Growing safe vegetables yields an income of 10 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters).

(Baonghean.vn) - After 3 months of producing safe vegetables according to VietGAP standards on 2 hectares of riverside land, farmers in Hung Khanh commune, Hung Nguyen district, have supplied the market with many types of high-quality green vegetables.

The model for producing safe vegetables according to VietGAP standards was supported and implemented in Hung Khanh commune by the Nghe An Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and the Hung Nguyen Crop Production and Plant Protection Station, with the participation of nearly 40 households. Participating households received guidance on technical procedures from soil preparation, fertilization, planting, and caring for vegetables according to VietGAP standards, aiming to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Ms. Vo Thi Ngu, a farmer from Hamlet 2, Hung Khanh Commune, said: "By participating in the model, we were guided on how to prepare the soil, compost manure with lime to eliminate pests and diseases, how to mix different types of fertilizers, and only fertilize once at the beginning of the season. In addition, we received support with seeds for sowing."

Previously, on the alluvial plains along the Lam River, farmers in Hung Khanh commune only produced one crop of peanuts or spring corn per year. Throughout the period from June to January of the following year, the riverside alluvial land was left fallow for grazing cattle. In recent years, the villagers have introduced some winter vegetable crops, but they have yet to find a suitable direction for their production.

Locals cultivate vegetables using safe farming practices. (Photo: Thanh Tam)

In the winter of 2016, thanks to the assistance of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, farmers planted vegetables such as cabbage, kohlrabi, potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens on an area of ​​2 hectares. Thanks to technical training and guidance, all vegetables were grown strictly according to VietGAP standards. The soil was loosened, fertilized only once before planting, mainly with well-rotted manure mixed with lime to control pathogens. No pesticides were used; instead, pests were removed and weeds were done manually. Clean water was used for irrigation to produce safe vegetables.

Two hectares of safe vegetables grown on alluvial land in Hung Khanh commune yield a good income. (Photo: Thanh Tam)

With a selling price of 5,000 VND per head of cabbage, farmers can earn 10 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters) after only 3 months of production. Despite a delayed harvest due to early season floods, the safe vegetable production model in Hung Khanh has initially produced quality products to meet the needs of local consumers and supply the market with a large quantity of safe vegetables.

After two months of care, Mrs. Vo Thi Ngu in Hamlet 2 began harvesting her cabbage. (Photo: Thanh Tam)

“We plan to expand the area to 5 hectares. This field has received investment support from the district for the installation of electricity, a pumping station, and a pipeline and water tank system for irrigation to serve the production of clean vegetables. The issue we are concerned about is the market for our products because selling them haphazardly on the open market is difficult for clean vegetable growers. Meanwhile, vegetables produced according to VietGAP standards require more costs and labor,” worried Mr. Trinh Van Ngo, Chairman of Hung Khanh Agricultural Service Cooperative.

Currently, the District's Plant Protection and Crop Production Station is promoting safe vegetable production among farmers and advising the district on supporting people in producing vegetables that are closely linked to local markets such as kindergens and supermarkets.

Thanh Tam