Winter melon is one of the crops that has long been associated with the people of Tìa Dình commune. It is grown mainly on the slopes of hills and mountains, replacing agricultural crops such as corn and cassava. With suitable soil and a cool climate year-round, Tìa Dình winter melon yields high productivity and quality, with an economic value many times greater than traditional crops.

In Tìa Dình, winter melon is grown mainly in the villages of Na Su, Chua Ta A, Chua Ta B, and Na Hay, with a total area of about 80 hectares and more than 100 households in the commune participating in its cultivation. Since 2021, Tìa Dình winter melon has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product and is one of the crops that brings high economic efficiency, helping people with poverty eradication and reduction.

Mr. Giàng A Sử, Director of the Tìa Dình General Trade and Services Cooperative, shared: “Right now is the main harvest season for winter melon. The people are harvesting and gathering the melons at sheds near the road to sell to traders. The winter melon in Tìa Dình is of high quality, firm, with dense flesh, fragrant, and nutty, so it is very popular with customers. The main consumer markets are within the province and a few wholesale markets in the lowlands like Hanoi and Hai Phong. This year, due to high demand, the purchase price for melons has increased by about VND 2,000/kg compared to last year. With good care and no damage from floods, the yield is about 5 tons/ha. With this year’s purchase price ranging from VND 12,000 - 15,000/kg, it brings in an income of over VND 60 million/ha.”

These days, on the hillsides, each winter melon is harvested by the diligent and nimble hands of the people, accompanied by joy and excitement as their agricultural products fetch a good price, bringing a significant source of income and contributing to the economic development of the local people.

Mr. Lò Văn Ninh, from Na Su village, Tìa Dình commune, said: “My family has been growing winter melons for nearly 10 years. The economic efficiency is high, and it requires little care, so after each harvest, our family actively expands the area. Currently, our family is growing about 2 hectares. The melons are easy to grow; it’s mainly just weeding and fertilizing in the early stages. As long as the plants survive, they will bear fruit and can be harvested. This season, we estimate we’ll earn over VND 100 million. The price has increased slightly compared to last year, so our family is very happy.”

Mr. Nguyễn Đức Đô, Vice Chairman of the Tìa Dình commune People’s Committee, stated: “With its high economic efficiency and suitability for sloping land, the winter melon is one of the key crops, contributing to the restructuring of crop varieties, economic development, and sustainable poverty reduction in the commune. In the coming time, the party committee and the commune government will continue to communicate and encourage the expansion of the cultivation area and production linkages towards clean and sustainable agriculture. We will also coordinate and support stable market outlets for the people’s products, gradually creating a distinctive agricultural brand and a more solid standing for Tìa Dình winter melon in the market.”

With its clear efficiency and stable development potential, the winter melon is gradually becoming a sustainable economic development direction for many households in Tìa Dình. Each passing melon season brings the joy of the harvest and the hope of escaping poverty for the people here.