Firm commitment to high-tech fruit and vegetable production for export

Mr. Do Nhat Tam is a relatively well-known farmer in Xuan Dinh commune, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province. Local residents can provide detailed directions to his greenhouse farm because Mr. Tam is an exemplary farmer and pioneer in the commune, with extensive investment in high-tech greenhouse production of cantaloupe, peppers, and vegetables.

Mr. Tam's high-tech greenhouses are located amidst numerous longan and durian farms in Xuan Dinh commune. He established ten greenhouses on an area of 1.5 hectares using agricultural techniques derived from Thailand and Israel.

Mr. Tam disclosed that he and his spouse once held stable positions in Ho Chi Minh City. However, after recognizing the potential for consistent growth of cantaloupe production in their hometown, they made the decision to return in 2011. Subsequently, they cleared their old longan farms to establish two 2,000-square-meter greenhouses. "I made a risky and substantial investment to construct these greenhouses with the aim of incorporating modern technologies," he shared.

Mr. Tam continually enhances the technical aspects and equipment employed in advanced cantaloupe production. Most notably, he transitioned from conventional ground planting to utilizing planting bags. Furthermore, he substituted manual irrigation and fertilization with a pressurized automated system to ensure precise dispensation of water and fertilizers across the farm.

We arrived at Tam Huong farm just as Mr. Tam, along with his team of workers, was diligently harvesting cantaloupes, peppers, and colorful vegetables. This is the daily routine for the labor force at Tam Huong farm to ensure timely delivery to wholesale markets every morning.

Mr. Tam dedicates 20 modern greenhouses to cantaloupe production during the dry season to meet domestic consumption demands. However, demand for cantaloupes tends to decrease in the rainy season, while the need for vegetables and other fruits rises. Consequently, Mr. Tam flexibly transitions to intercropping with peppers, bitter melons, cucumbers, and other crops. This adaptive approach stems from practical requirements and the involvement of the labor force at the farm.

The early rainy season coincides with the commencement of the fruit season in Southeastern Vietnam, which encompasses various fruits such as longans, durians, and mangosteens. As a result, the production of cantaloupe poses substantial market risks. Rainy season cantaloupes are often less sweet and susceptible to price drops, thereby significantly affecting profitability. Consequently, Mr. Tam allocates approximately 70% of the greenhouse area for vegetable and fruit production.

The vegetables and fruits produced by Tam Huong farm are procured directly on-site at competitive prices, including chili at 35,000 VND per kilogram, bitter melons at 10,000 VND per kilogram, cucumbers at 14,000 VND per kilogram, and corn at 12,000 VND per kilogram.

Ms. Tran Thi Tu Oanh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai province's Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection - Irrigation, commends the flexibility demonstrated by Mr. Tam and his wife. Their adaptability to weather conditions not only ensures a stable supply of agricultural products for local markets but also generates a high economic return.

Tam Huong farm employs an automated drip irrigation system and moisture-sensing sensors in each greenhouse. When the humidity levels in the environment fall below the required threshold, the sensors trigger the automatic irrigation system by sending a signal to the central server.

Tam Huong farm also adheres to organic farming practices by refraining from using foliar fertilizers and chemical agents. Although they employ biological agents to prevent pests and diseases, Mr. Tam strictly adheres to the quarantine regulations. Moreover, harvested products must undergo routine sample testing to ensure they meet safety standards.

As a result, the cantaloupes bearing the Tam Huong brand are exported to many markets around the world including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and fruit supermarket chains in Ho Chi Minh City. Income from cantaloupe production ranges from approximately 1.2 to 1.5 billion VND per year.