Nghe An farmers grow VietGAP chives

(Baonghean.vn) - This winter crop, Nghi Lam commune, Nghi Loc district (Nghe An) planted nearly 80 hectares of shallots, of which more than 17 hectares were grown according to VietGAP standards.

Model of growing shallots according to VietGAP process in Nghi Lam commune (Nghi Loc). Photo: Xuan Hoang

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thoa in Hamlet 12, Nghi Lam Commune (Nghi Loc) said: Her family planted 2.3 sao of shallots this year, of which 2 sao were grown in the production model following the commune's VietGAP process. Although when she first sowed the seeds, there was heavy rain and the seeds were washed away, but she replanted them in time so the entire area of ​​shallots grew well, with moderate density.

Ms. Thoa said that last year, her family planted 2 sao of shallots and harvested more than 1 ton of bulbs. Although the price was low, they still earned 20 million VND, higher than other crops. This year, planting according to VietGAP process, the expected yield will be higher than last year and the selling price will also be higher. The shallots are planted and have a logbook to track the time of fertilization and care according to the process.

Mr. Phan Van Hieu - Chairman of the Commune People's Committee said: Nghi Lam people have been growing chives for 10 years now. At first, there were only a few areas planted on fertile soil. Seeing the high economic efficiency, the area of ​​chives was expanded over the years. Up to now, the total area of ​​chives in the whole commune is nearly 80 hectares, an increase of 10 hectares compared to 2017.

Farmers in Nghi Lam commune take care of shallots. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Not only do people grow on fertile land, they also grow one rice crop and two rice crops. Calculations from previous years show that people earn an average of 200 million VND from 1 hectare of shallots, 5-6 times higher than growing rice.

By March 2018, farmers in Nghi Lam commune harvested shallots. This year, the local shallot yield is expected to reach over 12 tons of bulbs/ha; if the price is stable at 20,000 - 25,000 VND/kg, Nghi Lam will earn over 16 billion VND.

According to Mr. Hieu, Ngi Lam commune has about 200 hectares of agricultural land that can grow chives. However, the locality does not encourage people to develop large areas of chives, leading to difficulties in selling the products.

In 2017, the commune received support from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a model of growing shallots according to VietGAP standards with an area of ​​over 17 hectares; this is a condition for people to apply clean production processes. When shallot products are trusted by consumers, it is an opportunity for the locality to build the Nghi Lam shallot "brand".

Xuan Hoang