Pomelos from Tan My village in Vietnam's Binh Duong province have seen an increase in recognition, thanks to efforts by Le Minh Sang, the 43-year-old Director of the Tan My Fruit Tree Cooperative. Sang's initiative has not only elevated the status of Tan My pomelos but also enhanced the livelihoods of local farmers by introducing apple cultivation in the region's challenging conditions.
Starting with a 10-hectare pomelo farm 18 years ago, Sang's agricultural pursuits expanded, leading to the establishment of the first cooperative in his locality by 2015. This cooperative, initially comprising 8 farmers, has grown to include 22 farmers cultivating a variety of fruits across 62 hectares, with annual production reaching approximately 1,000 tons and generating around 800,000 USD in profits. The cooperative plays a crucial role in connecting its members to funding opportunities and support networks while providing stable employment to 30 workers.
The introduction of advanced machinery, equipment, and technology has been a key aspect of the cooperative's strategy, with a focus on meeting export standards for markets in China, Singapore, and Europe. This includes the adoption of QR codes for product traceability and the registration of its brand.
Expanding his agricultural ventures, Sang developed a new farm in Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, implementing GlobalGAP standards, a solar-powered irrigation system, and advanced post-harvest processing solutions. This initiative has transformed arid land into productive apple orchards, with plans to establish a specialized cooperative for local agricultural products. Sang's efforts have been recognized nationally, with both him and the cooperative receiving honors for their contributions to Vietnam's agricultural sector.
Source: VOVWORLD