Growing vegetables in greenhouses: Big investment, high profit

SON LA Investing in a greenhouse is quite expensive, about over 100 million VND for every 1,000m². However, in return, the plants grow well, have high productivity, low risk, and outstanding profits.

In Phieng Cam commune (old Mai Son district, Son La province), the greenhouse chili growing model of Toan Dan Tien Cooperative is a typical example of high-tech agricultural development in the area. The green chili beds, full of fruit, cared for in a closed process are bringing high economic efficiency to the households here.

Palermo peppers and sweet bell peppers are the main products of Toan Dan Tien Cooperative. Photo: Duc Binh.

Mr. Hoang Van Du, a technical officer of Toan Dan Tien Cooperative, said that the entire process of growing vegetables in greenhouses complies with VietGAP standards. From soil preparation, fertilization, pest control to harvesting, all are recorded in a full production diary. “We only use organic microbial fertilizers, combined with some biological drugs to prevent fungal diseases. Every step from weeding, pruning to care is strictly controlled. Currently, the Cooperative has 3 workers working in rotation, focusing on pruning according to plan,” Mr. Du shared.

On an area of ​​over 3,000m² of greenhouse, the cooperative is cultivating many types of vegetables and fruits such as squash, chayote, tomatoes... However, Palermo peppers and sweet bell peppers are still the main products, accounting for about 70% of the total area. These are two varieties of peppers of temperate origin, preferring cool climates and susceptible to pests such as whiteflies and aphids.

Phieng Cam commune has the advantage of a cool climate all year round, the highest temperature in summer is about 32°C but at night it drops to 23 - 24°C, creating favorable conditions for cold-loving vegetables and fruits to grow. However, climate change has caused many prolonged rains in recent years, significantly affecting plants grown in the wild. Therefore, if grown outdoors, plants are very susceptible to weather and pests, while production in greenhouses helps control temperature, limit rain and sun and ensure more stability in the context of complex weather developments.

The greenhouse system of Toan Dan Tien Cooperative has an investment of more than 300 million VND. Photo: Duc Binh.

Ms. Nguyen Huyen Trang, an officer of the Agricultural Technical Center of Son La province, said: “Households investing in greenhouses often have to spend quite a lot of money, about over 100 million VND for every 1,000m². However, in return, productivity and production efficiency are guaranteed to be better than growing in the wild.”

According to Ms. Trang, the advantages of greenhouses are clearly shown in creating a stable growing environment, while significantly reducing the risk of pests and diseases. When temperature and humidity factors are well controlled, plants grow healthier, thereby limiting the need to use pesticides. However, Ms. Trang also noted that gardeners still need to regularly check to detect early signs of abnormalities, because chili is a plant that is very sensitive to weather fluctuations.

In addition to standardizing the cultivation process, Toan Dan Tien Cooperative also proactively cooperates with supermarket and restaurant systems in the North to ensure stable output. Thanks to that, farmers only need to focus on production, while chili products are purchased at an average price of about 50,000 - 80,000 VND/kg. With a yield of 3 - 5 kg per Palermo chili plant and 1.5 - 3 kg per sweet bell pepper plant, an average of 3,000 m² yields more than 20 tons/crop, with a profit of hundreds of millions of VND.

Toan Dan Tien Cooperative is aiming to invest in building more equipment for production in greenhouses such as sun-blocking layers, fans, humidity measuring systems... to be able to maintain year-round vegetable production, providing stable products for supermarkets and restaurants.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/trong-rau-trong-nha-mang-dau-tu-lon-loi-nhuan-cao-d785809.html