An Giang farmer earns over VND 3 billion a year growing melons with automated drip irrigation
A farmer in Vietnam’s An Giang Province converted an underperforming mango orchard to greenhouse melon cultivation using automated drip irrigation and fertilization. The farm now covers more than 20,000 square meters and produces about 250 tonnes a year, generating over VND 3 billion in annual profit after costs and providing regular work for about 30 local people.
In An Giang Province, farmer Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nga converted an underperforming mango orchard to greenhouse melon cultivation and installed automated drip irrigation and fertilization systems. Her family now cultivates more than 20,000 square meters and produces about 250 tonnes a year. After deducting the costs of seedlings, fertilizer, electricity, water, land rental and labor, annual profit exceeds VND 3 billion.
In 2019, she and her family invested VND 400 million to build four greenhouses covering a total of 4,000 square meters. After nearly seven years of expansion, the operation has grown to 20 greenhouses, with planting staggered among them to allow about four crops a year. Each 1,000-square-meter greenhouse holds about 3,000 melon plants and yields approximately 3 to 3.5 tonnes per crop after just over two months of care.
A 1,000-square-meter greenhouse produces about 3 to 3.5 tonnes of melons per crop.（VietVance）
The automated drip irrigation and fertilization systems supply water and nutrients to the plants according to their growth stage. Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nga said the greenhouses help reduce the effects of weather and pests, but require substantial initial investment. The plants still need daily checks and adjustments to their care. Too little water can hamper growth, while too much may damage the roots and cause the fruit to crack.
Melons are being harvested at Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nga’s farm in Thới Sơn Ward, An Giang Province.（VietVance）
Traders buy the melons at the farm, with prices ranging from VND 40,000 to VND 60,000 per kilogram depending on the time. The operation also provides regular jobs for about 30 local workers, who earn an average of about VND 7 million a month. Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nga said her family is exploring organic and circular farming methods to reduce environmental impacts.
Traders buy melons grown at Nguyễn Thị Lệ Nga’s farm directly from the farm.（VietVance）
Lý Thúy Vân, chairwoman of the Thới Sơn Ward People’s Committee, said three local households have converted underperforming orchards to greenhouse melon cultivation, with promising initial economic results. Local authorities will continue helping growers access financing, seedlings and technical support, and encourage farmers to study practices suited to their circumstances before expanding.
Source: VietVance
