The orange orchard of a 70-year-old farmer

Through persistence, meticulous care, and a willingness to pioneer scientific and technical innovation in farming, Vu Van Manh of Ta Ngao Hamlet (Tan Trinh Commune) has built a successful organic orange-growing model that generates more than VND1 billion in annual profit and creates stable jobs for local workers.

Vu Van Manh's orange garden in Ta Ngao Hamlet, Tan Trinh Commune.

In early December, as the harvest season peaks, Manh’s 23-hectare orange orchard glows gold across the hillsides. With an expected output of 20–25 tons per hectare, the total harvest is projected to exceed 300 tons. He grows several varieties, including Ha Giang yellow oranges, Duong Canh oranges, and V2 oranges, using a fully organic process: no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, but biofertilizers made from fish protein, chicken manure, cow manure, and natural pest-control agents. An automated irrigation system ensures each tree receives precise amounts of water and nutrients throughout its growth cycle, helping strengthen the root system and reduce disease.

Thanks to careful cultivation, Ha Giang yellow oranges fetch VND15,000–VND20,000 per kg early in the season, while Duong Canh oranges sell for VND30,000–VND35,000 per kg. Market demand is strong, with traders placing orders well in advance. His Ha Giang yellow oranges have earned a provincial 3-star OCOP certification and are supplied to food retail chains in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

After expenses, the orchard brings in more than VND1 billion annually and provides regular employment for four local workers. According to Manh, orange farming is well-suited to the local climate and soil, but success requires bold investment, technical knowledge, and daily dedication.

Mai Thi Niem, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Tan Trinh Commune People’s Committee, affirmed that Manh’s organic orange model is exemplary in applying scientific techniques to sustainable agriculture and attracts many delegations seeking to study and replicate the approach.

Walking among the lush, fruit-laden trees, one can’t help but admire the determination of this farmer, whose efforts have elevated the reputation of local agricultural products and opened a pathway toward clean, safe, and sustainable farming in the region.

Nguyen Lan