Harmonious watermelon – A journey from toxic to sustainable

In the past, my fellow farmers and I only knew how to grow watermelons using chemical fertilizers and pesticides; life today has changed completely, thanks to the valuable support from the INKOTA project.

My family used to cultivate in an area of 3,000m2 for both rice and watermelon. The old practices proved to be inefficient. Productivity is low, prices are unstable, and everything seems to depend entirely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. For each watermelon crop, I have to spray pesticides 7 to 8 times, polluting the surrounding environment and affecting both our health and our customers'. The risks and difficulties we faced back in the day were many: lack of knowledge on applying sustainable farming techniques, scarce planting, complete dependence on toxic chemicals, and unawareness of how to access the market.

Ever since joining the INKOTA project in 2021, the lives of farmers in Hang village have changed significantly. At first, we were timid, hesitant to communicate, and dared not share our opinions. But thanks to the training courses and the dedicated guidance of the project team, we understood how to work together, manage operations as a production group, and create a strong unity. We learned how to make microbial organic fertilizers, use herb-based plant protection products, and apply non-chemical alternatives to crop production. This not only helps protect the environment but also ensures the health of ourselves and our customers. Life is free of headaches, and itching from exposure to toxic chemicals. Now, we can be assured of healthy agricultural production. Moreover, the selling price of watermelons has been more stable, bringing higher income to our farmers.

The benefits of joining a farmer group are huge. We can not only learn new farming techniques but also share experiences as well as jointly develop production plans and promote our products. I am more confident in promoting my products, which I never thought possible before. Our journey is not just about growing watermelons, but about a complete change in action and mindset of the villagers. INKOTA has opened a new door, helping us not only enrich ourselves but also contribute to building a green, clean, and sustainable rural area. People are constantly striving and learning because we know that we can only develop a safe and sustainable watermelon cultivation model that brings value to the whole community.

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