Suitable for alum soil
In Dong Thap Muoi area (Dong Thap province), pineapple trees ( pineapple) began to be planted everywhere since 1994 in the communes of Tan Phuoc 1, Tan Phuoc 2, Hung Thanh today. People choose this type of tree because it adapts well to the conditions of the rock and soil. pineapple is not only a key crop, contributing to local economic development, but also a "difficulty-eliminating and poverty reducing" crop for many households here.
Mr. Phan Van Nguyen (48 years old, living in Tan Phuoc 1 commune, Dong Thap province) recalled: 30 years ago, in response to the policy of relocating people to exploit the Dong Thap Muoi area of the Party and State, my parents settled down in My Phuoc town, Tan Phuoc district, the old Tien Giang province (now Tan Phuoc 1 commune, Dong Thap province). At that time, the whole area was covered with rice, rice could not be grown, and fish farming also died. However, pine trees grow well and take less care of them. Since then, pine trees have contributed to increasing income, improving the material and spiritual life of the people here.
According to Mr. Nguyen, in the past, pine trees were only considered "saved" crops during the cold season. However, in recent years, when output is stable and value is increased, pine trees have risen to become the main crop of many localities in the West.
In Long Hung commune (Can Tho city), due to the characteristics of rice-infected land, crops often develop poorly, prices are unstable, causing people's income to be unstable. Faced with that reality, local authorities have focused on renovating irrigation infrastructure, and at the same time coordinated with the agricultural sector to organize tours of MD2 pineapple growing models in other areas. After the actual trip, many households have changed their awareness of choosing crops suitable for land conditions.
Mr. Tran Phi Hung - one of the first people to grow MD2 pineapple here, shared: this type of tree adapts very well to the conditions of alum soil. In the first crop, my family earned about 60 tons/ha. Although I only sold the sticky rice at 5,500 VND/kg, it still made a profit, so I decided to continue growing the second crop. Currently, the company has signed a clear classification and guarantee contract, and the expected profit will be higher".
According to Mr. Hung, pineapple cultivation is relatively easy, mainly fertilizing periodically once a month, with almost no pests and diseases. The couple can take care of 2 hectares of pineapple on their own without having to hire more workers. In particular, thanks to technical guidance from associated enterprises and the initiative of growers, pine trees are showing clear efficiency in both productivity and quality.
From a few households to large growing areas
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dien - Chairman of the People's Committee of Long Hung Commune (Can Tho City) - said that from a few initial pioneering households, up to now, the whole commune has more than 45 hectares of pineapple being cultivated and is expected to increase by 15 hectares this year. MD2 pineapple products are manufactured according to GlobalGAP standards, meeting the strict requirements of major export markets such as Europe. Currently, the whole commune has more than 20 hectares granted growing area codes.
To create sustainability for the model, the locality has mobilized people to establish a pineapple growing cooperative group. In the coming time, the commune will continue to direct the expansion of the area, promote production linkages, aim to stabilize output and create high income for people. At the same time, we will have a policy to support this model in a strict and sustainable direction, said Mr. Dien.
As a pineapple trader for more than 10 years in Dong Thap province, Mr. Trinh Anh Phong (Ho Chi Minh City) shared: Coming to Dong Thap Muoi today, it is like being lost in the "kingdom" of pine trees. Everywhere is pineapple, from vast, vast pineapple fields in the eye, to the roads along inter-commune and inter-hamlet traffic routes, farmers also take advantage of growing pineapple.
"The pine tree is the salvation for people in the Dong Thap Muoi area to escape difficulties and eliminate poverty. Thanks to this tree, the lives of the people here have improved, said Mr. Phong.
