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The district’s contributions to the horticultural sector make it a vibrant and integral part of the country’s economy. — VNS
HANOI: Cho Lach District in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Ben Tre has gained a well-deserved reputation in the southern region of Vietnam for its long-standing tradition of growing flowers, ornamental plants and seedlings.
The district has transformed into a crucial hub for the ornamental plant trade, catering not just to local markets but also to domestic and international demand.
With its rich agricultural history and cultural significance, the district’s contributions to the horticultural sector make it a vibrant and integral part of the country’s economy.
Located about 50km from the central area of Ben Tre, it is an abundant land with fertile soil, a favourable tropical climate and access to water from the delta’s rivers.
For centuries, local people have relied on agriculture as their primary livelihood, and over time, the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants has emerged as the district’s main economic activity.
With its favourable climate and nutrient-rich soil, the district has provided ideal conditions for a variety of plant species to thrive.
Pham Anh Linh, chairman of the Cho Lach People’s Committee, said the district is known as the kingdom of seedlings, flowers and ornamental plants in the delta.
It has a big advantage in developing tourism products, especially garden tourism associated with the green and sustainable economy.
It has more than 6,000 households growing flowers and ornamental plants. Of these, there are 2,500 members of the Ornamental Plants Association, with about 700 artisans.
Over the years, Cho Lach has built a robust reputation for producing high-quality ornamental plants, flowers and seedlings that are sought after across the country and beyond.
The district’s ornamental plant industry plays a vital role in meeting the ever-growing demand for flowers and plants in both urban and rural landscapes.
As the urban population expands and cityscapes become more developed, ornamental plants, including decorative trees, flowers and shrubs, have become essential in beautifying public spaces, private homes and businesses.
One of the best-selling products of Cho Lach is its ornamental bonsai trees. These unique and meticulously pruned plants, often displayed in homes and public spaces, have become highly valued both in the country and abroad.
Bonsai trees are symbols of tranquility, patience and aesthetic beauty, making them highly prized among collectors and garden enthusiasts.
Cho Lach is especially known for its skills in shaping these trees and producing varieties that appeal to different tastes and needs, from small potted plants to large-scale garden sculptures.
It also produces a wide variety of other ornamental plants, including flowering trees, tropical shrubs and exotic plants.
The local economy has flourished around these products, with thousands of families depending on the cultivation, maintenance and sale of these plants to sustain their livelihoods.
The area has become a hub for flower markets, where vendors from across the country flock to purchase plants, seedlings and flowers to resell at higher prices in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and even in neighbouring countries.
Flower cultivation is one of the core industries in Cho Lach. The district produces a wide array of flowers, including traditional varieties like chrysanthemums, orchids and marigolds, as well as newer species that have become popular in recent years.
Orchids, in particular, have become a symbol of elegance and sophistication in Vietnamese culture, and the district has become a key supplier of high-quality orchid varieties to both domestic and international markets.
The flowers cultivated in Cho Lach are primarily grown for ornamental and decorative purposes, but many are also used in religious ceremonies, festivals and traditional cultural events.
Flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums are essential for Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations, when people decorate their homes and public spaces with colorful blooms to welcome good fortune in the coming year.
Nguyen Phuoc Tho, 44, a farmer in Cho Lach’s Phu Son Commune, said he has grown 2,000 large pots of yellow chrysanthemums to sell this Tet season.
“I’ve planted flowers for more than 10 years for trading not only for profit, but also to maintain my family’s tradition,” he said. — Viet Nam News/ANN