Growing pink bananas in Chan village

(Baonghean) - While many localities implement the model of growing red bananas ineffectively, due to inadequate protection and care, in Chan village, Thach Giam commune (Tuong Duong), the model of growing red bananas is highly effective. This model was implemented by Thach Giam commune from the capital of the new rural construction program, with an area of ​​3 hectares, with an investment of 170 million VND, with 23 households participating...

Arriving at Chan village, we were enthusiastically led by the locals to see the pink banana growing model. Before our eyes, the pink banana gardens were growing very well, with bright green leaves, carefully cared for by the locals. Each banana garden was fenced with sturdy sticks and barbed wire. Hundreds of banana trees were planted in straight rows, each tree was taller than a person, many of them were producing bunches. At the base of the trees, there were already a few young trees sprouting. Between each row of bananas, people also planted short-term crops.

Mr. Lo Van Thuong, one of 23 households implementing this model, confided: Previously, this land was planted by local cassava and bananas. But because it was not fenced, buffaloes, cows, and pigs came in to destroy it. Since the model was established, his family has planted 300 pink banana trees, with the State supporting seedlings, fertilizers, and barbed wire, all they had to do was put in the effort and stakes. When planted, the banana trees were only a little over a hand span, but thanks to proper care and planting techniques, with a distance of 2 m between trees and 2.5 m between rows, 100% of the trees survived and thrived. Seeing that the banana trees were still small when first planted, and there was still a lot of vacant land, he intercropped with peanuts and sweet potatoes, not expecting this method to bring double benefits.

The banana garden of Ms. Le Thi Luyen's family has bloomed. Photo: Ho Phuong

Ms. Le Thi Luyen, who also participated in the banana growing model, excitedly added: This is the first time the family has grown pink bananas. They found this type of banana easy to grow, easy to care for, and thrives, without any pests or diseases. The tree trunk is not big, but it produces long bunches and many fruits. Almost every day she is present in the banana garden to take care of it by clearing the grass and adding soil to the base. If any banana bush grows too many buds, dig out the small, weak plants, leaving the big, strong buds. Growing bananas, combined with intercropping with other short-term crops, in addition to making use of the agricultural land area, also maximizes the efficiency of the crop, bringing income to the people...

The most worrying thing for households growing pink bananas is the market for their products? Thousands of banana trees at first, after 2-3 years, the number of banana trees will increase many times (because banana shoots grow strongly, each banana bush can have 3-4 large banana trees). At that time, if there is no stable market, it will certainly cause a deadlock for this banana product?!

Xuan Hoang