The classes at the recently launched Bayer Agricademy, organised from June 7 to 22, aim to help the farmers improve yields, quality and incomes to achieve the ultimate goal of the Government to improve the quality of agricultural products that are exported.

Delegates visit a pomelo garden of a farmer in the southern province of Tien Giang.

Much More Durian and Much More Pomelo via Much More Fruits Clubs were taught to local farmer technical solutions.

The courses on pomelo equipped farmers with advanced knowledge and remedies for root rot disease while those on durian will focus on young fruit drop phenomenon.

These are common diseases in the Mekong Delta and south-eastern regions that currently lack effective solutions. As for coffee farming, the course teaches farmers high-tech solutions for successful coffee replanting.

Vo Van Bay from Long Tien commune, Cai Lay district, Tien Giang province, one of the trainees, said: “In the near future, durian will be exported officially, putting an end to the sluggish trade and the fact that supply exceeds demand.

Talking about the training, Le Quoc Dien, Director of the Southern Horticultural Research Institute’s Technology Transfer Centre, said: “The training programme provides practical information including about crop management and pest management with the aim of helping Vietnamese farmers improve productivity and quality.

Bayer Vietnam said it welcomes feedback from participants while exploring farmers’ needs and cooperating with partners to offer more courses for farmers around the country.

Bayer also offers farmers who are members of the Bayer Much More Fruits Clubs the opportunity to interact with farmers in neighbouring countries through its annual Beautiful Fruit Gardens competition.

Ten winners of last year’s competition will go on a field trip to mango and custard apple farms in Thailand from July 24 to 27.

Vietnam has for many long been a competitive fruit exporter with increasing exports. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said in recent years fruit exports have seen a jump in growth.

In early 2019, Vietnam’s fruit exporters received the good news that China had agreed to allow imports of seven fruits from Vietnam, including durian, pomelo, passion fruit, sweet potato, coconut, custard apple, and mangosteen.

The ministry said 10 billion USD worth of fruit exports could be achieved soon.

But to be more competitive in the export market, Vietnam needs to underline its capability to supply high-quality products since most of its farmers are small holders using traditional methods of cultivation.

Therefore, supplying quality products and establishing a value chain are urgent requirements for the country’s fruit industry to enter all markets, experts said.

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Source: VNS/VNA