Lifestyle

This Vietnamese Man is Pursuing Organic Farming in the Central Highlands

For the past 11 years, Vo Lam Vu, aged 30, has been cultivating organic produce in Mang Den, a mountain town situated in Kon Tum Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Administrator

1 July, 2023

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After graduating high school in 2012, Vu applied for a project called “Vegetables and Flowers,” which granted him a 1,000-square-meter plot of land in Mang Den. Since then, he has worked hard to turn this plot into a thriving organic farming operation.

From a family trip to the family farm.

We enjoyed exploring the beautiful scenery and taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The air was so fresh and the environment was peaceful. The locals were friendly and welcoming, making our experience even more enjoyable. We also visited some of the nearby waterfalls and were in awe of their natural beauty. Overall, our trip to Mang Den was a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

Later when I heard about the Vegetables and Flowers project, I knew it would be a great choice for my family. We quickly applied and were eventually chosen,” Vu shared.

Although Vu was a student at Can Tho University, he quickly withdrew from his classes and relocated to Mang Den with his family.

Unfortunately, when faced with their 1,000-square-meter plot, Vu’s family made the decision to abandon the project, leaving Vu to embark on his organic farming journey alone.

With no prior farming experience, Vu had to start from scratch and learn how to work the land. However, with the help of local agricultural groups and associations, he was able to successfully plant his crop of carrots, tomatoes, and cabbage.

Tomatoes are tested at Mang Den Xanh Farm. Photo: L.V. / Tuoi Tre

“The more work I do, the more I enjoy it. I always feel eager to learn and grow. When I come across a great organic farming model, I make it a point to connect with the farmers and expand my expertise. Visiting organic farms has become a regular part of my routine as I strive to enhance my knowledge,” Vu enthusiastically shared.

Still, no matter how much he learns, Vu sticks to the mantra: “whatever plants you grow must be truly clean and fine like the land.”

Having started with a small 1,000-square-meter plot, Vu’s farm has experienced significant growth and now covers over four hectares. This expansion has allowed him to cater to customers from various regions.

Vu (R) has spent 11 years growing organic produce in Mang Den, Kon Tum Province, Central Highlands. Photo: L.V. / Tuoi Tre

Growing a business is a key objective for any entrepreneur. It involves increasing revenue, expanding customer base, and scaling operations. There are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this goal.

Firstly, creating a strong brand identity is crucial. This means clearly defining the value proposition, target market, and unique selling points. A strong brand will help differentiate the business from competitors and attract new customers.

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Additionally, providing excellent customer service is vital for business growth. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat customers and refer others to the business. Therefore, investing in customer service training, implementing feedback systems, and resolving issues promptly can contribute to business growth.

Furthermore, expanding the product or service offerings can attract new customers and increase revenue. This can be done by conducting market research to identify new opportunities or by enhancing existing offerings based on customer feedback and trends.

Lastly, continuously evaluating and adjusting business strategies is essential for growth. This includes monitoring key performance indicators, analyzing market trends, and adapting to changes in the industry. Being agile and responsive to market demands will help the business stay ahead of the competition and seize growth opportunities.

Overall, growing a business requires a combination of strategic planning, effective marketing, strong customer service, and adaptability. By implementing these strategies, entrepreneurs can position their business for long-term success and sustainable growth.

Vu’s reputation as a skilled organic farmer made him highly regarded and well-known throughout the Mang Den area.

“In the 2015-16 period, my farm saw a significant influx of visitors. The sheer number of people became overwhelming, prompting me to make the decision to take a well-deserved break,” Vu shared.

Vu eventually returned to farming, this time with a strong emphasis on cultivating high-quality produce. His commitment to mastering the fundamentals has enabled him to provide food factories and grocery chains nationwide with an impressive monthly yield of 10 to 12 tons of diverse vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, gourds, herbs, and nearly 50 other varieties.

“I believe in the importance of diversity in farming practices. That’s why I don’t practice monoculture. Instead, I rotate the crops to align with the seasons. While this may result in lower crop yields, it allows me to cultivate a wide range of products that can be harvested on a daily basis. This ensures a steady supply for our partners,” Vu explained confidently.

Vu has expanded into the restaurant industry as well, debuting his very own Sam Mang Den Restaurant in March 2023. With a capacity of 100-150 seats, this establishment promises to be a delightful dining experience.

“The project is a unique local restaurant that specializes in serving dishes made with ginseng, organic vegetables, and farm-fresh herbs,” Vu explained. He emphasized that guests must make reservations ahead of time to secure a table.

The Vietnam-born former Vice Chancellor of Germany is set to join a local startup talkshow.

The “Startup Inspiration” talk show, scheduled for April 26th at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, promises to be a gathering of over 1,000 young individuals and experts. This event aims to explore and discuss the idea of finding opportunities within a crisis.

Philipp Rosler, the honorary consul of Vietnam in Switzerland and former Vice Chancellor of Germany, who was born in Vietnam, is set to speak at the event.

The event will also include a special ceremony to recognize and offer support to local startups, made possible through partnerships with leading businesses such as VinaCapital, FE Credit, ACB Bank, No. 1, Thai Binh Group, Volvo, IDICo, Tin Nghia Corp., Saigontourist Group, and Thu Duc Golf Course.

The appraisal council will also be conducting a vote to select one standout startup, which will receive VND100 million (US$4,300) in funding from GIBC.

Within the framework of the event, the Tuoi Tre Golf Tournament for Startups will be held at Thu Duc Golf Course in Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City in Ho Chi Minh City on April 21. The tournament aims to bring together young entrepreneurs and startups in a friendly and competitive golfing environment. Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and showcase their golfing skills. The event is expected to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the startup community.