Applying new technologies in agriculture.

To ensure the sustainable development of longan trees and their adaptation to climate change, farmers have applied scientific advancements to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Farmers in Hoa Hiep commune, Xuyen Moc district, are tending to their off-season longan orchards.

Currently, Mr. Tran Van Xuyen's 4-hectare off-season longan orchard in Phu Lam hamlet, Hoa Hiep commune, Xuyen Moc district is bearing fruit. Mr. Tran Van Xuyen explains that off-season longan trees are usually treated to induce flowering in November or December (lunar calendar), and the crucial period for achieving high quality and yield is around March-April. This period often falls during the hot, dry season, so meticulous care is essential, including ensuring sufficient water for the trees to thrive.

“I invested in an automatic sprinkler irrigation system for my entire longan orchard a few years ago. With this system, I’ve significantly reduced my electricity and labor costs. For these 4 hectares of longan trees, manual irrigation would take 10 man-days, but using the sprinkler system only takes about 4 man-days. Investing in an automatic sprinkler system also helps retain soil moisture around the base of the trees, reducing flower drop and ensuring stable fruit production,” Mr. Tuyen added.

Seeing the effectiveness of installing an automatic sprinkler irrigation system, Mr. Truong Dinh Nam, also from Phu Lam hamlet, invested in this system to irrigate his 1.7 hectares of longan trees. Thanks to the sufficient water supply, especially during the dry season, the longan flowers bloom evenly and do not fall off.

"Just by flipping the switch for about 30 minutes, the sprinkler irrigation system automatically meets the water needs of the plants in the garden, which is much simpler and more convenient than the old method, and also helps the plants grow well," Mr. Nam said.

According to Mr. Nguyen Phong Vu, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Hoa Hiep commune, the entire commune has over 400 hectares of longan orchards, mainly the "Xuong Com Vang" and "Thai Ido" varieties, concentrated in Phu Quy, Phu Son, and Phu Lam hamlets. This area is frequently affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. During the dry season, water reserves in irrigation systems and surface and groundwater sources dry up. To minimize the impact of water scarcity, farmers have promoted the application of advanced, water-saving irrigation techniques to improve crop yields.

According to lychee growers' calculations, the application of advanced, water-saving irrigation systems has brought practical benefits to agricultural production, helping to increase crop yields by 6-15% compared to traditional farming; at the same time, it saves 30-50% of labor costs for irrigation and care, and saves 30-40% of water compared to traditional irrigation methods. In particular, this is one of the effective applications in responding to drought, water shortages, and climate change.

Text and photos: DONG HIEU

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202504/ung-dung-cong-nghe-moi-trong-trong-trot-1040420/