• Vinh Thanh is mobilizing all its resources to build a modern new rural area.
  • Vinh Thanh needs to create a breakthrough in development.
  • Vinh Thanh launches the construction of a model road more than 10 km long.

When the water spinach plant "stretches"

In the context of agricultural restructuring towards efficiency and sustainability, water spinach, a 3-star OCOP product of Vinh Thanh commune, is making a clear economic impact, becoming a stable source of livelihood for thousands of households.

The model of growing water spinach is "greening" the fields of Vinh Thanh commune.

Currently, the entire commune has over 6,200 hectares of agricultural land, of which about 750 hectares are used for growing water spinach and purslane. Interspersed among the rice fields, the green of the water spinach contributes to diversifying the crop structure and reflects a shift in the production mindset of the local people.

Over 20 years of development, the water celery farming model has gradually proven its economic effectiveness by maximizing land use, including overgrown gardens around houses. From just a few initial households in Vinh Dong hamlet, the cultivation of water celery has now spread throughout the entire commune.

For example, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ut's household (Tuong IV hamlet), with over 1 hectare of vacant land, after more than a year of growing water spinach, has harvested about 2 tons per crop, selling it at 8,000-10,000 VND/kg, bringing a stable income to her family.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ut, water spinach can be harvested after 1.5-2 months of planting, with each harvest spaced 25-30 days apart.

Cooperative societies "maintain the pace" of output.

Not only is it the original growing area, Vinh Dong hamlet now plays a key role in purchasing and distributing water spinach to many wholesale markets inside and outside the province, contributing to the formation of a relatively stable consumption chain and increasing the value of the local product.

Agricultural officials provide technical guidance to farmers growing water spinach.

During the development process, cooperatives played a crucial role in organizing production and connecting markets. The 8/3 Cooperative was a pioneer in purchasing and creating initial outlets for farmers; subsequently, the Dong Binh Cooperative was established, gradually expanding and perfecting the consumption linkage chain.

Thanks to the participation of cooperatives, product output is more stable, helping people feel secure in their production and committed to growing water spinach in the long term.

Local traders purchase water spinach, ensuring stable daily sales.

According to Ms. Ta Kim Hoang, a trader who buys water spinach, she purchases 2 tons or more daily to supply distributors inside and outside the province. Harvesting takes place from early morning, creating jobs for unemployed local workers, especially women, contributing to increased income and stable livelihoods.

Market bottleneck: Even with a bumper harvest, concerns remain.

According to Mr. Ngo Van Lao, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Dong Binh Cooperative, the cooperative currently has about 180 members with more than 150 hectares of cultivated land. In recent years, people have focused on developing water spinach according to OCOP 3-star standards, producing it cleanly, using organic fertilizers, ensuring biosafety, thereby increasing productivity and output.

People use nets in the fields to help the water spinach grow evenly and prevent it from falling over.

However, Mr. Lao believes that finding markets for agricultural products remains an unresolved issue. The situation of "bumper harvest, low prices" persists due to heavy reliance on the free market and traders.

Although Vinh Thanh water spinach achieved OCOP 3-star certification in 2020, sustainable development still requires enhanced trade promotion, consumption linkages, and more professional production organization.

Locals are utilizing unused garden land to grow water spinach, thereby increasing their income.

According to Mr. Le Hoang An, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Thanh commune, this is also a common concern of the locality. The entire commune has more than 6,000 hectares of agricultural land, of which about 750 hectares are used for growing water spinach and centella. The locality is calling for investment and attracting businesses to build processing facilities to increase the value of products and stabilize output for farmers.

This reality shows that when output is expanded and the supply chain operates efficiently, farmers can feel secure in committing to the crop in the long term. Water spinach is not only a livelihood model but also a direction that reflects the aspiration for sustainable agricultural development, enhancing value and creating stable livelihoods for the people of Vinh Thanh.

Kieu Nuong - King Chieu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/vung-sinh-ke-tu-rau-can-nuoc-a127773.html