Students Gain Practical Experience at Dragon Fruit Farms
As education increasingly emphasizes the connection between theory and practice, field trips to dragon fruit farms are providing students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Beyond expanding their knowledge, these experiences are helping them develop practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of agricultural production.
Broadening career horizons
After a long journey, students from Can Tho University quickly immersed themselves in the lush surroundings of a dragon fruit farm in Dan Tri Hamlet, Ham Thuan Bac Commune. Any fatigue soon faded as they explored rows of dragon fruit plants stretching across the landscape, a hallmark of this sun-drenched region.
For many students, it was their first opportunity to see large-scale dragon fruit production and modern cultivation practices firsthand - from soil preparation and water-saving irrigation to off-season lighting techniques and harvesting.
The visit went beyond observation. Students took part in fruit grading and post-harvest handling activities, learned about digital marketing for agricultural products, and sampled dragon fruit-based foods and beverages.
“Field trips like this help me understand the hard work behind every high-quality dragon fruit and give me a clearer picture of the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption,” said Ngo Anh Thu, a third-year student.
The tour was led by orchard owner Nguyen Hoang Thu Huong, who shared practical knowledge gained from years of experience growing dragon fruit. She said welcoming students not only helps promote local produce but also gives young people a deeper appreciation of farming and the value of agricultural labor.
“Perhaps these students will one day help introduce our products to a wider audience through social media or research projects,” she said
Boosting agricultural tourism
Lam Dong is one of Vietnam’s major dragon fruit-growing regions. As the tourism sector seeks to diversify its offerings, partnerships between schools and local farms are creating new opportunities for experiential learning and agricultural tourism.
According to Pham Phuoc Nhan, Head of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry at Can Tho University, hands-on learning at production sites helps students become more proactive, strengthen observation skills, and apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This approach is especially valuable in fields such as agriculture, tourism, and environmental studies.
Several high schools in southeastern Lam Dong have incorporated field visits to dragon fruit farms and processing facilities into their career guidance programs. Dinh Thi Ha, Vice Principal of Luong The Vinh High School, said these experiences give students a better understanding of different professions, the value of labor, and the role of science, technology, management, and business in modern agriculture.
Such educational visits also highlight the potential for local growers and businesses to expand into agricultural tourism, helping promote the province’s dragon fruit industry while supporting sustainable rural development.