Moc Chau is one of the districts in the mountainous province of Son La. The district owns a cool climate all year round, making it ideal for growing cabbages. There are many farms of Vietgap cabbages in the district. The farm of Mr Lau, who is a local farmer of the district, is an example.
After deducting expenses, Mr. Lau comfortably earns 160 million VND per year from growing high-quality cabbage. Each plant looks equally robust and healthy.
For a long time, Dong Sang commune in Moc Chau district has been recognized as a hub for cabbage farming. It is also known for cultivating various vegetables and fruits following Vietgap standards. As a result, it has brought high income to many farming households. Mr. Lau’s family is one of the shining examples of economic development through Vietgap-standard cabbage farming.
Vietgap cabbages
Mr. Lau shared: “I have been growing vegetables for over 20 years now. However, I just started following the Vietgap cabbages in 2011. I find vegetable farming has low care costs, relatively stable output, and brings high annual income for my family. Compared to corn farming, Vietgap cabbage farming yields two times more for sure.”
To ensure optimal conditions for his cabbage garden to thrive, Mr. Lau invested in a water pump. Also, he built an automatic irrigation system for his 3,000 square meters of garden. Thanks to this system, his vegetable crops have always grown well. From being an average-income household, he has now become one of the most well-off families in Dong Sang commune.
Sharing his cabbage-growing techniques, Mr. Lau explained: “Before sowing the cabbage seeds, I usually soak them in warm water at 50°C for about 20 minutes. Then I soak them in cool water for around 10 hours. The seeding rate is about 1.5–2.0 grams per square meter. After sowing, I cover the soil with a 2cm thick layer of straw and water it thoroughly twice a day.
When the cabbage seedlings sprout and rise above the soil, I start using the automatic irrigation system. Once the seedlings reach about 8cm in height, I thin out the weak ones to maintain a spacing of about 3cm. After each thinning session, I apply a mix of decomposed manure and NPK fertilizer. That’s why my cabbage garden is always lush and has minimal pests or diseases.”
Vietgap cabbage farms
According to Mr. Lau’s experience, when growing cabbage following Vietgap standards, certain practices are strictly prohibited. These include using wastewater from industry, household activities, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, or raw manure for direct irrigation.
When the cabbage begins to form heads, growers should remove old leaves to allow airflow, which helps prevent pests and diseases that can affect growth. When the cabbage heads are tight, smooth, and firm, it’s time to harvest.
“I received the Vietgap certification in 2011. I grow eight crops a year. When it is harvest time, I sell fresh cabbage to traders in Son La city and major supermarkets in Hanoi. Since I follow the Vietgap process, my produce always sells at a high and stable price. After deducting expenses, I earn 160 million VND per year. Life for my family is now comfortable and prosperous. My children are all grown and have stable careers,” said Mr. Lau.
Vietgap cabbage carton box
Unlike conventional vegetable farming, Vietgap cabbages require strict adherence throughout the production process. In addition to meeting criteria for soil and irrigation water, growers must also manage inputs and follow cultivation and care protocols.
They must also ensure that the harvest and distribution meet defined standards. Therefore, it is essential to have a suitable model for safe vegetable production to ensure compliance.
Mr. Giang, Chairman of Dong Sang commune, said: “Thanks to applying scientific and technical advances in Vietgap cabbage farms, Mr. Lau’s family has had a good income for many years. This has allowed them to raise and educate their children successfully while steadily improving their livelihood”.
“In the future, we will continue to promote and encourage farmers to shift from low-efficiency crops and livestock to safe vegetable farming under Vietgap standards. This will create opportunities for people to develop their economy and achieve sustainable prosperity locally,” he added.
Vietnamese source: https://danviet.vn/noi-trong-bap-cai-vietgap-10-cay-nhu-1-chua-bao-gio-bi-e-1064081-d144778.html