Public-private partnership in agricultural extension associated with agricultural tourism

Combining agricultural extension activities with ecotourism development opens up a new and promising direction for localities with special advantages in grapes, apples...

Great potential

The south of Khanh Hoa province (formerly Ninh Thuan ) and the northeast of Lam Dong province (formerly Binh Thuan) are localities with special advantages in grape and apple cultivation. The combination of agricultural extension activities - transfer of technical advances associated with the development of eco-tourism and experiential tourism is opening up a new and promising direction. This is not only a solution to promote agricultural development but also contributes to building the image of a dynamic, creative and friendly locality for tourists.

Nha Ho Institute visited the grape growing model according to VietGAP standards associated with eco- tourism in the northeastern region of Lam Dong province. Photo: PC.

According to Dr. Pham Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute (Nha Ho Institute), for many years, grapes and apples have been considered two key crops, bringing high income to farmers, contributing significantly to the crop structure of localities in the South Central region.

Currently, the grape production area in the South Central region is about 1,200 - 1,300 hectares, with an average output of 25,000 - 30,000 tons/year. In addition, the apple production area is about 1,000 hectares, mainly concentrated in the communes of the delta and coastal areas.

In recent years, agricultural tourism has become a popular trend among domestic and foreign tourists. Agricultural production models associated with tourism development have been of interest to localities, many typical local agricultural models have been visited and experienced by tourists whenever they come to the southern region of Khanh Hoa and the northeast of Lam Dong province (formerly Binh Thuan).

Popular destinations for tourists include: Ba Moi Vineyard, Thai An Vineyard, An Hoa Sheep Farm, My Nghiep Lotus Pond, etc. Products from grapes and apples such as grape wine, grape jam, grape syrup, apple honey, dried apples, etc. are increasingly abundant and highly appreciated by many domestic and foreign tourists.

Agricultural tourism is gradually becoming a trend today. Photo: PC .

Although the potential for specific agriculture associated with the exploitation and development of agricultural tourism is still very large, many shortcomings are still revealed, from production organization, promotion, reception services to infrastructure...

“Agricultural tourism is still spontaneous and lacks coordination between parties. Investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and brand promotion is still limited. Therefore, the public-private partnership model in agricultural extension associated with tourism is a necessary solution for sustainable development,” Dr. Pham Trung Hieu affirmed.

Multi-benefit model

Faced with the above reality, Nha Ho Institute has built a model of linking grape and apple production in the direction of VietGAP associated with ecotourism. The Institute has coordinated with local authorities to select growing areas and households that are qualified to build the model in the southern region of Khanh Hoa and the northeastern region of Lam Dong province with a scale of 8 hectares of grapes and 8 hectares of apples, including 80 participating households.

Nha Ho Institute has built a model of linking grape and apple production according to VietGAP standards with eco-tourism. Photo: PC.

Nha Ho Institute has developed a plan and coordinated with local authorities to provide materials to implement the model, including: quality apple varieties, trellis materials, quality fertilizers and pesticides.

The Institute also opens training courses for farmers on technical processes for cultivating and fertilizing grapes and apples according to VietGAP standards; techniques for preventing and controlling pests and diseases of grapes and apples using comprehensive measures; issues of ecotourism; and guidance on farming practices according to VietGAP standards...

Enterprises, cooperatives, and farming households producing and trading grapes and apples in the project implementation area such as Thai An Agricultural Service Cooperative, Phuoc The Agricultural Cooperative, Thai Thuan Agricultural Products Production and Purchasing Company Limited are units participating in linking the value chain from production, purchasing, processing to consuming the project's products, playing a role in developing agricultural tourism products, investing in facilities and services for tourists, contributing to the budget, creating jobs, and increasing income for people.

According to Dr. Pham Trung Hieu, public-private partnerships help mobilize capital from models and resources of enterprises and cooperatives, reducing the burden on the budget while still ensuring investment efficiency. The model helps increase the value of grape and apple products and income for people. Private enterprises play a role in stably consuming products, while the State supports trade promotion, market connection and building brands for agricultural and tourism areas.

Currently, the commercial grape production area in the South Central region is about 1,200 - 1,300 hectares, with an average output of 25,000 - 30,000 tons/year. Photo: PC.

In addition, through training, coaching and technology transfer programs jointly implemented by the State and enterprises, farmers have access to advanced production methods, improve their skills and awareness of production according to VietGAP standards.

The public-private partnership model in grape and apple production associated with agricultural tourism creates more jobs in production, services, tour guiding, accommodation, and cuisine, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction in rural areas. The cooperation between the government, businesses, and people helps to form new cooperatives, increasing cohesion in local economic development.

“In the model, the State (public side) orients production according to VietGAP standards, businesses support technology and invest in water-saving irrigation systems, waste treatment, helping to develop sustainable agriculture. Public-private cooperation helps plan and promote tours to experience vineyards and apple gardens produced according to VietGAP standards, combining local culture and cuisine. The State supports communication, businesses exploit tourism services, thereby spreading the brand of grape and apple regions produced according to VietGAP standards,” Dr. Pham Trung Hieu assessed.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/hop-tac-cong--tu-trong-khuyen-nong-gan-voi-du-lich-nong-nghiep-d784124.html