From traditional crops to mainstay products

Fragrant green squash has been grown by Ba Be people for a long time, mainly in the communes of My Phuong, Yen Duong, Thuong Giao, Dia Linh, Khang Ninh... In cool climate conditions and suitable soil, this squash variety grows well, produces fruit with beautiful shape, thick flesh, light aroma, and when cooked has a sweet taste, very popular in the market.

In recent years, Ba Be district has planned to plant 150 hectares of fragrant green squash, but in reality, the implementation has exceeded the plan. For example, in 2024, it reached over 190 hectares, the reason for the excess area is that people realized the potential and value of this plant. The average selling price is from 10 to 15 thousand VND/kg, the output is about 35 tons/ha, this plant has brought billions of dong to people in the squash growing area.

From small-scale farming for family use, in recent years, the Ba Be district government has oriented to develop fragrant green squash into a key commodity crop in the agricultural restructuring program. The district has provided seeds, technical training, guided farmers in applying safe growing processes, VietGAP and connected with product consumption.

Currently, Ba Be fragrant green squash products have been certified to meet the provincial 3-star OCOP standard and are aiming to upgrade the star rating, expand the domestic consumption market and export potential. A number of cooperatives and squash growing cooperatives have been established and operate effectively, helping to link farmers with businesses, organizing production according to the value chain. Fragrant green squash products are also processed into squash tea, dried squash, etc. to supply the market in and outside the province.

Along with improving product quality, the district also encourages the development of packaging, labels, and traceability stamps for fragrant green squash products to enhance competitiveness in the market. The product is now available in many supermarkets and clean agricultural product chains in Hanoi and major cities.

Towards sustainable development

According to the assessment of comrade Pham Ngoc Thinh, Vice Chairman of Ba Be District People's Committee, the district is continuing to promote solutions to expand the area of ​​​​growing aromatic green squash in an organic and environmentally friendly direction, while calling on businesses to invest in deep processing of products from squash such as jam, juice, green squash powder... contributing to diversifying products and increasing added value. The district also focuses on building a stable raw material area, linking with long-term consumption businesses to ensure output for farmers growing aromatic green squash.

In addition, the development of fragrant green squash with eco-tourism products and experiences in growing areas is also considered a promising direction, creating a highlight for tourists when coming to Ba Be Lake. However, the development and increase of area must ensure compliance with the consumer market.

With great potential and the right orientation, the fragrant green squash is truly becoming a “rich crop” for farmers in Ba Be district. Promoting the value of this specialty not only helps increase people’s income, but also contributes to the sustainable development of local agriculture, associated with building brands and promoting the image of endemic agricultural products of Bac Kan province./.

Source: https://baobackan.vn/phat-huy-tiem-nang-gia-tri-cay-bi-xanh-thom-post70496.html