculture of Nho Quan district, said: In addition to being easy to care for, requiring little effort and investment costs, growing gourd squash is also consumed right in the field, minimizing post-harvest losses for farmers. The district is researching to apply a number of support policies for enterprises, creating conditions to promote production, contributing to changing the crop structure in difficult communes.

Along with that, the Department of Agriculture of Nho Quan district has directed the communes to sign contracts with enterprises to ensure the purchase of products at market prices, so farmers can rest assured in production. In particular, Japanese pumpkin is an export product, so the demand in the market is very large, there is no fear of oversupply. According to the assessment of localities, this will be a crop with great potential for expansion and development in the coming time.

Article and photos: Nguyen Thom

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