Prospects for growing South American bananas in Ha Thanh commune (Tu Ky)

Initial results

More than 10 years ago, the people of Ha Thanh commune took advantage of the abandoned alluvial land along the Luoc River and renovated it to grow bananas. However, the first model for growing bananas systematically in the direction of organic production, meeting export standards, was the old South American banana tree.

The model of growing South American bananas with product consumption has been implemented by the People's Committee of Tu Ky district in coordination with the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences) since March 2023 on a scale of 4 hectares in Ha Thanh commune. Households participating in the model are provided with all seedlings, trained, guided on technical processes of planting and care, and informed about the production situation and product consumption market. To date, the whole commune has 21 participating households with an area of ​​over 10 hectares.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Quoc's family is one of the households that has switched from growing bananas in the traditional way to growing organic South American bananas. According to Mr. Quoc, the first harvest of South American bananas was on the occasion of the recent Lunar New Year, with a selling price of 300,000-350,000 VND/bunch, 50,000-70,000 VND/bunch higher than regular bananas. "South American bananas are easy to grow, the tree trunk is not too tall, there are few pests and diseases, the fruit is even and easy to consume. Growing this type of tree does not require too much effort, and it can be harvested within the year. Ha Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative coordinates with units and businesses to link up to consume products, so people do not worry about prices and output," said Mr. Quoc.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trong Tai, Director of the Ha Thanh Commune Agricultural Service Cooperative, growing South American bananas is a new direction but has initially shown development potential. Banana trees grow well, with yields reaching 50 - 55 tons/ha. Bananas are even, sweet, and easy to consume. "More importantly, growing bananas organically contributes to raising awareness among households about production, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers, creating safe products for consumers, and contributing to environmental protection," said Mr. Quoc.

Desire to replicate

From harvesting one crop per year, up to now, people in Ha Thanh commune have adjusted the care method so that the South American banana tree can be harvested twice a year (in June and December of the lunar calendar).

However, according to Mr. Nguyen Trong Tai, Director of the Ha Thanh Commune Agricultural Service Cooperative, the potential for banana cultivation in the locality is quite large, but to qualify for export, many criteria regarding quantity and quality must be met. Households in the commune mainly grow bananas in the traditional way and are reluctant to participate in the model. Because in reality, the current selling price of bananas that meet export standards is still not much higher than that of bananas grown in the traditional way. This does not attract farmers to focus on growing and caring for them to meet export standards. "In addition to encouraging households to participate in the model, we also hope that businesses will continue to cooperate and closely link with the cooperative, ensuring stable output so that the model can be replicated in the commune," said Mr. Tai.

According to Ms. Vu Thi Ha, Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tu Ky District, the locality's wish is that South American bananas will be exported to countries around the world such as Poland, Korea, Japan, etc. From there, taking advantage of the available area in the locality, bringing high income to the people here. In the coming time, the district will continue to pay attention, accompany the people participating in the model, and link up to make consumption more convenient and open.