How is the kumquat growing area in Thanh Ha now?

Heavy damage after storm number 3

The heavy rains and strong winds caused by storm No. 3 have caused heavy damage to many kumquat gardens in Thanh Ha. Not only did the roots rot, many potted plants also lost fruit or broke, causing the growers’ efforts to go down the drain.

Mr. Phung Van So's family in Tu Cuong village is a rare household in An Phuong commune that grows kumquat trees to sell during Tet. Previously, Mr. So grew kumquat trees in the fields, but about 10 years ago, he moved them to alluvial land to grow them. The soil is fertile, the trees are green every year, and they are carefully cared for, so they are beautiful and attract many customers from near and far. On average, his family earns about 200 million VND per year from kumquat trees.

However, storm No. 3 caused his family to lose all their kumquat garden. Floodwaters rose high and overflowed the field, and all the kumquat trees that were bearing fruit were rotten and could not be saved. “We have been waiting all year for the kumquat season to sell for Tet, but now we have nothing,” Mr. So said.

Then, not discouraged, after cleaning up the aftermath of the storm, Mr. So replanted the entire area of ​​kumquat trees that had died. Now, the kumquat garden has also sprouted green.

In previous years, Mr. Bui Van Ban's family in Trang Liet 2 village, Thanh Son commune earned 150-200 million VND from selling kumquat trees for Tet, but this year is very difficult. His family has 400 kumquat trees, but the storm damaged nearly 200 of them. The remaining trees were damaged by the wind, so the fruit was small, scratched, and not as beautiful as in previous years, so he was very worried.

Many people tried to save the tree but could not completely fix it, leading to a sharp decrease in yield and quality.

Hope

While many households were left empty-handed, others, thanks to their many years of experience, responded promptly and kept their entire kumquat plantation.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh's family in hamlet 6, Lai Xa 2 village, Thanh Tan commune is an experienced household in growing kumquat trees for Tet. Before the storm, he built a mound and wrapped plastic to create a solid base for all the kumquat trees planted in the garden, so even in strong winds, the trees' roots and trunks do not shake. He proactively drained the water and had the means to pump it out if it got flooded. All the kumquat trees planted in pots were placed upside down on the ground, so the pots were not significantly damaged.

Therefore, more than 1,000 kumquat trees planted in pots and about 800 trees planted in Mr. Thanh's family garden are still green, with large, beautiful fruits to serve Tet guests.

According to Mr. Thanh, as of December 5, more than 50% of the kumquat trees had been ordered by customers. The price of kumquat trees sold by Mr. Thanh’s family for Tet is the same as last year, mainly to retain customers.

Mr. Thanh said: “The kumquat growing areas in Thanh Son and An Phuong have the strength to grow commercial kumquats, off-season, while Thanh Tan has the strength to grow kumquats for Tet. In my experience, from the beginning of planting trees, we have to calculate the risks to prevent them. That way, when storms and winds occur, people do not have to spend a lot of effort and suffer losses.”

In Thanh Tan commune, there are about 20 households growing kumquat trees for Tet, the largest number in Thanh Ha district. Here, kumquat growers have experience, so most of them did not suffer much damage from storm No. 3 and still ensure supply for Tet holiday.

Households that suffered complete damage have replanted their trees in preparation for the new season. Households that have kept their kumquat trees are actively taking care of them in time to serve the Tet market.

Thanh Ha district is famous for its kumquat growing area in Thanh Tan commune (formerly Thanh Thuy). Although there are not many households growing them, when Tet is near, this place is bustling with buyers and sellers along Highway 390. The kumquat trees are laden with fruit, golden yellow, and are cared for and shaped by the farmers here with all their heart and soul of a lifetime of dedication. Therefore, the kumquat trees here are always beautiful, attracting customers from near and far to buy every time Tet comes and spring comes.