Northern Vietnam farmer makes huge profits from growing giant jicama
As the Tet holiday approaches, Tran Van Liem’s family in Thanh Ha District, Hai Duong Province, is busier than ever. People from all over the northern region come to buy giant jicama, a unique Tet ornamental plant in recent years. Liem, 67, attributes this year’s larger and more beautiful jicamas, with less damage, to the particularly favorable weather and his family’s accumulated experience and meticulous care. Tran Van Liem (R) and his family member harvest giant jicama in their garden in Thanh Ha District, Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: M.Nguyet / Tuoi Tre The family managed to grow 200 giant jicamas, with the heaviest weighing approximately 22 kilograms. Prices range from VND500,000 (US$20) to VND2 million ($81) each, higher than last year’s rates. A giant jicama weighs 12 kilograms in Tran Van Liem’s garden in Thanh Ha District, Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: M.Nguyet / Tuoi Tre Cultivated by Liem’s family for nearly a deca...