Apple trees are gradually taking on a significant role in the crop structure, opening up new prospects for economic development for farmers in Ninh Thuan province. Farmers growing apples in Ninh Thuan province are diligently caring for and harvesting apples to sell to traders. The high selling price of apples and favorable product outlets provide additional motivation for farmers to enhance production recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ninh Thuan, a suitable region for apple cultivation in Vietnam.
With its specific soil conditions and hot dry climate, Ninh Thuan is an ideal region for apple cultivation. Currently, the total area dedicated to apple cultivation in the province is nearly 1,000 hectares, with an annual harvest yield of approximately 40,000 tons. Apples are one of the 12 distinctive agricultural products of the province and have been granted a collective trademark registration certificate "Ninh Thuan Apples" by the National Office of Intellectual Property (Ministry of Science and Technology).
According to local farmers, the initial investment cost for one hectare of apple cultivation, including seeds and agricultural supplies, is around 25 million VND. After one year of planting, the first harvest can be obtained, with 2 to 3 harvests per year and a yield ranging from 40 to 50 tons of fruit per hectare.
With the current average selling price of about 10,000 VND per kilogram, each hectare of apple cultivation can generate revenue ranging from 400 to 500 million VND. Due to the economic efficiency it brings, the apple cultivation area in Ninh Thuan continues to expand, reaching a total of 1,020 hectares across the entire province.
Official Permission for "Tao Bom" Apple Variety Development in Ninh Thuan.
After 7 years of selection and experimental planting, the new apple variety TN05, commonly known as "Tao Bom" has been officially permitted for development and production in Ninh Thuan.
On April 12, 2023, Dr. Phan Cong Kien, Deputy Director of Nha Ho Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Ninh Thuan), announced that the institute, in collaboration with the Hanoi Institute of Vegetable and Fruit Research, has completed the procedures for self-declaration of circulation of the new apple variety TN05 in accordance with the guidance of Government Decree No. 94/2019-ND-CP and has been officially permitted for development and production in Ninh Thuan.
During the early fruit stage, the TN05 apple has a green color, elliptical shape, smooth and glossy skin. When ripe, it turns egg-shaped with a greenish-yellow color, white, crispy flesh, and a mild, pleasant aroma. The average yield ranges from 50 to 60 tons per hectare per crop, and under intensive cultivation conditions, it can reach up to 70 tons per hectare per crop. The TN05 variety adapts well to the weather conditions and climate of the South Central region in general and Ninh Thuan in particular. It shows good resistance to powdery mildew and moderate resistance to other pests and diseases.
To facilitate quick access for farmers to the new TN05 apple variety and expand its cultivation, the Nha Ho Agricultural Research and Development Institute is finalizing the certification dossier for the primary orchard (nucleus orchard) to be submitted to the relevant authorities for recognition and production of high-quality seedlings to meet the expansion needs of mainstream production. TN05 is a promising new apple variety that holds great potential for widespread production in the near future, contributing to diversifying the apple breeding structure to serve production in Ninh Thuan province and the South Central region in general.
High Efficiency of Apple Cultivation in Greenhouses in Ninh Thuan.
Mr. Pham Dung, the Director of the Department of Plant Cultivation and Plant Protection of Ninh Thuan province, stated that in order to develop sustainable apple cultivation and contribute to the economic efficiency of local farmers, the agricultural sector is actively promoting value chain linkages in apple production through cooperative models and apple cultivation complexes. They are also encouraging the development of apple-growing regions to meet VietGAP and organic apple standards, applying advanced scientific and technical methods in production, and expanding the marketing and consumption of apple products.
To achieve breakthroughs in increasing productivity and product quality, the province is currently focusing on expanding the use of netting to cover apple orchards and prevent pest outbreaks. This novel cultivation model offers numerous advantages, such as using nets to shield against insects and fruit flies from infesting apples, thus reducing the need for pesticide spraying. Moreover, the netting helps reduce sunlight exposure on the apples, protecting them from skin blemishes and discoloration, as well as mitigating fruit drop caused by adverse weather conditions.
In addition, the province is supporting local businesses and enterprises in developing various apple-based processed products, including apple juice, apple jam, apple wine, and apple syrup, to cater to the diverse demands of the market.
Price Doubles, Apple Farmers in Ninh Thuan Reap Huge Profits.
Mr. Ho Thanh Quang (Phuoc Dan Town, Ninh Phuoc District) revealed that, on average, 1 rod (1,000 square meters) of apple cultivated in greenhouses yields about 4 tons of fruit per crop, with an average selling price of 20,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. After deducting expenses, apple farmers can make a profit of nearly 60 million Vietnamese dong.
The initial investment cost for 1 sao of apple cultivation, including seeds and agricultural supplies, is around 25-30 million Vietnamese dong. After 1 year of planting, the first harvest can be obtained, and with proper care, farmers can harvest twice a year, with good care extending the productivity for an additional 4 to 5 years. According to Mr. Quang, even last year when apples were sold at prices ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram, farmers were already making profits. However, this year, with the price of apples increasing more than double, apple farmers are earning substantial profits.
In addition, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ninh Thuan province has directed the Plant Cultivation and Plant Protection Department and the Agricultural Promotion Center to guide farmers in adopting VietGAP standards and using netting to protect apple orchards. This new method helps reduce fruit flies and pests, mitigates adverse weather effects, and safeguards the apple orchards, leading to increased productivity and better apple quality.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ninh Thuan province will coordinate with local authorities to implement comprehensive solutions, such as granting the collective trademark "Ninh Thuan Apples," applying electronic traceability labels, diversifying apple processing products, and developing apple orchard tour packages. These efforts aim to enhance promotion and expand the market for Ninh Thuan apples to various regions across the country.
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