An Hòa commune, nestled in Tam Dương District, has emerged as a powerhouse in cucumber production, establishing itself as a leading region for winter crop farming. Cucumber cultivation in An Hòa dates back to the 1960s, and over the decades, it has evolved into a vital economic crop for the local community.
As the harvest season approaches, An Hòa is bustling with activity, with families actively engaged in planting and harvesting cucumbers. One such farmer, Mr. Đỗ Văn Luân, shared his experience of cultivating three sao (approximately 3,600 square meters) of cucumbers this season, selling directly to the An Hòa Agricultural Service Cooperative. “In a typical year, my family plants around four to five sao, but due to the recent storms, we’ve reduced it to three sao this year,” he explained. “We sowed the cucumbers in early September, and after about 40 days, we are ready for our first harvest.”
Typically, the yield for each sao of cucumbers ranges from 1.5 to 2 tons per season, with market prices fluctuating between 8,000 to 12,000 VND (approximately $0.34 to $0.51) per kilogram. This year, despite facing a challenging season due to adverse weather, Mr. Luân noted that cucumber prices have increased, which he found encouraging. “In previous years, if the harvest was plentiful, prices tended to drop; this year, despite a smaller yield, we are seeing better prices,” he said.
Following the harvest, cucumbers are collected at the An Hòa Agricultural Service Cooperative, where they are weighed and packaged into convenient 20-kilogram bags for easier sales. Cucumber farming is pivotal not only for the local agricultural development but also for ensuring food security and enhancing income for residents.
Mr. Đỗ Văn Dũng, the director of the An Hòa Agricultural Service Cooperative, emphasized the significance of cucumber production in the commune. “At the beginning of the winter crop season, we purchase around 2 to 4 tons of cucumbers daily; during peak harvest, this can rise to 20 to 30 tons daily from our members and local farmers,” he stated. The cooperative consists of seven core members and 27 affiliated members, primarily focusing on cucumber cultivation, which has proven to be a strong asset for winter production in the area. The primary markets for their produce are in Hanoi and through various export-import companies.
The reputation and quality of An Hòa cucumbers have been on the rise, generating substantial income for local households and contributing to the transformation of rural life. Notably, the cucumbers are packaged with labels and food safety certifications, enhancing their marketability and boosting profits for farmers.
The successful cucumber farming in An Hòa highlights the importance of agricultural innovation, community collaboration, and market awareness. As cucumber production continues to thrive, it promises not only to sustain the local economy but also to enhance the livelihoods of farmers, ensuring a brighter future for the community.
