Mai Son District has over 11,000 hectares of fruit trees, with more than 3,700 hectares cultivated using high-tech methods and over 1,300 hectares produced organically. The entire district has been assigned 40 growing area codes, covering 1,130 hectares of fruit trees for export. In 2023, the district aims for a total agricultural output of approximately 90,000 tons. With such significant fruit production, establishing stable and long-term market access for these products is extremely essential. In addition to domestic consumption, export markets represent a key direction for the district's future growth.

Farmers in Hat Lot commune harvest mangoes

During a visit to the Ngoc Hoang Agricultural Service Cooperative in Na Bo commune, coinciding with its dragon fruit harvest, Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Dung shared that the cooperative was established in 2016 with 10 members focused on fruit cultivation. It has since grown to 200 members and spans 1,500 hectares of various fruit crops. Notably, over 200 hectares of red-fleshed dragon fruit are concentrated in Mai Son, with the cooperative partnering with more than 100 households across Thuan Chau, Moc Chau, and Yen Chau, cultivating over 100 hectares of dragon fruit. The cooperative has been assigned two cultivation codes for exporting to the EU and China. So far this year, it has harvested 300 tons of dragon fruit, exporting 90 tons to the EU. To meet the stringent demands of markets like the EU, the cooperative emphasizes improving product quality and adhering to rigorous production processes. Dung noted that they anticipate this year's yield will reach 2,000 tons, with agreements to export approximately 500 tons of red-fleshed dragon fruit, and they are committed to fulfilling these orders by the end of the year.

 Ngoc Hoang Agricultural Service Cooperative harvests dragon fruit

Ngoc Hoang Agricultural Service Cooperative harvests dragon fruit

At the mango garden of Mr. Lo Van Quyen in Long Khoang village, Hat Lot commune, despite the scorching heat, the atmosphere is lively and bustling. Quyen's family is busy harvesting over 1 hectare of mangoes for sale to traders. This marks the sixth harvest for his family, but due to prolonged drought conditions this year, the mangoes are smaller and less visually appealing, resulting in a yield nearly 1 ton lower than last year, with prices also dropping. Quyen noted, 'We have over 1 hectare of mangoes, but prices this year are lower than last year—last year we sold for 7,000 to 8,000 VND per kilogram, while this year it's only 2,000 to 3,000 VND. We hope that authorities can provide stable market access to ease the burden on local farmers.

Mr. Lo Van Quyen's family - Long Khoang village, Hat Lot commune harvests mangoes

Hat Lot commune is one of the largest mango-growing areas in Mai Son District, with over 900 hectares under cultivation and an estimated yield of 7,000 to 8,000 tons in 2023. Given this large output, securing stable market access for the products is a priority for the commune's People's Committee, which is actively implementing solutions to improve the economic returns for local residents.

Mr. Tong Van Tam, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hat Lot Commune, Mai Son District, Son La Province, shared: "At this time, local farmers are focused on harvesting mangoes, but prices are low this year, with traders buying at only 2,800 VND per kilogram at the orchards. To provide a stable market and solutions for the farmers, the People's Committee has directed cooperatives and businesses in the area to partner with the Doveco factory, which is purchasing at 5,000 VND per kilogram. The People's Committee is also working with major domestic companies and supermarkets to ensure stable prices and income for the farmers."

Farmers of Hat Lot commune contribute mangoes for export

To ensure the consumption and export of agricultural products, the district has directed specialized agencies to work closely with local communes, providing guidance to households and cooperatives on strictly adhering to production processes under VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. All necessary conditions are being facilitated for businesses to connect with farmers and cooperatives for the consumption and export of agricultural goods. Additionally, a working group has been dispatched to accompany the provincial delegation in exploring new markets and promoting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.

Farmers in the district harvest longan

Since the beginning of the year, Mai Son District has consumed and exported an estimated 18,700 tons of various agricultural products, marking a 10% increase compared to 2022, with a total value of nearly 112 billion VND. The district is actively directing specialized agencies to seek connections with businesses that purchase agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export. It is implementing a flexible approach by combining various trade promotion strategies and facilitating trade connections to enable local businesses and cooperatives to meet, exchange ideas, and sign contracts for the sale of agricultural goods with companies and distributors in both domestic and international markets.

Farmers in Na Bo commune harvest dragon fruit

Mr.Nguyen Khac Hao, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department in Mai Son District, Son La Province, stated: "To assist businesses, cooperatives, and local households in consuming agricultural products, our department has coordinated a series of key solutions. This includes advising enterprises and the Hanoi Stock Exchange on completing documentation and procedures to obtain cultivation codes, as well as issuing food safety certifications. To enhance both exports and domestic sales, we have also recommended that the district's People's Committee focus on establishing cooperatives in local villages to strengthen the production-consumption linkage. These village cooperatives are essential for the future of agricultural production in the area. Additionally, we are promoting guidance for businesses and cooperatives to showcase local products on electronic trading platforms and leverage social media to boost domestic sales. Furthermore, we are working to connect with companies to process agricultural products for export, thereby ensuring stable market access for local farmers at competitive prices, which will improve their income.".

With proactive implementation of consumption connection solutions by the district, along with the active participation of agencies, cooperatives, and local residents, Mai Son district is poised to successfully achieve its agricultural consumption and export targets for 2023. This initiative aims to enhance production value and increase income for farmers in the district.

                                                                   Tran Thanh + Lo But

                                        Translated by Huyen Vu