The story of changing production thinking
Taking us to visit the 40ha plum garden in Cu Lao Dung commune (Can Tho city), Mr. Tran Van Phuc, a member of the Farmers' Association of Binh Du B hamlet, proudly told us about his journey to build the Tan Tien pink plum brand. The plum variety (roi) created by him is dark pink, crispy, sweet, slightly fragrant, reaching a sugar content of 15%.
"From plum varieties in the garden, I started researching breeding. In 2021, Man Hong Son Tien was born. Thanks to VietGAP production and organic orientation, the product is quickly welcomed by the market, currently being sold for 150,000 - 230,000 VND/kg, with a revenue of about 40 billion VND per year," said Mr. Phuc.
According to Mr. Phuc, the biggest difficulty is the specific soil conditions of Cu Lao Dung when it is affected by the intertwined effects of three areas of saltwater - brackish water - sweet water. "To grow plums sustainably, you have to rely on the traditional plum tree to get used to salty soil, then cross- graft and graft the appropriate variety. It is the salinity and natural potassium content that create the characteristic flavor of this fruit," he said.
Mr. Phuc said that since 2022, Son Tien pink plums have been successfully exported abroad. Currently, the product is intellectually protected, achieves a 3-star OCOP, and has 2 growing area codes. He is completing the national organic certification dossier and recognizing the leading tree variety.
A highlight of his model is the digital management of the entire plum garden. Since the fruit was planted, each fruit has been numbered and data entered into the software to form a production log. Each plum fruit has a QR Code, allowing traceability of the entire process from care, fertilization, harvesting to packaging.
According to Mr. Phuc, digitalization is a mandatory condition if we want to build market confidence and develop e-commerce. "Thanks to data management, I can accurately forecast output 20 - 30 days before harvest and proactively plan consumption. Workers only harvest according to the prescribed number, avoid breaking the young fruit or leaving it too old," he shared.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dac, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cu Lao Dung Commune (Can Tho City), assessed that the Son Tien Pham growing model is suitable for local soil conditions, has many prospects for expansion and potential to combine agricultural tourism. This model has been included in the agricultural economic development plan for the period 2026 - 2030, aiming to replace ineffective crops, gradually reducing sugarcane acreage and increasing income for farming households in a sustainable manner.
Linking production with community responsibility
At this specialty plum garden, there are about 50 - 80 local workers working regularly every day, with an income of 8 - 12 million VND/month. Workers are fully participated in insurance policies, taking on stages from care, harvesting to post-harvest preservation, packaging and transportation.
Not only developing production, Mr. Phuc also actively participates in local social security activities. Each year, he supports about 50 poor and disadvantaged households through seedlings and production materials, with a total value of more than 750 million VND.
"I always keep in mind that getting rich must be associated with community responsibility. Son Tien pink plum is not only the livelihood of my family but also helps Cu Lao Dung increase their income," Mr. Phuc shared.
From 2016 to present, Mr. Phuc has been continuously awarded many titles by all levels and sectors, recognizing the dedication, perseverance and sense of responsibility of a good farmer. In 2025, he was honored to receive a certificate of merit from the Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City for his outstanding achievements in the patriotic emulation movement in the period of 2020 - 2025.
In particular, Mr. Phuc is one of the outstanding individuals honored at the 11th Patriotic Emulation Congress, held on December 26-27.
