High prices thanks to exports
At this time, the star apple garden of Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh - a member of the Truong Khuong A Fruit Garden Cooperative (Phong Dien District, Can Tho City) - is in the peak harvest season. Thanks to being exported to the US, the selling price of star apples in his garden has also increased significantly.
Mr. Thanh shared that, in the past, consumption in the domestic market, the price of milk breasts was often unstable, sometimes still forced to price. Since the number of planting areas, consumer linkage with exporting enterprises, he and breastfeeding households can be assured of the output as well as the selling price: "Currently, the company is buying at about 55,000 VND/kg, higher than the domestic market about 20,000 VND/kg."
Mr. Tran Van Chien - Director of Truong Khuong A Fruit Garden Cooperative (Phong Dien District, Can Tho City) - said that after being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the export market has recovered and grown again. It is expected that in 2024, the cooperative will export about 100 tons of star apples to foreign countries. Exporting star apples to demanding markets has helped increase the value of this agricultural product.
“Star apples consumed abroad reduce inventory during the main season, and growers avoid being forced to lower prices. Since being exported, traders looking to buy star apples also have to consider the price the company buys to pay the growers. Previously, there was a time when star apples in the main season dropped in price to just over 10,000 VND/kg,” said Mr. Chien.
Increase profits by more than 20%
With 60 Lo Ren star apple trees and 40 avocado star apple trees, Mr. Thanh estimates this year's crop yield to be around 30 tons. This yield is considered by Mr. Thanh to be relatively good. If deducting the costs of fertilizer, organic pesticides and fruit bags, this gardener still makes a good profit.
“The rainy weather has had some impact on farming, but fortunately, the quality and yield of star apples are still guaranteed to supply the export company. With stable prices, we are all excited because this Tet our families will be more prosperous and fulfilled,” Mr. Thanh said.
According to Mr. Chien, in recent years, thanks to exporting star apples, people's lives have also improved and developed, with profits increasing by 20% compared to domestic consumption. Although the weather is not very favorable, star apple productivity is basically guaranteed, from 10 - 12 tons/ha, and gardeners still make a profit thanks to good selling prices. This year's Tet, people producing star apples for export will also have a bustling and prosperous Tet season.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Ms. Bien Thi Bich Chi - Head of the Phong Dien District Plant Cultivation and Plant Protection Station - informed that after registering the export growing area code, many businesses have linked up with the cooperative for consumption. Stable output and prices help reduce risks and increase profits for gardeners.
In the coming time, the Station will organize training courses for farmers and gardeners on production processes to meet the requirements of importing countries as well as prevention and control solutions, to avoid pesticide residues in products to ensure export quality.
