Growing pumpkin along Lam River earns profit of 100 million VND/ha

This winter crop, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Toan's family, village 1/5, Cam Son commune, planted 3 sao of pumpkin on alluvial land. Photo: Thai Hien

In the communes of Cam Son, Thach Son, and Tao Son of Anh Son district these days, the fields along the Lam River are covered with the green color of pumpkin plants.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van in village 4, Cam Son commune shared: In previous years, many households have switched to growing pumpkins on alluvial land along the Lam River. This winter crop, her family planted 2 sao of F1 868 pumpkin variety.With the current price of 5,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, Ms. Van's family earns a profit of over 10 million VND, not to mention the additional revenue from squash flowers and squash shoots at the beginning of the season.

According to Ms. Van, the F1 868 pumpkin has a thick, hard skin and can be preserved for a long time, making it convenient for product consumption, especially when vegetables are scarce in the off-season.

Pumpkin has a hard shell so it can be preserved for a long time. Photo: Thai Hien

Ms. Nguyen Thi Toan in Hamlet 1/5, Cam Son Commune said: This winter crop, her family planted 3 sao on alluvial land. The family sold 4 tons of fruit, with the field price of 5,000 VND/kg, earning her family over 20 million VND. There is no need to worry about the output of the product because every harvest season, "when the time comes", traders from everywhere come to the fields to buy.

Currently, Anh Son district has more than 50 hectares of pumpkin, grown in many communes such as Cam Son, Dinh Son, Tao Son, Thach Son, Linh Son. According to farmers' experience, pumpkin is a plant that can withstand drought well, develops quickly, and has a short growing period. On the other hand, this is a crop with few pests and diseases, and rarely requires the use of pesticides, so the investment cost is low.

There is no need to worry about the product's output because every harvest season, traders from all over come to the fields to buy. Photo: Thai Hien

In addition, pumpkin shoots and flowers are also a significant source of additional income for farmers. According to estimates, on average, 1 hectare of pumpkin yields 30-40 tons of fruit, after deducting costs, the profit is from 100-120 million VND/ha.

To make pumpkin a key crop in the winter crop, Anh Son district has oriented people to expand the planting area by region, especially in alluvial land; organized training courses on planting and care techniques for farmers.