Vietgap longan growing model in Ba Ria Vung Tau
Thy Oanh -
(VOVworld) – Ba Ria-Vung Tau province grows many delicious fruits, including dragon fruit, custard apple, grapefruit, and “xuong com vang” longan. The province’s application of the Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) model has exploited the local fruit growing advantages, to make the provincial economy more sustainable. VOV’s Thy Oanh reports……
Le Van Tuong of Phu Lam hamlet, Xuyen Moc district, is among those who have successfully applied the VietGap model in growing “xuong com vang” longan. His longan orchards produce 7 tons/ha at every harvest, earning him 25,000 USD. Tuong told VOV that his family used to be very poor with only 3 hectares of farm land, where he grew maize and cashew nuts but could not make a decent living. Thanks to technical assistance provided by the provincial Agriculture & Fisheries Promotion Center, Tuong shifted in 2007 to growing “xuong com vang” longan using the VietGAP model. He was surprised at his first harvest in 2011 - 20% more than that with the traditional method: "We are growing bio-products using the VietGAP model, which benefits both growers and the health of consumers. We had no difficulties applying this model thanks to support from the provincial agricultural sector. Passion and determination are needed to follow this model."
The “Xuong com vang” longan is grown on alluvial coastal soil. It is famous for its sweetness and fragrance, and is sought after nationwide despite its high price. The fruit is now available in many big supermarkets and restaurants.
Dao Van Hieu, head of Xuyen Moc district’s Nhan Tam Cooperative, said his cooperative has used the VietGAP model in longan growing since 2008. The cooperative can sell up to 8 tons of longan monthly to major supermarkets including Coop Mart, Metro, and Maximax. Since December, 2012, Ba Ria - Vung Tau “xuong com vang” longan has been listed among Vietnam’s 50 top specialty fruits. Dao Van Hieu told VOV: "A VietGAP certificate has helped our cooperative earn more export contracts for “xuong com vang” longan. This is a significant step for the longan-growing industry. I hope this model will be expanded in the future."
Under the model, the farmers receive technical support and apply advanced farming methods to reduce production costs and minimize harmful effects caused by pesticides. This has helped farmers improve their production and business skills, and boosted local economic growth.
Thy Oanh