The province hasvast agricultural land and advantageous natural and socio-economicconditions which favour the application of hi-tech agriculturalproduction. Dak Nong enjoys a favourable geographical location,allowing easy accessibility to vast consumer markets in Ho Chi MinhCity and southeastern localities
Between 2005 and 2010, theprovince’s agricultural production value grew by an average 7.5 percentper year. By 2012 the sector’s total productivity surpassed 5 trillionVND (238 million USD), more than half the province’s GDP.
Severalmajor crops have seen exceptional growth in terms of production outputin the recent time. Coffee rose from an average 1.5 tonnes per hectareto 2.3 tonnes per hectare in 2013. Corn increased from five tonnes/ha toseven tonnes/ha, and rice from 4-5 tonnes/ha to 5.8-6 tonnes/ha.
Productionvalue per hectare of cultivated land nearly quadrupled from 15.9million VND (757 USD) per year to 60 million VND (2,857 USD) per year in2013.
Dak Nong province is looking to develop its agriculturesector into a hi-tech based production, as well as to ensure foodsecurity and environmental sanitation standards while keeping abreast ofadapting to climate change conditions.
Dak Nong’s agriculturalsector has taken the initiative in selecting suitable crops andlivestock for development in specialised areas to meet growing marketdemands.
Notably, diverse cultivation models in different areasin the province have proven very effective, such as passion fruits inDak R’Lap, Tuy Duc, Dak Song, and Dak Glong districts, seedless lemon inDak R’Lap and Tuy Duc districts, and Japanese sweet potato in Tuy Ducand Dak Song districts.
The agricultural sector also successfullycame up with the model of growing cocoa in cashew gardens in Dak R’Lapdistrict, planting palm oil trees in Dak Glong district, and farminggreen asparagus in Tuy Duc district and citrus fruits in Gia Nghia town,Dak Mil and Dak Glong.
Efforts were also made to ensuresustainable development of cocoa, pepper and coffee production followingthe 4C UTZ certified process.
At present, Dak Nong is planning a120ha hi-tech agricultural zone to develop new models, implementscientific research projects and attract scientists and businesses toinvest and transfer the latest science and technology achievements tosupport the province’s development ambitions.
Hi-techagricultural areas have been established in diverse locations throughoutthe province and due attention has been paid to spur agriculturalproduction following Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards and theapplication of models for pest prevention to ensure high crop output butalso environmental protection.
To develop agriculturalproduction, apart from state backing and farmers’ efforts, support frombusinesses is of great importance. Therefore in the coming years DakNong will further call on businesses to engage in building seed andanimal breeding centres, seafood breeding centres, and dairy farms andprocessing units.
The province has also called on investment intoslaughter houses that use cutting edge equipment and agriculturalprocessing units through offering attractive land and tax incentivepolicies.-VNA