(VOVWORLD) - Growing bamboo shoots is popular in Ca Mau province, but mainly in fresh water areas. Because the province has been affected by salt water intrusion, farmer Nguyen Trung Duc has done research and learned to grow bamboo shoots in the saline area.
 Farmer Nguyen Trung Duc installs an irrigation system to water his bamboo shoots during the drought season. (Photo: VOV) |
Nguyen Trung Duc is now experienced in growing crops in the saline areas of Cai Nuoc district.
Recognizing that local land was badly affected by salt intrusion, he decided to switch to other plants on his 40 hectares. Duc was impressed by the Manh Tong bamboo species he saw in Ben Tre province. It was easy to grow and care for, so he decided to pilot it in his area.
“The land must be prepared carefully. The bamboo trees should be planted 60 centimeters deep,” said Duc.
To boost productivity, Duc applied techniques to maintain the humidity, fertilized, improved the plants salinity and drought tolerance, and earned a good income on his 3 hectares of bamboo.
“The plants are fertilized twice a year, at the beginning of the dry season and at the end of the rainy season,” he said.
In addition to breeding shrimp, and growing bamboo sprouts, Duc also breeds fresh water fish and grows dragon fruits on his 4 hectares of land.
Growing bamboo in a salt water area makes Duc a role model for other local farmers. Pham Van Den, Chairman of Cai Nuoc district’s Farmers Association, said, “Duc is active in learning new cultivation techniques. His bamboo growing model has proved highly productive.”