The project to promote sustainable production and trade of Vietnamese pepper has helped improve the lives of nearly 8,000 farmers in the Central Highlands.
On November 20 in Dak Lak, the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) coordinated with the European Union delegation in Vietnam, the Plant Protection Department, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association and other organizations. The partner unit organized a summary of the project “Promoting sustainable production and trade of Vietnamese pepper”.
The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and IDH, and will be implemented in the period 2021 – 2023 in 3 provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Gia Lai.
The project is within the framework of the EU’s ASEAN Integration Support Program (ARISE Plus) funded by the EU to support the Vietnamese Government in achieving benefits from bilateral trade commitments. In particular, the project focuses on implementing the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement; Promote the export of high quality products and services from Vietnam to the EU.
After 3 years of implementation, the project has helped increase the volume of pepper by 60% to comply with requirements on pesticide residues of the high-end market, the value of certified pepper exports in 2023 is estimated to reach 600 million. USD; 50% of pesticide dealers sign a commitment to comply with regulations on pesticide management; Reduce the use of banned pesticides by 98%, especially herbicides, fungicides and insects in the context of market warnings of high residue levels; improving the lives of nearly 8,000 pepper growing households on an area of 8,500 hectares in the Central Highlands.
The project also mobilizes the participation of 12 leading pepper producing and exporting enterprises and cooperatives in Vietnam; 7 final buyers have committed to accompany and agree to contribute to the common goal of the pepper industry, enhancing sustainable pepper production and trade; 14 agricultural service teams (Agriteams) were established to provide agricultural services, consulting and monitoring the responsible use of chemicals by farmers; 160 training courses for farmers have been organized.
When participating in the project, farmers are disseminated knowledge and guided in applying good agricultural practices (GAP), integrated pest management (IPM), plant health management (IPHM), and carpet management. government… contributes to reducing input materials, thereby reducing carbon emissions by 10% and irrigation water by 17%.
Ms. Phan Thi Van, Director of IDH Vietnam, said that in recent years, due to rapid development, pepper growing in the Central Highlands has many potential risks. Vietnam’s pepper industry faces the loss of international competitiveness in terms of quality and price. This has affected the livelihoods of pepper growing households.
Nearly 8,000 farmers in the Central Highlands benefit from the project. Photo: IDH.
According to Ms. Van, the project “Promoting sustainable production and trade of Vietnamese pepper” has created truly sustainable change in large-scale pepper production and export.
“IDH is committed to continuing to support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s pepper industry. In the coming time, IDH will increase mobilization of investment participation from the public and private sectors to replicate the project’s results.
In particular, IDH will continue to accompany the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association and Vietnamese spice businesses to build and implement programs focusing on residue management issues. amount of pesticides, improving people’s livelihoods. At the same time, support Vietnam’s spice industry to meet new market requirements on social and environmental issues,” Ms. Van said.
According to Nongnghiep.vn
