At an age when many begin to consider slowing down, Mr. Bùi Quang Trung from Tuyên Quang Province, Vietnam, decided to start fresh. Over the past decade, he has reclaimed and transformed 20 hectares of mountainous land into a productive fruit farm, cultivating oranges, grapefruits, and passion fruit. Now, with an income close to 500 million VND annually, his story is one of resilience, modernization, and the enduring rewards of hard work.
From Barren Hills to Lush Orchards
When Mr. Trung first acquired the land in Yên Lâm commune, it was overgrown and difficult to access. However, he saw potential in the steep hills and made a bold decision to start farming. After 10 years, his land now holds over 1,500 orange trees, 500 grapefruit trees, and 2 hectares of passion fruit.
One of the key factors behind his success is his embrace of modern agricultural technologies, particularly an automated irrigation system from Israel. This system covers 15 hectares of his farm and allows for precise and efficient watering. “In the past, manual irrigation took over three hours a day. Now, with just a press of a button, we can water the entire area in just 20 to 30 minutes,” says Mr. Trung. This improvement not only saves time but has also boosted yields by 30-40% due to consistent watering and reduced fertilizer runoff.
The Journey to Innovation
The decision to implement the Israeli irrigation system came after Mr. Trung visited several high-tech agricultural operations in southern Vietnam. Inspired by what he saw, he applied for support under a provincial agricultural restructuring program that promotes sustainable, high-value farming practices. With government assistance and a personal investment of over 100 million VND, he installed a cutting-edge irrigation system that revolutionized his farm.
This modern method of farming allows him to not only irrigate but also distribute nutrients through the system, keeping the soil fertile and the trees healthy. The efficiency and productivity of his operation continue to draw visitors and farmers alike, eager to learn about his techniques.
From Entrepreneur to Farmer
Mr. Trung’s path to farming was unconventional. Prior to his farming success, he was a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple gas stations in his hometown. However, after a series of business challenges and personal setbacks, he made the life-changing decision to start farming in the remote hills of Yên Lâm. He says, “Returning to nature and caring for the land gives me peace. Watching the trees grow day by day reminds me of the value of patience and hard work.”
Despite the risks and uncertainties that came with farming, Mr. Trung remained dedicated, experimenting with different crops and cultivation methods. By growing a mix of fruit trees and adopting intercropping techniques, he maximized his farm’s output while minimizing financial risk. His forward-thinking approach ensured that even if one crop failed, others could compensate.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Farming has not been without its challenges. Weather fluctuations, market volatility, and the high costs of infrastructure are just a few of the hurdles Mr. Trung has faced. But his business acumen from his years as an entrepreneur allowed him to make calculated investments and adjustments when needed.
“Farming is like building a house—each step must be solid and well-planned. You cannot rush the process,” he says. Today, he has expanded his farm’s operations and integrated technology across much of his land. His focus on quality, sustainability, and adaptability has ensured consistent yields and profitability.
Never Too Late to Start
Mr. Trung’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to start something new. His perseverance and willingness to invest in modern technology have turned a once barren landscape into a thriving agricultural enterprise. For farmers and agricultural professionals, his journey highlights the importance of innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning in modern agriculture. Whether starting at 50 or any age, Mr. Trung’s message is clear: with determination, success is always within reach.
