Right after the 2023 harvest ended, the district’s Division of Agriculture and Rural Development has partnered with communes to implement post-harvest care and prepare for the new crop. The district Agricultural Service Center has provided farmers with best practices for orange cultivation, monitoring pests, and expanding areas under VietGAP standards.

In addition, the district has encouraged farmers to establish cooperatives and production groups to facilitate production and enhance market reach; showcase products at trade fairs and events both inside and outside the province; and actively contact advertising firms to design attractive packaging aimed at boosting sales.

Muong Va boasts the largest orange area in the district, with over 140 hectares. Currently, nearly 60 hectares are ready for harvest, featuring a mix of local varieties and V2 oranges. Notably, the Na Mon orange variety has seen increasing demand, prompting local authorities to encourage farmers to convert less productive land into Na Mon orange orchards. The Agricultural Service Center has actively delivered technical guidance to improve cultivation practices, strengthening the market presence of these oranges.

Lo Van Duong, Secretary of the Party cell and head of Muong Va commune’s Na Mon hamlet, reported that 50 local households are cultivating over 40 hectares of oranges, with more than 22 hectares ready for harvest. Since early October, traders have been placing orders, with prices ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 VND (1-1.2 USD) per kilogram, higher than those in previous years. With an expected yield of approximately 8 tonnes per hectare, oranges have become a crucial income source that helps families escape poverty.

Vi Van Thuan in Long Tong hamlet, Nam Lanh commune shared that oranges are harvested in two phases: the first from mid-October to late November for V2 and yellow-flesh oranges, and the second from late November to early January for the Canh variety. His family’s 0.5-hectare orchard is projected to produce over 4.5 tonnes, primarily sold to local traders. Since adopting VietGAP standards in 2022, they have produced high-quality fruits, despite not-very-good appearance, making it easier to sell. Prices have remained stable at 20,000 to 30,000 VND per kilogram.

With favourable market conditions, farmers in Sop Cop district are poised to reap significant rewards from orange cultivation, motivating them to invest in expanding their orchards, enhance product quality, and build brands for their orange varieties.