Vietnamese seedless limes bear fruit all year round, with higher yields during the off-season compared to the main crop season. Currently, Tra Vinh province is implementing the seedless lime cultivation model for export. The province focuses in the districts of Cang Long, Chau Thanh, and Tra Cu. Notably, this model has brought high profits and opened a path out of poverty for local farmers.
Tra Vinh has favorable natural conditions, climate, and soil for the development of various fruit trees, including limes. The seedless lime variety is a thornless plant that thrives in Tra Vinh’s climate. The flowers grow in clusters, have white petals, and produce juicy, aromatic, and sour fruit.
Vietnamese seedless limes
Vietnamese seedless limes can be used as a refreshing beverage and daily seasoning in household. In addition, they are important raw materials in the food processing industry.
Seedless lime trees can grow up to 6 meters tall, with a round canopy and thornless trunks. They start yielding higher productivity after 3 to 4 years of planting. They can be harvested for over 10 years before declining. The tree begins to bear fruit after about 18 months of planting. Each tree can yield an average of 40 kg of fruit. Average productivity is around 40 tons of fruit per hectare per year.
Notably, Vietnamese seedless limes bear fruit year-round and even more abundantly during the off-season. The plant requires ample water during bud differentiation, flowering, and fruiting stages. Therefore, during the dry season, farmers should water and place water hyacinths at the base helps retain moisture.
Washing process of fresh lime for export
Regular pruning is also necessary to shape the canopy for better growth and pest control. Seedless lime trees are easy to grow and require simple care techniques. Moreover, they can adapt to most soil types and stable yields and market prices. Over time, seedless lime has become one of the province’s high-value and stable-output agricultural products.
Recently, Tra Vinh has actively promoted the cultivation model of seedless lime for export. The province has also encouraged partnerships and guaranteed product purchasing agreements. Notably, this model has significantly increased farmers’ incomes compared to rice cultivation.
In Cang Long district, the seedless lime model run by Thanh Chi Agricultural Cooperative is a standout example of farmer linkage and technical transfer. It í producing Globalgap seedless limes for export to the Netherlands. As a result, farmers gain stable income and a sustainable path out of poverty.
A farm of seedless lime
As of the end of May 2024, the total area of seedless lime cultivation under contract farming reached about 120 hectares. Specifically, the largest concentration was Cang Long district. In addition, the province plans to expand an additional area of 50 hectares.
This linked production model with guaranteed purchasing helps cooperative members and farmers develop production in a sustainable and stable way. It also aims towards organic, clean production processes that meet quality standards, thereby boosting exports.
Vietnamese source: https://sanphamvungmien.vn/san-xuat-tieu-thu/2024/10/tra-vinh-mo-rong-san-xuat-day-manh-xuat-khau-chanh-khong-hat