Grapevines cover 3% of Ninh Thuan’s farm land and provide 13% of the province’s total agricultural production value. The local government has taken steps to encourage farmers to grow grapes along with other plants, establish big vineyards, and apply advanced technologies as part of the province’s new rural development. Nguyen Van Moi of Phuoc Thuan commune, Ninh Phuoc district, has been growing grapes for more than 30 years. Thanks to the local government’s financial and technical support, Nguyen Van Moi now owns big vineyards providing the market with grapes and grape products. In addition to a 1.5 ha vineyard that follows Vietnam’s Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) standard, Moi also has 10 satellite vineyards. The “Ba Moi Grape” trademark has gained a firm foothold in the market. Moi has helped other local households involved in grape growing to apply the latest planting technologies and find stable outlets for their products: "VietGap represents the current trend of the grape industry. Once farmers apply the VietGap model, they will no longer suffer from market fluctuations. Application of the VietGap model protects both consumers and producers."

Farmers harvest grapes in Thanh Hai Commune, Phan Rang Town, Ninh Thuan Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuan Truong

Farmers in Ninh Hai district have applied the VietGAP model in growing grapes since 2014. Under this model, they receive financial and technical support to ensure product quality prior to harvest. With this model, their vineyards’ productivity has increased 25%, earning them a profit 30% higher. This model also helps them cut costs by replacing fertilizers and pesticides with compost, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

To promote the high economic values of grapes, the Ninh Thuan provincial People's Committee approved a plan on safe grape cultivation until 2020. It hopes to have a grape producing area of 2,200ha with an annual yield of 40,000 tonnes by 2015, and 2,500 ha with an annual yield of 60,000 tonnes by 2020.

Chau Thang Long is Deputy Director of the Ninh Thuan provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: "To fulfill this target, the province will continue to expand grape cultivation areas, invest in new grape varieties, and improve all the old grapevine trellises. The province will also boost trade promotion and advertisement of Ninh Thuan grape products."