Making a better life through muskmelon farming

These days, muskmelon fields in Ban Ven Village, Bat Xat Commune, are entering the harvest season. Low-lying acidic rice fields that were once abandoned due to poor productivity are now providing stable incomes for many local households.

In the past, Ban Ven residents mainly grew rice. However, acidic soils, poor drainage, and frequent flooding resulted in low yields. In response, local authorities and agricultural extension officers encouraged farmers to switch to higher-value crops. After extensive assessments, muskmelon was selected as the most suitable option.

The transition was carefully organized rather than carried out individually. From the outset, technical specialists worked directly with farmers, providing hands-on guidance on soil improvement, bed preparation, seed selection, fertilization, and crop management.

Several modern cultivation techniques were introduced to the area for the first time, including plastic mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds, timely pruning to improve fruit set, and early monitoring of pests and diseases for effective control. Field-based training sessions not only helped farmers master the techniques but also gradually shifted their mindset from traditional experience-based farming to a more professional and economically driven approach.

Muskmelon has proven well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of Ban Ven. The crop has a short growing cycle, is relatively easy to manage, and delivers far higher returns than rice cultivation. With selling prices ranging from VND 25,000-40,000/kg and relatively stable market demand, farmers earn average profits of VND 7-10 million/arce, approximately three to four times higher than before.

Beyond technical support, local agricultural authorities have also helped farmers connect with buyers and align production with market demand. Going forward, Bat Xat Commune plans to expand muskmelon cultivation, strengthen technical training programs, and develop stronger market linkages for product consumption.

$ 1 = VND 26,423 - Source: Vietcombank.