Ky Son experimentally grows kiwi

After 2 years of experimental planting in Na Ngoi commune (Ky Son), 15 kiwi plants are now over 1 meter tall. This is a plant from a temperate climate, but when taking root in the "land of thousands of clouds", it shows outstanding adaptability.

As the person directly responsible for the technical aspects of developing and expanding the kiwi growing area, Mr. Dam Ngoc Van, a technician of the Youth Volunteer Team 10, said: "Kiwi is a fairly "easy-going" plant that does not require too much in terms of fertilization. Because each year the plant only needs about 1kg of nitrogen fertilizer and 0.5kg of phosphate and potassium fertilizer."

Kiwi trees were planted experimentally in Na Ngoi in 2017. Photo: Quynh Thanh

Caring for the plant is not too complicated, because kiwi only requires an average amount of water. After 3 months, when the plant begins to climb the trellis, it grows very quickly and strongly. At this time, just provide enough fertilizer and prune dry, diseased branches to create ventilation and you can rest assured.

However, to shorten the fruiting time, when the tree is 1 year old, the grower cuts the trunk horizontally to graft mature branches onto it. After 2 years, the tree can bear fruit, reducing the time by nearly 4-5 years without grafting.

Currently, the experimental kiwi planted in Na Ngoi is 2 years old. After grafting, the tree grows well. Photo: Quynh Thanh

Currently on the market, especially in the growing areas in the northern mountainous provinces, many areas have been established to grow this type of tree, so the market for grafted seedlings is quite abundant and of stable quality.

After receiving positive signals from the kiwi planting in Na Ngoi commune, Mr. Vi Hoe, Secretary of the Ky Son District Party Committee, said that in addition to the above plant species, the National Defense Economic Group 4 is also experimenting with strawberry planting. Like Japonica rice or Japanese white garlic, these plants all originate from temperate regions. Due to the similarity in climatic conditions, they adapt very well to the mountainous communes of the district.

In addition to kiwi, in Ky Son, many temperate plant varieties such as strawberries, Sanuki garlic, and Japonica rice are also giving encouraging results after experimental planting. Photo: internet.

Through market analysis as well as practical testing, Mr. Hoe emphasized that Ky Son district is coordinating with the Department of Science and Technology and the agricultural sector to have appropriate policies to build specialty areas. In particular, focusing on crops originating from temperate regions to create sustainable livelihoods for people, increase production value and stabilize their lives.