Phú Đông Islet is a locality Đồng Tháp Province, which specialize in cultivating Vietnamese lemongrass. Thanks to the application of science and technology in production, it is gradually forming a green and sustainable value chain. This helps people in saline and drought-affected areas stabilize their livelihoods and increase their incomes.
Previously, people in Tân Phú Đông Islet faced many difficulties in rice cultivation due to frequent saline intrusion. They switched to Vietnam’s lemongrass, a salt-tolerant crop that requires low investment and carries fewer risks. As a result, their livelihoods have gradually improved.
To enhance production efficiency, Đồng Tháp Province authorities have supported farmers in standardizing production processes. They have also focused on developing and managing the “Tân Phú Đông Lemongrass” brand.
Vietnamese lemongrass
A notable aspect of this approach is the application of technology to maximize the value of Vietnamese lemongrass. Lemongrass leaves, which were previously discarded, are now used as raw materials for essential oil extraction. The remaining biomass is further utilized as a substrate for mushroom cultivation and organic fertilizer production.
In particular, a cooperative project with Japanese experts has enabled the use of lemongrass leaves and aquaculture sludge to produce biogas and clean electricity. These solutions not only help farmers reduce costs and increase income but also contribute to environmental protection. They also move toward a green agricultural model.
Mr. Lê Thanh Đằng is the Chairman of Tân Phú Đông Commune People’s Committee. He said that thanks to the application of new techniques, Tân Phú Đông lemongrass products have met strict standards for export.
With a specialized cultivation area of 4,020 hectares and yields reaching 15–17 tons per hectare, lemongrass generates profits 3–4 times higher than rice. This provides a stable income for thousands of local households.
Mr. Lê Quang Khôi is the Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Đồng Tháp Province. According to him, systematic state investment combined with technology transfer from experts has helped farmers successfully transform production. This is an important foundation for the province to develop sustainable agriculture. It also helps island communities remain committed to farming land and improve their economic conditions.
Vietnamese source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cay-sa-giup-nguoi-dan-vung-han-man-dong-thap-doi-doi-post857699.html