On arid land, green asparagus generates billions of dong

With the assistance of the Central Agricultural Extension Project, the Nha Ho Seed Joint Stock Company has implemented a model of organic green asparagus cultivation in several South Central Coast provinces from 2021 to 2023.

In Binh Thuan, households of Trinh The Hoan in Tan Ha commune (Duc Linh district) and Pham Van Gia in Chi Cong commune (Tuy Phong district) have implemented the asparagus plantation model. According to the corporation, in 2022 each location allocated 1 ha for asparagus cultivation. These models met the VietGAP organic requirements. In addition to its economic viability, the model also served as a destination for learning and experience exchange.

Mr. Pham Van Gia stated that green asparagus is a plant that thrives in warm climates; consequently, it is well-suited to the local climate and soil.

Before participating in the asparagus plantation project, I was taken on a tour of Nha Ho Seed Joint Stock Company in Ninh Thuan to view its model. I am able to observe firsthand how the asparagus flourishes and generates high economic efficiency, generating billions of dongs annually with constant output. Gia stated, "I chose to cultivate this plant on arid land."

During the asparagus planting, a Company employee provided Gia with technical training, seeds, apparatus, and a trickle irrigation system, according to Gia. In addition to receiving technical training, he was guided by technical personnel throughout the care process. Asparagus green develops well, with few pests and diseases, thanks to appropriate cultivation techniques. VietGAP has reduced the cost of fertilizers and pesticides for organic asparagus in comparison to conventional cultivation.

After more than three months of planting and tending, the asparagus of Mr. Pham Van Gia's family has been harvested, with a stable yield of 90 to 120 kg per day. With a price range of 60,000 to 70,000 VND per kilogram, 1 hectare of green asparagus yields 1 to 1.5 billion VND annually, significantly more than other commodities. In addition, many local farmers have visited his family's model for producing green asparagus in order to study it.

Mr. Tran Tien Sinh, Deputy General Director of Nha Ho Seed Joint Stock Company, stated that the initiative to cultivate green asparagus in the provinces of the South Central region was implemented by converting rice and subsistence cropland. It is effective to cultivate green asparagus organically so that it has no negative impact on the environment, water, or land resources.

Models of green asparagus cultivation that employ integrated pest management (IPM) should yield secure produce. The synchronized application of the technical process of producing green asparagus at the models has increased productivity and product quality, contributed to brand building, increased product value, improved production efficiency, and resolved issues. Create jobs and a stable income for the community.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is a perennial crop that is productive for fifteen years or more after establishment. As a valuable vegetable due to its rich in anti-cancer and anti-oxidation compounds and high economic crop, Asparagus production is continuously extended in Vietnam. Asparagus breeding and cultivation has not been paid attention yet in Vietnam.

The aim of the research was the evaluation of adaptability of three heat tolerance varieties introduced from the Netherlands Sunlim, K767, and K1867 in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. The growth characteristics, potential yield, brix of the roots, and pests and diseases were basically tested on the first harvest. All the tested varieties were susceptible to Phomopsis asparagi causing stem blight, a dangerous disease of Asparagus in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. K767 performed well in the field and had a good yield: 78 - 90 kg/ha per day of Grade 1 during the first and the second harvest.

Recently, consumers have become familiar with the nutritional value and deliciousness of green asparagus. With initial success, green asparagus has opened a new avenue to supplant inefficient crops and vegetables and increase the income per unit of land for farmers.

Growing asparagus plants for economic efficiency have contributed to changing farmers' mindsets in crop restructuring, improving land use value, among others.