In a groundbreaking move for Vietnamese agriculture, farmer Nguyễn Đức Hiển from Bình Thạnh, Đức Trọng, has successfully transitioned from traditional livestock farming to cultivating a unique fruit – sweet figs – in a modern greenhouse. This venture not only diversifies agricultural production but also addresses market demands for high-quality produce.
The Shift from Livestock to Figs
Nguyễn Đức Hiển’s journey into fig cultivation began in 2018, driven by the hardships of livestock farming during the swine flu outbreak. Seeking a more stable and profitable venture, he discovered the potential of growing sweet figs, a fruit popular in European and American cuisines but relatively unknown in Vietnam.
Overcoming Challenges with Greenhouse Cultivation
To cultivate sweet figs at scale, Hiển quickly realized the necessity of greenhouse farming. Unlike traditional crops, figs are highly sensitive to weather conditions and pests. “When grown outdoors, figs are vulnerable to rain and insect damage. A single rainstorm can cause the fruits to crack, and pests attack as soon as the figs ripen,” he explains. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment, protecting the figs from these external threats and ensuring consistent quality and yield.
Advanced Greenhouse Techniques
Constructing a greenhouse for fig cultivation requires specific adaptations. Hiển’s greenhouse is taller than those typically used for vegetables and fruits in Đức Trọng, allowing for proper air circulation and accommodating the fast-growing fig trees. He installed a root-level irrigation system, as figs prefer moisture around their roots but are prone to fungal diseases if water accumulates on their leaves.
Within six to eight months, fig trees begin to bear fruit, with the figs maturing in four to five months. Hiển’s expertise in fig cultivation includes pruning the trees to manage their height and ensure healthy growth. He notes, “Figs grow quickly, and once they reach a certain height, we use steel supports to help the branches. Pruning every two years rejuvenates the trees, ensuring continuous production.”
Sustainable and Safe Farming Practices
Greenhouse cultivation also allows Hiển to minimize the use of pesticides. He employs integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, such as installing insect traps and using fans to keep pests at bay. This approach not only produces healthier figs but also aligns with sustainable farming practices.
Market Success and Future Prospects
Hiển’s dedication has paid off, with his figs now contracted to various restaurants, reducing the reliance on imported figs. He emphasizes the importance of securing a stable market before starting fig cultivation due to its niche appeal. “Figs are a long-term investment, with trees yielding fruit for up to 20 years. With a reliable market, they provide a steady income for farmers,” he says.
Local agricultural authorities, such as Đỗ Thị Ngọc Thảo, President of the Farmers’ Association in Bình Thạnh, support this innovative endeavor. Thảo highlights that many farmers have successfully adopted fig cultivation, primarily supplying to Ho Chi Minh City. Workshops and training sessions are held to educate farmers about fig cultivation techniques and market opportunities.
The transition to greenhouse fig cultivation marks a significant innovation in Vietnamese agriculture. By embracing modern farming techniques and securing stable markets, farmers like Nguyễn Đức Hiển are paving the way for sustainable and profitable agricultural practices. This model not only addresses the challenges of traditional farming but also meets the growing demand for high-quality, locally produced fruits.
