Many specialty grapefruit varieties have "found a relationship" with Do Luong land.

Mr. Thai Dac Nhu in Huong Son hamlet, Bai Son commune has been living in this area for a long time. When he first arrived, Mr. Nhu planted sugarcane, bananas and dug ponds to raise fish, but his income was not significant. In 2012, he began to research and plant the red-fleshed Phuc Trach grapefruit variety. Initially, Mr. Nhu planted a few dozen grapefruit trees, now there are hundreds of them. After 4 years, all the grapefruit trees bear a lot of fruit; after deducting expenses, his annual income is 60 - 70 million VND...

Phuc Trach red-fleshed grapefruit variety of Mr. Thai Dac Nhu's family in Huong Son hamlet, Bai Son commune (Do Luong). Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Mr. Le Dinh Lan's grapefruit growing model in Lien Son hamlet, Bai Son commune, is 0.6 hectares wide, located next to the village field. Although it is only the beginning of August, thanks to good care, the grapefruit garden over 5 years old is already full of fruit, giving the first harvest. For the grapefruits facing the sun, he carefully covers them with cloth to avoid sunburn. Thanks to that, his family's grapefruits have a beautiful appearance.

"My family mainly grows Phuc Trach grapefruit. This grapefruit variety is highly resistant to pests and diseases, has pink flesh, is delicious, and has economic value. I currently have more than 50 Phuc Trach grapefruit trees and several dozen green-skin grapefruit trees. These two varieties are suitable for the midland and mountainous areas," said Mr. Le Dinh Lan.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung - Vice President of the Farmers' Association of Bai Son Commune, currently in the commune there are about 200 member households renovating mixed gardens to grow grapefruit, earning an income of 50 - 60 million VND/year. The Association has promoted and mobilized members to continue renovating mixed gardens, expanding new models, and transferring care techniques, so the models have developed very well.

Phuc Trach grapefruit is plump and eye-catching when ripe. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Also from the model of growing grapefruit for high income, the fruit tree growing movement has become a competition criterion for the Farmers' Association of Bai Son commune to launch, each member planting 10 grapefruit trees or more.

To protect crops and prevent fruit flies from damaging grapefruit, growers often use a mixture of crushed garlic, chili, and ginger soaked in alcohol for 6 months to spray on the fruit. Many families have become well-off from growing grapefruit and have the means to build spacious houses.

Currently, Bai Son commune is implementing a plan to encourage people to expand the grapefruit growing area to promote the movement of renovating mixed gardens to grow fruit trees, thereby promoting the strengths of the mountainous area.

Mr. Thai Doan Hong - Vice Chairman of Bai Son Commune People's Committee said that the commune is implementing investment support policies, applying science and technology, seeking more markets, and innovating production organization with the aim of turning Bai Son into a specialized fruit growing area in general and a grapefruit growing area in particular. In the near future, the commune will have high income and become rich thanks to growing fruit trees.

Do Luong people mainly grow Phuc Trach grapefruit, green-skin grapefruit and Hong Quang Tien grapefruit. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

From the movement of the Farmers Association of Bai Son commune to promote fruit tree planting, mainly grapefruit trees, up to now, people have had more income from the hill garden economy. These are encouraging signs for people to boldly expand the area, selecting varieties suitable for the soil quality of the midland region.