Binh Thuan to step up VietGAP dragon fruit production

Binh Thuan is well-known as Vietnam’s capital of dragon fruit, with a total cultivation area of over 30,300 hectares, concentrating in the districts of Ham Thuan Bac, Ham Thuan Nam and Bac Binh. The annual productivity of this fruit is estimated at 643,000 tons.

With the purpose of improving production ability and the quality of products, the province’s authorities have implemented synchronous measures to boost the production of dragon fruit with VietGAP, Global GAP standards.

The implementation of VietGAP and GlobalGAP dragon fruit production creates favorable environment for the applications of scientific and technological advances to enhance the value of Binh Thuan’s dragon fruit in export markets.VietGAP production also helps improve production environment and prevent the overuse of plant protection drugs.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Tri-acting director of dragon fruit research and development center, to complete the target 10,000 ha of dragon fruit with VietGAP  certificate in 2019, the center has outlined concrete program with procedures, objectives, solutions… to effectively implement the VietGAP dragon fruit development program in the localities. At the same time, the unit has intensified propaganda on safe dragon fruit production process to raise awareness of dragon fruit growers.

As of December 15,2019, the whole province has 10,300 hectares of dragon fruit recognized VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. Binh Thuan now has 7 dragon fruit packing facilities and 30 dragon fruit production cooperatives which are building value chains in accordance with VietGAp and GlobalGAP. Ham Thuan Nam district has the largest VietGAP dragon fruit area in Binh Thuan (more than 6,000 ha).

VietGAP dragon fruit production has gradually changed farmers’ production habits, encouraged them to apply scientific and technological advances to meet global agricultural production trends. In addition, besides many regulations on hygiene, reports on cultivation practices and use of plant protection drugs, and so on, VietGAP production also help dragon fruit growers cut expenses and ensure their safety during production period.