Hanging “plastic boxes” to prevent pests on apples, farmers earn high income

After a period of struggling to find a suitable and effective production model, by chance through a seedling seller, Mr. Dao Xuan Khoat in Hamlet 7, Quynh Hoa Commune learned that in Ninh Thuan there are many families growing Thai apples, earning hundreds of millions of VND each year. Therefore, when the locality had a policy of land conversion, he boldly received 3 hectares of land in the Bac Ong Nong area to invest in growing Thai apple varieties.

Apple growing model of Mr. Dao Nguyen Khoat in Hamlet 7, Quynh Hoa Commune (Quynh Luu). Photo: Thanh Toan

At first, when they saw him bringing the new apple variety home to plant, everyone tried to dissuade him, because everyone in the village grew apples. Moreover, in the first apple crop, he only earned 5 million VND. Because he did not have the capital to invest in trellises, the apples were broken by the wind when they were close to harvest. Not giving up in the face of difficulties, he continued to register for training courses on fruit tree growing techniques organized by the Commune Farmers' Association.

Thanks to careful care and the construction of windproof trellises according to technical procedures, after deducting expenses, he made a profit of 60 million VND from the second apple crop.

Mr. Khoat shared: Thai apple trees are very suitable for local soil and weather conditions, are relatively easy to grow, and are popular in the market, so after each harvest, he and his wife expand the planting area. Up to now, his family has a total of nearly 300 apple trees, earning nearly 100 million VND each year.

To prevent insects from harming the fruit, apple growers need to buy bee repellant and hang it on the trees. Photo: Thanh Toan

Also earning a high income from apple growing is the family of Mrs. Le Thi Lien in Quynh Thach commune. These days, apples are selling well, she sells 100 - 150 kg to the market every day, with the garden price of 15,000 VND/kg.

According to Ms. Lien's experience in growing apples, when pruning branches, you must pay attention to leaving 3-4 branches at the base to make it easier to create a canopy and bear fruit later. The first year, prune 20cm from the ground, the second year, prune 10-15cm from the first mark.

After each pruning, water and fertilize the tree sufficiently to stimulate rapid growth. When fruit is formed, to prevent fruit-damaging insects (bees and fruit flies), buy bee-repellent drugs and hang them on the trees.

Thai apples provide a relatively stable income because the fruit is large and beautiful. Photo: Thanh Toan