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Vinatex invests in growing 40,000 ha of cotton
The Vietnam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is carrying out a programme to develop 40,000 ha of irrigated cotton by 2015, with an estimated investment of more than 3,650 billion VND.
According to Vinatex Deputy General Director Tran Quang Nghi, domestic supply of cotton, the main material of the textile and garment industry, currently meets only 2 percent of the sector’s demand.
To meet 10 percent of the sector’s demand, the country’s cotton output must reach 40,000 tonnes by 2015, he said.
Irrigation will help ensure the quality and yield of cotton, Nghi said, adding that Vietnam should strive to increase the yield of cotton from 0.9 and 2 tonnes per ha in the 2007-08 season to 1.8 and 3 tonnes per ha.
Vinatex has worked out a strategy focusing on developing models of cotton farms using irrigation systems and the application of scientific and technical advances to increase the yield and productivity of cotton farms.
It has also conducted surveys of climate and soil conditions in order to develop cotton production in some provinces, including Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Gia Lai, Dac Nong, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Ba Ria Vung Tau.
Vinatex also suggested the government to consider the cotton development project a national one and issue policies to promote cotton production.
VNA
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