The cooperative in Tra Vinh province has improved local livelihoods through exporting Vietnam’s seedless limes into the European market.
Upon arriving in Huyen Hoi commune, Cang Long district, we were immediately struck by the lush, green lime orchards heavy with fruit, nestled beside newly built, spacious homes. Previously, rice and coconut farming were the main sources of livelihood for local farmers.
However, these crops did not yield significant profits. Therefore, this prompted them to seek alternative solutions. As a result, seedless lime cultivation emerged as a promising option.
Vietnam’s seedless limes
Mr. Tai, Director of the Thanh Tri Cooperative, is a pioneer in cultivating this fruit. He conducted thorough research on Vietnam’s seedless limes and identified opportunities to export them to Europe.
By adhering to international farming standards, the cooperative successfully established links between farmers and export businesses. Accordingly, the cooperative has signed an export contract with a Dutch company to purchase 100 tons of seedless limes per year.
The cooperative follows the Globalgap standards, and participating farmers receive at least VND 10,000 per kilogram of limes. Additionally, they benefit from discounted prices on fertilizers and pesticides, bypassing intermediaries.
Mr. Tai shared: “Seedless limes grow in clusters, have thin skin, are less sour, and lack bitterness. They are ideal for making refreshing beverages with great aroma and cooling effects, which makes them very popular in the market. To enhance our business model, the cooperative plans to integrate garden-pond-livestock farming. We have also partnered with major companies to grow okra and papaya, creating additional income sources for our members.”
Vietnam’s seedless lime box
The success of the Thanh Tri cooperative has inspired other farmers. Recently, many households in Huyen Hoi commune have shifted from coconut to seedless lime cultivation. One such farmer is Mr. Danh, who purchased lime seedlings from the cooperative and planted them on 4,000 square meters of his land.
Mr. Danh said that seedless lime trees begin to bear fruit after about 17 months if properly cared for. Also, their cultivation is simpler compared to other crops. In addition, the selling price remains stable between VND15,000 to 30,000 per kilogram.
He harvests every two weeks and earns around VND 400 million annually from four công of lime trees (1 công = 1,000 m²). The most labor-intensive part is harvesting, which requires hiring workers at VND 200,000 per person per day.
The success of seedless lime cultivation stands as a testament to the creativity and initiative of Vietnamese farmers. They have achieved significant success through cooperation, adherence to international standards, and export expansion.
This success has brought economic benefits to their community. Also, this story highlights the development potential of Vietnamese agriculture. In addition, it contributes to the country’s overall economic growth.
Vietnam’s seedless lime farm
Mr. Tung, an agricultural officer in Huyen Hoi commune, shared that the cooperative initially faced financial difficulties. It was fortunate to receive a VND 30 million grant from the Commune People’s Committee. This support played a crucial role in the cooperative’s development.
Currently, the cooperative’s main market is European countries. Its success has led to an increase in membership, from just 10 households at the beginning to over 100 today.
At the same time, the cultivation area has expanded, creating new employment opportunities for local workers. The successful lime cultivation model has provided higher incomes for many households. Furthermore, it has improved the quality of life in the community.
Farmers in the region have demonstrated their adaptability and ability to seize new opportunities to enhance their lives. Through exports to Europe, Vietnam’s seedless limes have proven their quality and earned recognition in the international market.
Vietnamese source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/chanh-khong-hat-tra-vinh-chinh-phuc-chau-au-d354509.html