Change farming processes, reduce pesticides
The project “Promoting sustainable production and trade of Vietnamese pepper”, funded by the European Union (EU) and IDH, is implemented in the period 2021-2023 in 3 provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Gia Lai. Lai.
After 3 years of implementation, the project has helped nearly 8,000 farming households improve their knowledge and practice green agricultural production according to standards on an area of 8,500 hectares and achieved a number of results such as: 60% increase in production volume. The amount of pepper complies with the pesticide residue requirements of the high-end market; 50% of pesticide dealers sign a commitment to comply with regulations on drug management.
In addition, the project also contributes to reducing the use of banned pesticides by 98%. Mobilizing 12 leading pepper producing and exporting enterprises and cooperatives in Vietnam to participate in the project; 14 agricultural service teams were established to provide agricultural services, consulting and monitoring the responsible use of chemicals…
As a beneficiary of the project, Ms. Trieu Thi Chau, Director of Binh Minh Agricultural and Service Cooperative (Cu M’gar district, Dak Lak) said that her family started growing pepper more than 15 years ago.
At this time, to achieve output, the family used a lot of fertilizer and pesticides. This has pushed up the family’s investment costs. In particular, after a period of overuse of fertilizers and chemical pesticides, pepper gardens become infected and the land degrades.
“Due to overuse of fertilizers and chemical pesticides, more than half of the peppers get sick and die. Combined with low prices, many times families stop taking care of them. After participating in the project, families are trained and guided in the care and use of fertilizers and pesticides. Switching to sustainable farming processes has helped reduce the large amount of fertilizers, thereby reducing costs. In addition, it also helped the pepper garden recover and pepper output increased significantly,” Ms. Van shared.
Similarly, Ms. Tran Thi Thu, Director of Hoang Nguyen Cooperative (Dak Nong) said that the cooperative’s goal is to produce pepper in a sustainable, organic way, ensuring safety for producers and consumers. create safe products for consumers. From there, gradually create products that meet international standards to connect domestic output and export.
To achieve this goal, the cooperative established a technical guidance department and an Environmental Control Board to guide member households on correct production processes. Along with that, to change traditional farming methods, cooperative leaders regularly mobilize and propagate people to change production methods and use environmentally friendly fertilizer and pesticide products.
People participating in the sustainable drainage program have reduced the amount of fertilizer and pesticides by more than 60%. Photo: IDH.
In particular, Ms. Thu added that participating in the sustainable pepper development program has helped change people’s farming thinking.
“At first, the members were not interested in clean agricultural production, still following the strong viewpoint of everyone doing their own thing. It took a long period of advocacy and propaganda and the board members had to take the lead and see good results for the cooperative members to follow,” Ms. Thu said.
According to Ms. Thu, currently, members who grow pepper must use living poles and fertilize with 100% composted manure and mushrooms. trichoderma. Every year, lime powder must be spread twice on the garden surface to prevent fungal invasion and limit pathogens.
The effect of changing the care and fertilization process for plants is that the pepper growing soil is improved, more porous, and increases water retention and drainage capacity. Organic farming also helps increase beneficial microorganisms in the soil, improve plant root vitality, and limit harmful pathogens in the soil.
Help the pepper industry develop sustainably
According to statistics, the Central Highlands accounts for about 60% of the country’s pepper growing area with more than 70,000 hectares. In recent years, growing pepper in the Central Highlands has many potential risks. Vietnam’s pepper industry faces a loss of international competitiveness in terms of quality and price, affecting the livelihoods of pepper farmers.
The main cause is the improper use of agricultural chemicals, unsustainable farming processes, and lack of updated information on new trends and requirements from the market.
60% of pepper volume complies with pesticide residue requirements of the high-end market. Photo: IDH.
Ms. Phan Thi Van, Director of IDH Vietnam Program, said that the project “Promoting sustainable production and trade of Vietnamese pepper” has created a truly sustainable change in pepper production and export. on a large scale.
“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, VPSA and Vietnamese spice businesses to build and implement programs focusing on the issues of pesticide residue management, improving the livelihoods of farmers. people. At the same time, support Vietnam’s spice industry to meet new market requirements on social and environmental issues,” Ms. Van said.
Mr. Nguyen Thien Van, Vice Chairman of Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee, highly appreciated the project for creating conditions for farmers in 6 districts of 3 Central Highlands provinces to produce pepper sustainably. Green and sustainable agricultural production is an inevitable trend of the current market, requiring all levels, sectors and people to change and develop synchronously.
The project has helped the Central Highlands pepper industry as well as the whole country develop sustainably. Photo: IDH.
According to Mr. Van, Dak Lak hopes that in the coming time, the European Union delegation in Vietnam, the IDH Organization and other agencies and units will continue to expand the area of certified pepper according to market requirements. ; create conditions for other local agricultural industries to access projects, thereby increasing profits and sustainable economic development.
“Dak Lak Province always supports and accompanies activities to promote sustainable agricultural development, contributing to improving people’s lives and enhancing the value of local agricultural products,” Mr. Van emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Quy Duong, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department commented: “In addition to the direct impacts of the project, another extremely important impact is the environmental issue.
In the past, farmers used chemicals and pesticides subjectively and emotionally, which affected the living environment. In addition to factors of production, income, etc., the health of farmers and people living in production areas are huge issues that need attention.
The project has changed people’s awareness about using pesticides properly and that has ensured people’s health.”
According to Nongnghiep.vn
