Agricultural shifts in Vietnam drive higher profits for farmers

Farmers in central Vietnam are seeing significant economic gains by transitioning from traditional crops to high-value agricultural models, including greenhouse melon cultivation and essential oil plants.

In Ha Tinh province, melon cultivation under greenhouse technology has expanded to approximately 13–15 hectares. In Son Quang village, the scale has grown from just three households in 2021 to 10,000 square meters of greenhouse space. Producing three crops annually, farmers have harvested roughly 195 tons of melons, generating nearly 5 billion VND in revenue. Individual farmers report high profitability, with wholesale prices around 25,000 VND/kg and retail at 35,000 VND/kg.

In Van An commune, Nghe An province, farmers are finding success with essential oil crops such as Java lemongrass, basil, and mint. Unlike traditional crops like corn or cassava, these plants can be harvested multiple times a year—up to five or six times depending on weather—allowing for continuous regrowth after cutting. One farmer reported that cultivating basil on 8 hectares yielded an economic efficiency 15 times higher than traditional corn or cassava. The model utilizes organic production methods and high-quality seeds provided by the Van An Medicinal Materials Cooperative.