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Gia Lai's Ward expands safe vegetable production as households boost income

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An Binh Ward is emerging as one of the largest vegetable-producing areas in western Gia Lai, as hundreds of households adopt safe cultivation practices that have raised incomes and diversified crops.

Local authorities expect more than 5,295 hectares of vegetables to be cultivated in 2025 under a safe production supply chain coordinated by Dak Po Transport Services Cooperative. Farmers have increasingly shifted from sugarcane and rice to high-value vegetables grown under VietGAP standards.

Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong (Tan Phong residential group) tending her vegetable garden early in the morning. Photo: Dong Lai

At 4 a.m., Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong and her husband are already at work on their 1,440-square-metre plot. By rotating seasonal crops such as chili, onion, coriander, and bok choy, the family earns between 70-100 million VND (USD 2,850-4,070) a year. A recent chili harvest from two sao generated 51 million VND (USD 2,075), Phuong said.

Six occupational groups dedicated to safe vegetable cultivation have been established across An Binh Ward. In Tan Phong residential group, the Farmers’ Sub-Association counts 360 households, including 150 practicing safe cultivation on nearly 50 hectares.

Tran Van Hay, Head of the Farmers’ Sub-Association in Tan Phong residential group, discusses safe vegetable production with local farmers. Photo: Dong Lai

The model, launched in 2020 with support from agricultural extension services, has helped farmers adopt new varieties and safer growing techniques that protect community health and the environment.

Farmer Le Thi Ninh, who tends six sào of vegetables daily, is preparing 5,000 cabbage plants to harvest before Lunar New Year. Cabbage yields can reach 6–7.5 tons per sao, she said.

Le Thi Ninh (Tan Phong residential group) stands beside her cabbage field of over 5,000 plants, expected to be harvested during the Lunar New Year. Photo: Dong Lai

Safe vegetable farming is also expanding in Tan Son residential group, where about 150 households cultivate 60 hectares and supply 20-30 tons of vegetables to the market each day. Tran Ngoc Hao’s family earns 50-60 million VND (USD 2,035-2,440) annually by intercropping mint, onion, and short-term crops on two sào.

Tran Ngoc Hao (Tan Son residential group) inspects his onion field cultivated using safe farming practices. Photo: Dong Lai

To enhance coordination, the Farmers’ Association created a Zalo group with more than 50 members to share pricing information and production knowledge. The Association plans to expand safe cultivation areas and establish a “Safe Vegetable Growers’ Union” to strengthen market linkages, improve quality control, and stabilize consumption.

“We will work closely with agencies and local authorities to connect with buyers, expand distribution channels, and ensure stable demand for safe vegetables,” said Nguyen Hoai Phong, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the Ward Farmers’ Association.

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