Farmer Hoang Trong Dung. (Photo: VOV)

Dung’s small house on a hill in Gia Cat commune, is surrounded by fruit trees and medicinal herbs. His Bao Lam seedless persimmons are ready to harvest. Dung said he started growing persimmons 20 years ago. 

“I developed a passion for growing trees when I was 18 years old. I did a lot of research on indigenous plants and discovered that Bao Lam seedless persimmons were best suited to local soil. Bao Lam persimmons are preferred by consumers for their sweet taste and nutrition. I have set up cooperatives in 7 localities to duplicate the persimmon growing model and boost the income of local farmers,” he said.

According to Dung, Bao Lam seedless persimmons are hard to grow and vulnerable to pests. He has spent many years doing research to learn anti-pest techniques and suitable cultivation methods to increase his productivity. Chu Thi Hop, Vice Chairwoman of Gia Cat commune’s Farmers Association, said, “Dung’s orchard model is the prototype economic model in our locality. Dung is active in every movement of the local Farmers Association and helps many other local farmers to raise their income and living standard.”

Hoang Trong Dung’s orchard model is the prototype economic model in his locality. (Photo: VOV)

Dung also grows anise and pine trees, and raises chickens, earning about 21,000 USD a year. He is eager to share his methods and experience with other farmers to help them improve their lives. “If the farmers are carefully instructed, they will earn good profits."

Dung said he wants to share his model and experience to give other farmers a better life. Hoang Thi Hue, Chairwoman of Cao Loc district’s Farmers Association, said, “Dung has actively participated in production emulation movements and duplicated his farming models in the locality. In the coming months, we will encourage other farmers to follow his model to increase their productivity.”

Dung plans to develop his model into an experiential tourism business.