In the middle of the vast ocean, with only sunshine and wind, the vegetable gardens of the Truong Sa archipelago remain green all year round, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the officers, soldiers, and residents of these remote islands.
In the middle of the vast ocean, with only sunshine and wind, the vegetable gardens of the Truong Sa archipelago remain green all year round, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the officers, soldiers, and residents of these remote islands.Ms. Nguyen Thi My Ha, living on Da Tay A island, shared that the availability of fresh vegetables has significantly improved their daily meals. "Whatever is available on the mainland, the island has it," she said.Truong Sa archipelago boasts numerous vegetable gardens and fruit trees. The greenery comes not only from phong ba and banyan trees but also from lush vegetable gardens. Fresh water is scarce, so islanders build shading trellises to reduce evaporation. They cherish every bag of soil and seeds brought from the mainland, nurturing them into vibrant vegetable beds.Soldier Nguyen Van Duc from Len Dao island explained that, besides studying and training for combat readiness, every soldier on the island actively participates in vegetable cultivation. "The climate here is very harsh, not all types of green vegetables can be grown," he said. In summer, only short-term vegetables are grown, and long-term crops are cultivated starting in June.In recent years, the application of science and technology, such as growing vegetables in greenhouses, has been implemented. Mainland support has been crucial in transporting soil, providing seeds, and transferring climate-appropriate planting technology. This support has enabled soldiers to plant and care for many types of green vegetables more effectively.The vegetable garden in the greenhouse on Sinh Ton Dong Island is a testament to this success. "In the past, our daily meals often consisted of only canned food, and even vegetables were dried products. Now, 100% of the islands in the Truong Sa archipelago have green vegetables in their meals," said soldiers tending the garden.In addition to vegetables, soldiers on Sinh Ton Dong Island also raise pigs to improve their meals. Growing green vegetables on the island is challenging due to the salty seawater, but it is even more difficult on the DKI platforms, where the rotation and seasonal planting must be meticulously planned.Major Mai Truong Vinh at DKI-14 platform introduced the vegetables and tubers grown by soldiers on the platform. Creative methods to limit harmful insects ensure a steady production of vegetables. Seasonal spices are also grown to enhance meals, and bean sprouts are cultivated to replace vegetables during bad weather.From the top floor of the platform, the vast sea and sky create a beautiful picture, with plastic and foam boxes for growing vegetables and flowers lining the corridor. Soldiers use small corners to grow green vegetables, improving their daily meals.Major Dang Xuan Hoa explained that early every morning, soldiers are assigned to water the plants to reduce surface salinity and create humidity. In the afternoon, they pick old leaves and spread them under the plants to increase coverage and reduce soil erosion.The DKI-14 platform also raises chickens and ducks to improve the officers' and soldiers' meals. Despite limited space, nearly ten pigs can be raised at peak times. "We often jokingly call this production area 'vegetable field' so that the soldiers feel closer to home," said Major Hoa.The variety of vegetables grown includes sweet cabbage, green cabbage, jute, amaranth, and water spinach, ensuring a steady supply of green vegetables for daily meals.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
