Multi-industry economic model
In the context of an increasingly unstable agricultural product market, many farmers have been quick to seek new directions to increase their income. Developing eco-tourism combined with agricultural production has become an effective solution.
boldly bringing more than 10 grape varieties from Ninh Thuan to the West for cultivation, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, the owner of a grape garden in Dong Thuan commune (Can Tho city), does not want to stop at the traditional production model, but also aim for sustainable agricultural tourism products.
With that intention, Mr. Tuan let the grape garden produce 2 harvesters/year. During the main crop, usually during Tet, the grape garden welcomes 100 - 200 visitors/day. The phu season starts after Tet and lasts until the 7th lunar month. In this crop, Mr. Tuan has arranged the fruit in each tray to extend the visiting time for customers, receiving an average of 40 people/day.
This model helps Mr. Tuan consume grapes in the garden, without having to struggle to find an outlet, and also has more income from tourism. The price of grapes in the garden is based on the general level, ranging from 120,000 - 200,000 VND/kg, depending on the type.
In addition to opening the door to welcome visitors and selling grapes of all kinds, Mr. Tuan is also developing additional products of grapes grown in pots to serve the Tet market next year.
Similarly, Mr. Tran Van Phuc (Cu Lao Dung commune, Can Tho city) spent 3.5 years researching and successfully breeding the specialty plum variety called " ma hong San Tien". Although the selling price is high, up to 230,000 VND/kg and is well received by the high-end market, Mr. Phuc is still diversifying his garden business forms.
Accordingly, Mr. Phuc hopes to build a high-tech agricultural model combined with community tourism. The plum garden space was designed by him to be a place for sightseeing and experience. A 4-hectare freshwater reservoir is also under construction, not only helping the garden proactively source irrigation water but also serving the development of the tourism economy in the future.
Directions for sustainable agriculture
Turning into a service worker has positively impacted farmers' farming methods. Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan has applied a combined farming method between inorganic and organic, in which organic is prioritized to increase the life of the plant and ensure food safety.
"In the first phase of bringing them to the West to plant, I encountered some difficulties in caring for them, creating branches and bearing fruit. But gradually, I have overcome it, adding the fertile soil color in the West, so the grape has developed well. During the farming process, I pay special attention to organic methods because the fruit is clean and meets the needs of current customers, said Mr. Tuan.
With his direction, Mr. Phuc has applied a strict farming process for his organic plum garden. All processes are strictly controlled from input to output, ensuring VietGAP and organic standards.
Some basic technical factors are emphasized, including gradually reducing the rate of chemical fertilizers and replacing them with organic fertilizers according to a clear technical roadmap. Pines must be wrapped at least twice when the plants are fruit.
Cu Lao Dung is oriented to develop clean agriculture, high technology combined with tourism. My model is on the right track, if I swim upstream, it will be difficult to be effective, Mr. Phuc shared.
