Bo Bo Kha and his 10-year-old durian tree. (Photo: Thanh Thang/VOV)

Every day at sunup, Bo Bo Kha goes out to tend his durian orchard. The orchard, spanning two hectares, has 400 durian trees between four and ten years old.

Kha’s family used to be poor. They worked as hired laborers and struggled to make ends meet. While working for durian farmers, Kha noted their cultivation techniques and courageously took out a loan to plant 40 durian trees of his own.

He encountered many problems at the beginning due to his lack of technical knowledge, but his willingness to learn and try new techniques enabled his durian trees to thrive. This year Kha earned 40,000 USD from growing durians while also creating a number of jobs. He managed to pay off his debt and expand his orchard.

Kha has also worked with his neighbors on brand protection for their products. He said durian trees grown on high hilly areas are less prone to diseases and yield more fruit, but are also more susceptible to damage from strong winds. After his success growing durians, Kha has been willing to share his cultivation techniques with others.

"I give others advice on how to fertilize their trees and treat pests or disease. I also share other cultivation and care techniques. My neighbors are eager to learn,” said Kha.

A neighbor named Mau Nguyen said that, thanks to Kha’s advice, his durian orchard has begun to bear fruit and generate income. "I learned from Kha the techniques of fertilizing and pruning. A few years ago my trees were weak, but now they’re thriving."

Durian orchards in Khanh Son mountainous district, Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: Thanh Thang/VOV)

Khanh Son district is famous for durians, mangosteens, rambutans, grapefruits, and bananas. The district has 2,600 hectares of durian trees, with an estimated yield of 17,000 tons this year. Durian has become a key crop that is helping local people escape poverty. To increase the value of durian orchards, ethnic minority leaders like Bo Bo Kha are important.

“Bo Bo Kha has effectively applied advanced techniques to cultivating industrial crops. He has boosted his own family’s income and is eager to help others,” said Cao Minh Vy, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Khanh Son district.

Bo Bo Kha has been recognized as a prestigious figure in Khanh Hoa province for the 2023-2027 period, and has received numerous certificates, including Certificates of Merit from the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Khanh Hoa province’s People’s Committee, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for his remarkable contributions to the production, economic development, and cultural lifestyle of his community.