Farmers in Sapp Vat commune are tending to their round mango trees.

The Xuan Tien Agricultural Cooperative in Sapp Vat commune has 60 hectares of round mangoes, including 20 hectares of old-growth mango trees and 40 hectares of newly planted mango trees, with 100% of the area located within the geographical indication zone. Mr. Ha Vien Lam, Deputy Director of the Xuan Tien Agricultural Cooperative, said: The cooperative has partnered with households owning old mango orchards to invest in their renovation. In coordination with the District Agricultural Service Center, they have guided members on pruning techniques and pest control for old trees; and implemented a model of grafting new mango trees using superior varieties. As a result, the entire mango area of ​​the cooperative is developing well, yielding 10-12 tons/ha. This year, the cooperative expects to produce approximately 300 tons of round mangoes.

Over the past four years, members of the Xuan Tien Cooperative have focused on applying VietGAP and organic farming techniques, investing in automatic irrigation technology, using organic fertilizers, and avoiding herbicides, thereby improving fruit quality.

Mr. Quang Van Bun, a member of Xuan Tien Cooperative, shared: "The mango trees flower and bear fruit during the dry season. For the past three years, with guidance from the cooperative, my family has installed a water irrigation system to ensure a high fruit setting rate and uniform growth. In the past month, there have been some rains in the area, and my family is focusing on fertilizing the trees to maximize yield. With 2 hectares of round mangoes, we expect to harvest 18 tons this season."

Xuan Tien Agricultural Cooperative, Sapp Vat commune, is guiding its members in installing a water-saving irrigation system for round mangoes.

Meanwhile, in Chiềng Pằn commune, in coordination with district-level specialists, they have been promoting and encouraging farmers to care for their old, round mango trees, using certain pesticides to control fruit-boring insects; using fertilizers appropriately to nourish the fruit, watering, selecting mangoes that meet standards and have good appearance to keep, and pruning away substandard fruits to keep the trees healthy.

The family of Mr. Ha Van Du, in Chieng Phu village, Chieng Pan commune, is cultivating over 1 hectare of round mangoes. Since 2018, with support from the Vietnam Institute of Agriculture in providing seeds, fertilizers, and transferring cultivation techniques from superior parent trees, the family's round mango crop has developed well, producing large fruits weighing 180-200 grams each, overcoming the previous drawbacks of large seeds and excessive fiber. On average, they earn over 200 million VND per year. The family has proactively managed their water supply by digging ponds, laying tarpaulins on the hilltop to store rainwater, and using drilled wells; they have invested nearly 100 million VND in installing water pipes from the ponds for water-saving irrigation of the mangoes.

Mr. Du shared: "The process from when the fruit is young to ripening takes about 4 months. Without proper care, fertilization, and sufficient irrigation, the roots will dry out, the fruit will fall off, crack, and yield will decrease. My family has actively watered and fertilized the trees, starting with the first application in mid-March to minimize premature fruit drop and the second application at the end of April to accelerate fruit development and reach maximum size. To date, the fruit is developing evenly, has a beautiful appearance, and shows no signs of pests or diseases. Harvesting is expected around the end of May, with a projected yield of 9 tons."

Officials from the Yen Chau District Agricultural Service Center inspect the pest and disease situation on round mangoes in Chieng Pan commune.

Yen Chau district has nearly 300 hectares of round mangoes, of which 177 hectares in Chieng Pan and Sapp Vat communes have been granted geographical indication registration certificates. This year's round mango production is expected to reach approximately 1,550 tons. With its rich sweetness and distinctive aroma, Yen Chau round mangoes have become well-known and popular among consumers in recent years.

Mr. Lo The Thi, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee, shared: The district has directed specialized agencies to assign technical staff to communes within the geographical indication area and neighboring communes to guide farmers in caring for mangoes according to VietGAP and organic farming processes, improving the quality and yield of round mangoes. The district encourages people to expand the area using original varieties, avoiding crossbreeding with varieties of external origin, and prohibits purchasing mangoes from other regions to mix and sell on the market during harvest season. The district directs specialized departments and cooperatives in the area to effectively manage the growing area, connect with consumers, and promote round mango products; support product packaging and labeling, open sales points, and introduce authentic round mangoes; and create conditions for cooperatives to participate in trade fairs and trade promotion programs to promote Yen Chau round mangoes to consumers.

This year, the People's Committee of Yen Chau district is organizing the 6th Mango Festival, scheduled to take place over three days, from May 24-26, in Kha village, Sapp Vat commune. This village has great potential and advantages for developing community tourism, with dozens of hectares of ancient round mango trees and located within a geographical indication area. The festival will feature many attractive activities, such as: a round mango picking competition; a competition for displaying and creating artistic shapes from mangoes; stalls selling agricultural products and handicrafts characteristic of various communes and towns; tours and experiences in mango orchards; and various folk games and traditional dances. Through this festival, the aim is to promote the brand of Yen Chau round mangoes and honor mango growers; and to introduce the land and people of Yen Chau to a wide audience of tourists.

Focusing on brand building, preserving and developing varieties, and enhancing image promotion has contributed to the increasing recognition of Yen Chau round mangoes as a reputable brand. It is hoped that this year, Yen Chau round mangoes will continue to yield a bountiful harvest, fetch good prices, expand their market, and bring high economic benefits to farmers.