Persistence and Seriousness in Organic Dragon Fruit Farming

The dragon fruit orchard of Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh in Vinh Phuc province is bustling with traders willing to pay premium prices for her organic dragon fruit. Ms. Thanh attributes her success to her commitment to organic farming practices, avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers. In 2021, with support from local agricultural agencies, Ms. Thanh transitioned to organic farming. Initially hesitant, she now finds organic methods manageable, focusing on organic and biological inputs to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth. The key, she emphasizes, is persistence. Transitioning to organic methods requires time for the soil and plants to adapt. While organic fertilizers are more expensive, the yield is comparable to conventional farming, around 25-30kg per post annually. The benefits extend beyond yield. Organic farming creates a healthier environment for her family and strengthens the plants, reducing the workload. Most importantly, her dragon fruit consistently commands higher prices due to its quality and food safety. Ms. Thanh believes that while farmers are open to organic farming, a stable market with good prices is crucial for widespread adoption.