In Vietnam, the application of smart agricultural practices has been emphasized through the 'Improving Quality of Tropical Fruit Vietnam' project, a collaboration between the Vietnam Farmers' Union and MCNV. This initiative, which began in 2022 and is set to conclude in December 2024, focuses on enhancing the production of dragon fruit, mango, and pomelo in specific regions including Long An, Binh Thuan, Dong Thap, and Ben Tre. The project aims to improve fruit quality and yield, reduce environmental impact, and decrease input costs.
According to agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, the reputation of Vietnamese fruit in European markets has been affected by issues such as the excessive use of crop protection agents and inadequate shelf life. Over-fertilization has led to environmental degradation and financial losses for farmers. The dragon fruit sector has seen significant expansion but faces challenges due to market dependence and competition, particularly from China. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted farming prospects through increased transportation costs and shipping times.
Adoption of the promoted technology by key farmers led to improved fertilization strategies and reduced input use. Some farmers experimented with drip irrigation systems, and Integrated Pest Management principles were implemented with guidance from Bayer Vietnam. This approach emphasized soil health, farm hygiene, and reduced reliance on chemical crop protection agents, resulting in cleaner fruit and awareness of the benefits of soil testing. Despite challenging market and weather conditions for pomelo and dragon fruit, the project highlighted the potential for future benefits and increased knowledge among farmers.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl