Farmers in Nghia Dan 'eat and sleep' with cantaloupe and watermelon.

Taking advantage of areas previously used for long-term crops such as rubber, custard apple, and guava, as well as areas of orange groves that have reached the end of their cycle and are less productive, farmers in Nghia Hieu commune have planted various types of melons that yield high economic returns. The entire commune has approximately 50 hectares of melons and gourds, with Son Mong hamlet alone accounting for over 40 hectares, primarily cantaloupe.

Mr. Cao Thanh Vinh, from Son Mong hamlet, Nghia Hieu commune, intercrops cantaloupe with his 8 sao (approximately 0.8 hectares) custard apple trees. Photo: Dinh Thuy

On his 8-acre melon field interspersed with custard apple trees, Cao Thanh Vinh from Son Mong hamlet, Nghia Hieu commune, said that the melon plants were planted a month ago, and he is currently focusing on pruning the branches to encourage flowering.

Despite intercropping, the family still invested in machinery and a drip irrigation system, and also used plastic sheeting, making weeding and watering less strenuous. Vinh said: Growing melons is more economically efficient than other crops like corn and beans, but you have to "eat and sleep with the melons," monitoring the weather daily to take appropriate measures for care and pest control.

Meanwhile, Mr. Phan Van Hien's family in Son Mong hamlet planted 9 sao (approximately 0.9 hectares) of melons this year, and the melons are currently bearing fruit. Mr. Hien said that this year's erratic weather has made melon cultivation more difficult than in previous years. Some plants have curled leaves and tips, and there is no specific treatment for this, so they have to be pulled up. With 9 sao of melons, Mr. Hien is in the field every day to water, secure the vines, and pinch off the tips.

Pointing to the lush green melon field, Mr. Hien shared: "Melon varieties often suffer from diseases such as yellowing leaves and whiteflies. Therefore, continuous inspection is necessary to address diseases promptly. In addition, proper water management is crucial for plant growth in the early stages of the season. Although it's hard work, we hope this year's melon harvest will be bountiful and the prices good like last year to compensate for the hard work of the melon farmers."

Ms. Le Thi Loan from Son Mong hamlet, Nghia Hieu commune, said that at this time she spends most of her time pruning, watering, and caring for the melon plants. Photo: Dinh Thuy

Mr. Phan Trung Vinh, Chairman of the Nghia Hieu Commune Farmers' Association, said: "Most of the melon growing area in Nghia Hieu commune is concentrated in Son Mong hamlet. This hamlet has a long tradition of agricultural production in Nghia Hieu commune. In previous years, farmers in the hamlet mainly planted 10-12 hectares of melons, but this year the area planted with cantaloupe has increased. At this time, the melon plants are developing well, and farmers are focusing on caring for and fertilizing them."

Despite the unpredictable weather, melon growers in Nghia Hieu commune have applied advanced techniques, using agricultural netting to reduce water evaporation and control weeds, pests, and aphids that harm the melons.

Mr. Ngo Sy Binh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghia Hieu commune, added: During the process of planting new rubber trees, custard apples, oranges, etc., or on areas of land that need time for improvement, farmers in Nghia Hieu commune intercrop various types of melons, gourds, and pumpkins to utilize the land. In recent years, these crops have yielded high economic efficiency in Nghia Hieu commune.

Because melons are highly susceptible to pests and diseases, successful melon cultivation requires farmers to have knowledge and technical skills. The commune's People's Committee also coordinates the organization of training courses on techniques and pest and disease control for melons. At the same time, they encourage farmers not to plant only one type of melon on a large scale, but to plant in staggered seasons for easier market access.

The early-season melon crops will be ready for harvest in about a month, while other areas are just beginning to be planted. This staggered planting method helps melon growers in Nghia Hieu commune avoid harvesting all their crops at the same time, preventing price manipulation. Farmers here also mainly use organic and biological fertilizers to improve quality, hoping for a bountiful melon harvest.