More than ten years ago, when the egg-shaped lychee variety first gained fame in Phan Sao Nam Commune (Phu Cu District, Hung Yen Province), Vu Hong Ngan quickly recognised the potential of this sweet, thin-skinned, bright red fruit.
He decided to purchase the seedlings and conduct a trial cultivation on his family’s farm in Tho Lao Hamlet, Quang Hung Commune. Starting with just around 0.3 hectares, he has since expanded the area to nearly 8 hectares, growing 1,800 egg-shaped lychee trees—making it the largest egg-shaped lychee farm in Hung Yen Province.
According to Ngan, the egg-shaped lychee variety thrives in Phu Cu thanks to its suitable climate and soil conditions.
Thanks to a systematic care regimen, particularly in applying fertilisers correctly, the egg-shaped lychees grown on his farm produce large, uniform fruits with appealing appearance, thick, crispy flesh, and a uniquely sweet and fragrant taste.
The fruit can reach the size of a chicken egg and is highly sought after on the market, sometimes selling for 180,000–200,000 VND (6.9 - 7.7 USD) per kilogram, and even fetching 500,000 VND (19.2 USD) per kilogram, yet still falling short of demand.
“To achieve attractive, high-quality fruit, nutrition is the most important factor. Many people chase high yields but neglect proper care, resulting in small, bland fruits that fetch poor prices. I always use organic fertiliser in combination with foliar fertilisers, adjusting dosages according to the plant’s growth stage,” Ngan explained.
Recognising the increasing market demand, in 2017 Ngan took the initiative to establish the Hung Thinh Agricultural and Aquatic Cooperative, initially comprising 36 members and over 11 hectares of farmland. The cooperative cultivates the egg-shaped lychee specialty following VietGAP and organic standards.
Ngan guided and transferred technical knowledge to the households, supported them with fertilisers and farming supplies. He even provided seedlings free of charge to disadvantaged households, helping them secure a stable livelihood and contribute to building a new-style countryside.
The Hung Yen egg-shaped lychee produced by Vu Hong Ngan’s family was awarded the 3-star OCOP certification in 2023. In 2024, the Ministry of Science and Technology granted him the exclusive brand name “King of egg-shaped lychee”.
This has served as a crucial springboard for Ngan and the cooperative to expand their market, bringing Hung Yen egg-shaped lychees to various provinces and cities and gradually reaching export markets.
Alongside his focus on production, Ngan has invested in attractive packaging and labelling, and has actively participated in agricultural fairs and exhibitions both within and outside the province to promote the product.
Recently, at a livestream event selling agricultural products hosted by the Hung Yen Provincial Cooperative Alliance on May 26, 2025, Ngan signed a contract to sell over 30 tonnes of egg-shaped lychees—20 tonnes supplied by his family farm and 10 tonnes by the cooperative.
Notably, during the livestream, Ngan was willing to sell retail at wholesale prices to increase accessibility, which significantly boosted consumption.
“Growing egg-shaped lychees on a large scale means we must also strengthen our sales channels. That’s why I’ve focused on building a distinct brand and ensuring product quality. When the product is good and the brand is reputable, consumers naturally come. Many customers who’ve tasted the fruit have returned to place orders for hundreds of boxes,” Ngan shared.
Thanks to its specialty nature and high economic value, the egg-shaped lychee cultivation model is now being replicated across Phu Cu District’s communes, including Phan Sao Nam, Doan Dao, Quang Hung, Tien Tien, and Tong Tran. Many households have invested in expanding their egg-shaped lychee plantations, gradually forming specialised cultivation zones for commercial production, creating jobs and raising incomes for local farmers.
Beyond his agricultural success, Vu Hong Ngan is also actively involved in social initiatives. Each year, he contributes funds to build new rural areas, supports local cultural and artistic movements, and donates gifts to policy beneficiary families and underprivileged children. He is currently sponsoring two orphaned children, helping them stay in school.
Thanks to these meaningful contributions, Ngan has received numerous commendations from various authorities and sectors. However, to him, the greatest joy remains seeing the heavy lychee-laden orchards that help enrich his homeland and improve the livelihoods of local people.
“Only when the market is stable, and the product has a strong brand and consistent value, can farmers feel confident in their production. I hope the province and district will continue to provide support for distribution and export expansion of this specialty product,” Ngan expressed.
