Growing large apples for harvest during Tet (Lunar New Year) brings high income in the 'mountain town'.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), farmers in the fields of Chi Khe commune are busily harvesting apples. Ms. Le Thi Lan, from Quyet Tien village, Chi Khe commune, said that her family planted 4 sao (approximately 150 trees) of large apple trees that are 3 years old. On average, each apple tree yields about 50 kg of fruit, with the current selling price being around 25,000 - 30,000 VND/kg.

This year's apple harvest has been both abundant and the prices have been good, providing local people with a significant additional source of income. Photo: Bá Hậu

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai's family, also residing in Quyet Tien village, Chi Khe commune, cultivates 3 sao (approximately 0.3 hectares) of apple trees with nearly 100 large apple trees. She said that her family's apple orchard has just begun its harvest season, which will last until the end of January. "This year's apple harvest is bountiful and the prices are higher, so my family will earn a considerable amount during this Tet holiday," Ms. Hoai shared.

According to farmers, apple trees can be harvested after only one year of planting, and the roots only need to be replaced after 5-6 years, so the investment cost is not large. During the care process, it is only necessary to thin out the young fruit so that the tree can concentrate nutrients on growing larger fruit and prevent branches from breaking.

Currently, in addition to wholesale sales to traders, large apples are also sold by people in Chi Khe and Bong Khe communes along Highway 7 and in some markets in the district to serve the local population. According to calculations, after deducting expenses, growing large apples yields an average income of more than 10 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters).

The mountainous district of Con Cuong focuses on developing clean agriculture in conjunction with tourism development; therefore, diversifying agricultural products and gradually building distinctive and specialty products is extremely important.

Besides oranges and other citrus fruits, the district is currently encouraging people to diversify their crops and experiment with new varieties such as guava, Thai green jackfruit, and large apple trees. Among these, large apple trees are currently being chosen by many households for cultivation on fertile land and riverside areas.

Currently, the retail price of apples ranges from 25,000 to 30,000 VND per kilogram. Photo: Bá Hậu

Mr. Lo Van Ly, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Con Cuong district, said: “Large apple trees are planted in Con Cuong district with a total area of ​​about 2.5 hectares. After several harvests, it has been shown that apple trees have high economic value and relatively stable market demand. In the future, the district will continue to pay attention to, support, and take measures to help farmers feel secure in their production, ensuring the effective transformation of the crop structure.”

Farmers in the mountainous Con Cuong district grow gladiolus and peonies to sell during Tet (Lunar New Year).

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