Ham Ninh Watermelon achieves OCOP 3 star

Ham Ninh commune (Quang Ninh district) has 50 households participating in watermelon cultivation, concentrated in the hamlets of Ham Hoa, Quyet Tien, Truong Nien. The watermelon varieties grown are all well-known and of high quality, including Hoan Chau and Viet Thai.

In recent years, farmers have applied the weed mat bed covering techniques to limit pests and keep good soil moisture. The watermelon grows well and is in good condition, and its gives a crisp, sweet taste. Thanks to efficient watermelon cultivation, people's lives are improving day by day. Starting from planting a few sao (Vietnamese measurement, equals 500 m²), many households have now expanded the production area and grown watermelons on a scale of 1 ha.

Mr. Ha Xuan Hung, Chairman of Ham Ninh Commune People's Committee, said, “Not only do we produce according to VietGAP standards, in 2020, Ham Ninh Commune People's Committee has built a watermelon value chain on an area of nearly 50 ha. Blessed with a suitable climate and soil, Ham Ninh always achieves high watermelon yield, averaging 130 tons/ha. After each crop, farmers gain a stable income of approximately 200 million VND/ha”.

Aiming to improve product quality and promote Ham Ninh watermelons to consumers inside and outside the province, this commune has brought watermelon products of Ham Hoa Agricultural Service and Business Cooperative (Ham Hoa Cooperative) to participate in the program “One commune, one product” (OCOP). After being appraised and completing the procedures and quality assessment, Ham Ninh watermelon was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Bang, Director of Ham Hoa Cooperative, said that the cooperative currently has 20 members involved in growing watermelons with a total area of more than 90 ha. Thanks to strictly following VietGAP standards, Ham Ninh watermelons have gained the trust of customers, but the consumption stage is mainly through traders buying straight at the garden.

“When Ham Ninh watermelon becomes a certified OCOP product with a 3-star stamp, consumers will be able to easily distinguish the product and Ham Ninh watermelon will gain a firm foothold in the market over time. In the near future, the cooperative will mobilize local farmers to continue expanding the area and improving the product quality with the determination to bring the Ham Ninh watermelon brand to approach new markets,” said the Director of Ham Hoa Cooperative.

Ms. Ha Thi Hien's family (Truong Nien village, Ham Ninh commune) has nearly 0.7 ha of cultivated land to grow watermelons. The crop are grown according to clean standards. From planting to harvesting the family always ensures food hygiene and safety criteria. Ms. Hien said: “The watermelons are grown for more than 2 months before they are harvested, weighing 2 - 4 kg. When cutting open the fruit, the flesh is crispy, not porous and tastes sweet, so customers love it".

The family of Mr. Ha Cong Kinh (Truong Nien village) is also busy these days fertilizing the new watermelons that just out-grow the weed mat and harvesting the ones that are ready to sell to traders. According to Mr. Kinh, Ham Ninh watermelons are planted in multiple crops throughout the year, so the supply to the market is prolonged, guaranteed to satisfy the needs of consumers.

Since converting the traditional form of watermelon production to VietGAP procedures, the quality of Ham Ninh watermelon products has been increasingly improved. One thing to add is that Ham Ninh melon product has a traceability stamp, so consumers can be assured of its origin and quality. According to some experienced traders, Ham Ninh watermelons not only meet clean standards but also have firmer flesh and sweeter flavor than watermelons of the same type grown in other lands.

As for consumers, Ham Ninh watermelon is always the best choice. Ms. Phan Thi Anh (in Dong Hoi city - Quang Binh) said: "There are days when the temperature is high, I go to the market to buy food and always think that Ham Ninh watermelon is the best choice for everyone in my family to cool off”.

Le Thi Hien, an owner of a fruit shop in Dong Hoi, revealed the trade secret: "Since 2019 I have been going to Ham Ninh to purchase watermelons from local farmers for my shop, usually several dozen tons of melons every year on average. Customers who got used to Ham Ninh watermelon’s deliciousness still buy it even though the selling price is high. Many people buy 5 - 10 fruits at a time, both to eat and as gifts for their loved ones. They fully understand the value of this clean and high quality product".