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Boosting pepper cultivation
Government to invest $1.9 billion in expanding black pepper industry
Viet Nam aims to increase pepper cultivation acreage to 52,000ha by 2010, Bui Ba Bong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), announced at a review meeting of the cash crop’s current status in southern Binh Phuoc province on June 30.
Bong told participants that the Government has decided to invest VND34.3 trillion (US$1.9 billion) in further development of pepper cultivation.
Under the plan, Viet Nam will export 140,000 tonnes of peppers by 2010 with the intent of becoming a major exporter.
The 2009-10 pepper crop covers about 48,413 ha, reported Nguyen Van Hoa, Deputy-Director of the Department of Crop Production, from MARD. This figure represents an increase of nearly 412ha over the previous crop.
"Viet Nam currently has 13 pepper processing plants with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum," said Hoa.
Products from these plants have met American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) safety standards set by the USA.
Viet Nam grows two varieties of peppers - black peppers and white peppers. First quarter statistics released by the General Department of Customs for 2009 show that Viet Nam exported 27,075 tonnes of peppers, 3,926 tonnes of white and 23,149 tonnes of black, earning about $258 million.
The United States, Germany and the Arab United Emirates are Viet Nam’s major pepper importers, but the staple can also be found in more than 80 other countries and territories worldwide.
Although the world economy has been seriously affected by the global financial crisis, Viet Nam’s pepper productivity for this year is forecasted at more than 100,000 tonnes.
It is important for growers to use advanced technology during production, including use of good varieties, good irrigation and good plant nutrition for the sustainable development of the cash crop, according to the Viet Nam Pepper Association.
Hoa called on the farmers to grow their peppers in suitable soil and follow specific technical procedures, particularly the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) safety standards.
Farmers at the meeting asked the government to provide them with low interest credit so that they could invest more in their pepper production, including the purchase of new seeds and advanced technology.
They also asked the Government to help them with outlets for their products so they can sell at better prices.
VietNamNet, VietNamNews
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