Authorities discuss measures to develop pepper sector sustainably (Source: VNA)Dak Nong (VNA) – Measures to develop the pepper sector sustainably were discussed at aforum jointly held by the National Agricultural Extension Centre (NAEC) and theDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Nong on June 7.
Speaking at theevent, NAEC Acting Director Tran Van Khoi said that pepper is a key exportstaple of Vietnam. Last year, the country shipped abroad 177,000 tonnes ofpepper, earning 1.42 billion USD. Vietnam’s pepper products have been exportedto 95 nations and territories, accounting for 40 percent of the world’s marketshare.
However, Khoi noted,the sector is facing three major matters that need to be handled: a rapidincrease in pepper growing areas, unsustainable cultivation with weaknesses interms of technology and varieties, and food safety and hygiene.
According to ViceChairman of the provincial Dak Nong People’s Committee Truong Thanh Tung, therapid increase of pepper planting areas is resulting in negative impacts whichfarmers have to suffer, including diseases and a decline in pepper price.
The price of peppercurrently stands at around 75,000 VND per kg, equal to only 40 percent of thefigure in the same period last year.
Therefore, pepper farmers are easilyfacing bankruptcy or debts as they have to invest from 350-500 million VND(15,400-22,025 USD) in one hectare.
Therefore, Tungproposed ministries and centrally-run agencies closely control peppercultivation to produce clean products with stable quality, and enhance connectionbetween major pepper production provinces in terms of planning, production,processing to consumption.
Dr. Nguyen Nhu Hienfrom the Cultivation Department stressed the need for provinces to boost tradepromotion, especially in major and choosy markets such as the US, EU, andJapan.
At the forum, expertsshared results of several studies on preventing several diseases, as well asmeasures to reduce impacts of drought on pepper trees amid climate change.-VNA
VNA
