Trương Quang Bôn, in Ninh Sơn district, in the coastal province in the South Central Coast region of Việt Nam, has found success with a high-tech melon growing model. — VNA/VNS Photo

NINH THUẬN — A high-tech melon growing model in Ninh Thuận Province’s Ninh Sơn District is creating high-quality products and bringing great returns to local farmers.

Trương Quang Bôn, a farmer in Mỹ Sơn Commune, Ninh Sơn District, invested in building a one-hectare farm to grow melons using technology to meet VietGAP standards.

The farm grows two varieties of melons, TL3 and ML238, and each cantaloupe plant is cultivated separately in each pot with a treated coconut fibre substrate placed on the ground with a sanitary tarpaulin.

He is using a drip irrigation system of Israeli technology to distribute water to the cantaloupe evenly.

When the melon flowers are in bloom, workers bring in thousands of bees for pollination.

Bôn has noted that growing melons using technology helps save water for irrigation and uses less labour.

The plants are farmed inside a shelter house, which protects them from bad weather, insects, and helps them grow fast and well.

The farm only uses organic fertilizers for the cultivation of melon crops, so the product quality is guaranteed.

According to Đoàn Nhật Vương, Chairman of the People's Committee of Mỹ Sơn Commune, Ninh Sơn District, Bôn's farm is one of the first models to grow melons using high technology in the locality.

In recent years in Ninh Thuận Province, there have been many high-tech melon growing models such as Danny Green Organic Ninh Thuận Farm and Văn Bảo Melon Farm.

The varieties of melons grown are mainly Japanese, Thai, and Malaysian. The trees grow relatively quickly and can produce up to four melons each every year.

Due to being cultivated to meet VietGAP standards, organic melon products are very well received by consumers and bring high returns for farmers.

Their profit is around VNĐ1.5 billion (US$64,232) a year.

According to the Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ninh Thuận Province Trương Khắc Trí, the investment in high-tech melon growing models has helped increase productivity, quality, and crop output.

Farmers and businesses are receiving assistance from the province to network and partake in supply chains, as well as to brand build.

Businesses are also encouraged to develop melon farm tours. – VNS