Organic Pomelo Cultivation: Abundant Worms, Healthy Soil

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Bien's pomelo orchard in Yen Bai, Vietnam, thrives with organic farming techniques. His soil is loose and fertile, teeming with earthworms, resulting in high-yield, quality pomelos. Previously, the orchard was used for longan cultivation, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which negatively impacted the family's health and soil quality. In 2019, Mr. Bien switched to pomelo cultivation and transitioned to organic farming in 2022. He replaced chemical fertilizers with composted chicken manure and bio-pesticides. Initially, a small amount of NPK fertilizer was used to prevent nutrient shock. Now, organic fertilizer is packed in perforated bags placed near each tree. Bio-pesticides and traps control pests like stink bugs and fruit flies. This organic approach has significantly reduced costs. Each tree uses one bag of organic fertilizer per year, costing 25,000 VND, compared to over 20,000 VND/kg for chemical nitrogen fertilizer. The family sells 2,000-3,000 pomelos annually, earning a profit of 20-30 million VND. While the profit isn't substantial, the reduced workload allows for other income-generating activities. More importantly, the orchard environment is cleaner, ensuring the family's health. Mr. Bien believes that despite challenges in market recognition and pricing, the demand for safe, organic agricultural products will inevitably increase.