Creating a difference to enhance product value
Quang Ngai is one of the localities with the largest watermelon growing area in the country. On average, Quang Ngai farmers grow about 800 hectares of watermelon each year. The main consumer market for watermelon is mainly China, which has many potential risks. Therefore, Quang Ngai farmers often compare the melon growing profession to "gambling". At one point, watermelon prices "hit rock bottom", causing many units in Quang Ngai to "rescue" farmers in consuming melons.
Worried about the situation of watermelon being discounted in the season and having a discount in the season, Mr. Pham Hung Cuong, in Tinh Hiep commune, Son Tinh district, has pioneered in improving product quality by growing watermelon in an organic way. On an area of 5 hectares, his products always have a stable output, the selling price is 3-4 times higher than that of melons grown using traditional methods.
According to Mr. Cuong, the secret to getting melons to be delicious and fresh is to grow them all day and cook them naturally in the fields before harvest. Ripe melons will taste more delicious, crispy and sweet. The time to harvest melons is from 5am to 8am, when the weather is still cool, to ensure freshness. Wherever the melons are harvested, they will be packaged immediately to deliver to customers on time. Currently, his products are consumed across the country.
Mr. Pham Hung Cuong shared: "I started growing organic melons 4 years ago. Organic watermelon is grown according to the standard of "5 no's": no herbicides, no pesticides, no preservatives, no growth stimulants and no toxic chemical residues. The entire care process uses organic fertilizers and biological pesticides. In particular, the melon fields are covered with tarpaulins to keep the beds moist and limit the growth of weeds.
Bringing clean products to customers
Applying an organic production process not only brings economic efficiency but also helps improve the soil, thanks to the avoidance of using chemical fertilizers, making the soil more loose, richer in nutrients, while limiting environmental pollution and providing safe products for consumers.
Mr. Cuong said that he uses 100% organic fertilizer, not using any chemicals during the farming process. He took advantage of the local beef manure, rabbit manure, soybeans, cakes, organic waste, grass, etc. to fertilize the melon fields.
Each melon crop lasts about 70 days. Except for the rainy season, you can grow 3 crops per year, with an area of about 5 hectares per crop. On average, each hectare yields about 20 tons. Watermelon has large fruits, even colors and high sweetness. The selling price ranges from 17,000 - 25,000 VND/kg. After deducting costs, the profit earned is many times higher than the traditional melon growing method.
Mr. Cuong's organic watermelon farm also creates regular jobs for 6 local workers. During the harvest season, the number of workers doubles.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, residing in Tinh Hiep commune, Son Tinh district, shared: "Working at Mr. Cuong's farm helps us have a stable income. Watermelon is grown organically, without using chemicals, so it ensures the health of both growers and consumers.
Mr. Do Thanh Huong, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Tinh Hiep commune, said that Mr. Pham Hung Cuong's organic watermelon growing model is very effective. The Farmers' Association of the commune has chosen this model as a sightseeing and learning spot to replicate. Mr. Cuong's organic watermelon currently has a label to trace its origin. Local authorities are supporting the development of OCOP products and mobilizing households to participate in production, towards forming concentrated production areas.
