Dragon Fruit Thrives on Challenging Land

In 2005–2006, several households in Tam Phu Hamlet began experimenting with growing dragon fruit on hilly, barren land. At the time, many doubted the plant’s ability to “survive” in such harsh soil conditions. Yet, after more than a year of proper care and technical cultivation, the dragon fruit not only survived but also yielded a harvest far exceeding expectations.

Recognizing its economic potential, many local households cut down cassava and eucalyptus on their hilly land to switch to growing dragon fruit. With its rich flavor and distinctive sweetness, Lap Thach dragon fruit quickly gained market acceptance, generating high income—10 to 12 times more valuable than cassava, eucalyptus, and traditional fruit crops such as longan, lychee, and mango.

Based on these results and the practical need to expand dragon fruit cultivation, the commune and provincial authorities reviewed land resources, created zoning plans, and launched a pilot dragon fruit project for the 2011–2013 period. In 2018, the locality continued implementing a pilot program to develop a sustainable dragon fruit production zone serving both export and domestic consumption through a linked production–consumption chain. The goal was to build a concentrated, high-quality production area that meets market needs and improves household incomes.

To build its brand and increase quality and income for growers, Lap Thach Commune has strengthened training and technology transfer, guiding farmers on cultivation, care, and pest control under VietGAP standards. Farmers are also encouraged to use lighting techniques to produce off-season fruit—particularly during the Lunar New Year, when dragon fruit prices double or even triple compared to peak harvest periods. At the same time, the commune collaborates with enterprises, the Institute of Biotechnology, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology to research the production of syrup and wine from dragon fruit juice, while working with provincial departments to promote marketing and trade activities.

After 20 years of taking root in Lap Thach’s soil, dragon fruit cultivation has expanded to more than 135 hectares, concentrated in Tam Phu, Dong Nui, Con Voi, Phao Trang, Thanh Cong, Xuan Trach, and Rung Trung hamlets. Productivity reaches more than 2.2 tons per hectare, with total output estimated at nearly 300 tons. With selling prices ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 VND per kilogram, farmers earn a profit of 150–250 million VND per hectare after expenses. Dragon fruit farming has also created jobs for hundreds of local laborers.

In the coming years, Lap Thach Commune will continue working with provincial departments to help farmers expand high-tech cultivation models, enhancing added value and protecting the rural environment. The locality will also support market linkages, trade promotion, and brand development for Lap Thach dragon fruit. The goal is to develop a concentrated, high-value dragon fruit production zone based on a sustainable production–consumption chain, raising income from dragon fruit farming to more than 200 million VND per hectare and creating a breakthrough in local agricultural and rural development.

Tran Tinh