In Ben Go hamlet, Ho Thi Ky commune, an area known for shrimp and crab farming, Thao's grape, cherry tomato, and sweet pepper garden thrives, bearing fruit year-round. This model also attracts thousands of visitors for farm tours and fruit picking experiences.

Previously, her family relied on extensive shrimp and crab farming, which resulted in unstable income. "To improve our lives, we had to change; we couldn't depend on shrimp forever," she stated.

Thao’s grape garden features many high-yield varieties. Photo: Chuc Ly

In 2019, after research, Thao and her husband experimented with growing grapes. Lacking experience, they traveled to Ninh Thuan multiple times to learn techniques and select varieties. For their first crop, she planted 50 Japanese pink finger grapevines and red grapes.

The biggest challenge was improving the saline-alkaline soil. Thao applied lime to reduce acidity, built mounds approximately 30 cm high, allowed the soil to rest, and continuously irrigated to wash away salt before planting.

Initially, due to limited capital, the grape trellises were made of bamboo. After six months, the plants bore fruit, but rain affected quality, with the first harvest yielding only about 150 kg. Undeterred, she invested in a protective roof, switched to an iron frame, and installed a sprinkler irrigation system to control water and reduce labor.

One year later, she expanded to an additional 1,000 grapevines, shifting to high-value varieties such as candy grapes and peony grapes. The garden currently has about 500 candy grapevines, with the rest being peony and finger varieties. It yields over one ton of grapes annually, selling for 200,000-300,000 dong per kg. She strategically manages the plants to bear fruit during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) to increase value.

Thao's experimental climbing tomato varieties yield high productivity. Photo: Chuc Ly

Two years ago, she began growing cherry tomatoes, a crop difficult to adapt to hot climates. After several trips to Da Lat to learn, she brought seeds to trial, installing shade nets to reduce heat.

Initially, yields were low. She then imported seeds and cultivated seedlings herself for better plant adaptation. Currently, each plant produces 5-7 kg of fruit per crop. The garden has about 800 plants, with plans to increase to 1,000. Selling for 100,000-120,000 dong per kg, there are times when supply cannot meet demand.

To maintain soil fertility, Thao divides the garden into multiple sections, rotating crops seasonally. In addition to grapes and tomatoes, the family also grows cantaloupe and sweet peppers, targeting individual customers and agritourism visitors.

Once the model stabilized, she opened the garden to visitors for tours and on-site fruit picking. The garden welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Combined with online sales, revenue exceeds one billion dong, with a profit margin of approximately 50%. Most profits are reinvested into upgrading greenhouses, irrigation systems, and new varieties.

In the coming year, revenue is projected to double with further expansion. The family currently owns over 2 ha of land, which they plan to develop for high-tech agriculture.

According to Thao, saline-alkaline soil can still be highly productive if managed correctly. "Understanding the soil, choosing suitable varieties, and perseverance are crucial," she stated, hoping to offer new experiences for local residents.

Tran Quoc Toan, Chairman of the Ho Thi Ky Commune People's Committee, praised the model as a suitable direction for production transformation. From a difficult farming area, this approach opens new development opportunities for local agriculture.

Chuc Ly