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| Hanoi is one of key localities of the country developing pomelo. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) |
High economic efficiency and low pest incidence
Chuong My district, with favorable conditions for fruit tree cultivation, has encouraged residents to convert low-efficiency production and garden land into fruit tree plantations, focusing mainly on pomelos. The district has collaborated with relevant sectors to open training classes and transfer scientific and technical advancements in garden renovation, pomelo grafting and production according to VietGAP standards.
Le Huu Dien, Director of Duc Hau Clean Agriculture Cooperative in Trung Hoa Commune (Chuong My District), reports that the cooperative's nearly 3 hectares of VietGAP-certified pomelo plantations yield much higher productivity than conventional pomelo farming, and the produce is fully purchased by enterprises. Notably, VietGAP-grown pomelos are of high quality.
In Sai Son commune (Quoc Oai district), Phan Nhan Loi’s family previously struggled with selling the fruit of their 400 pomelo trees at low prices. After receiving support from functional sectors to switch to VietGAP cultivation, their pomelos have been easier to sell and fetch prices about 20% higher than those grown using older methods.
“To grow quality pomelos that meet VietGAP standards, farmers need to pay attention to fertilization techniques, mainly using organic fertilizers and compost, such as soaked corn and soybean, to enhance the tree's flowering and fruiting rates,” said Mr. Loi said.
Linking production with product consumption
According to Vu Thi Huong, Director of Hanoi Agricultural Promotion Center, Hanoi has nearly 10,000 hectares of pomelos across various districts, with multiple varieties. In recent years, the agricultural sector has supported localities in developing VietGAP and organic pomelo production models, generating economic value of about VND400-500 million per hectare per year.
“Producing pomelos according to VietGAP standards not only ensures safe products for consumers but also protects producers' health and benefits the environment,” said Ms Huong.
To expand VietGAP pomelo production models, Nguyen Nhu Hao, Director of Que Duong Safe Pomelo Production Cooperative in Hoai Duc district, suggests that functional sectors regularly organize technical training classes and VietGAP production processes. They should also support pomelo-growing areas in infrastructure investment for mechanization and high-tech application in large-scale production, build brands and geographical indications for local specialty pomelos, and develop safe production models linked to modern distribution channels.
Nguyen Manh Phuong, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that in the future, Hanoi's agricultural sector will select high-quality seedlings suitable for the climate and soil conditions of each region and strictly adhere to safe production processes to ensure quality. Hanoi will also expand high-tech agricultural models compliant with VietGAP standards, linking production with product consumption.
“This year, Hanoi plans to support localities in implementing VietGAP production in three communes, covering 20 hectares. To ensure stable market output, Hanoi will structure the main crop varieties to cover about 70% of the area, with staggered harvesting on the remaining 30%. Besides traditional pomelo varieties, the agricultural sector will select and restore indigenous and specialty pomelo varieties, research and develop new high-quality varieties, establish production area codes, and trace product origins. Policies will encourage enterprises to invest in pomelo processing to meet domestic and export demands,” he added./.