Strengthening the application of science and technology in the organization of fruit tree production in the northern mountainous region

Attending the forum were representatives of the National Agricultural Extension Center, leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of the provinces: Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Son La and representatives of 200 typical fruit tree gardens and farms.

By 2023, the total area of ​​fruit trees in the midland and northern mountainous region will reach nearly 272,000 hectares, accounting for 21% of the country's area. In 20 years (2004-2024), the area of ​​10 main fruit trees in the region, namely lychee, longan, orange, grapefruit, banana, mango, custard apple, plum, crispy persimmon, and passion fruit, will increase by more than 2.5 times. Of which, some trees have increased sharply such as grapefruit increased by 135%, custard apple increased by 100%; orange increased by 77%; lychee increased by 47.5%; longan increased by 50%; banana increased by 50%...

A number of major fruit growing areas have been formed, concentrated in the provinces of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, Lao Cai, Bac Kan , Lang Son... on a large scale to serve processing, domestic consumption and export.

Delegates attending the Agricultural Extension Forum held in Tuyen Quang .

The forum will be an important bridge between managers, scientists, businesses and farmers to work together to develop the fruit industry in a modern, effective and sustainable direction.

Promoting the application of science and technology and organizing production in the direction of biosafety to reduce input costs, ensure the environment, create safe products, and improve economic efficiency will be the key for the northern mountainous region to promote its unique agricultural advantages, increase income and life for people, and contribute to developing the rural economy associated with protecting the ecological environment.

Leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tuyen Quang province spoke at the discussion.

Comrade Nguyen Dai Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tuyen Quang province, said that the whole province currently has more than 17,550 hectares of fruit trees, with an output of more than 200,000 tons/year. Of which, oranges and grapefruits are the main crops and fruit trees with advantages such as bananas, longans, custard apples, persimmons, etc.

However, the reality shows that fruit tree production in the area still faces many difficulties. The level of intensive cultivation of the people is not uniform, many areas are still cultivated according to traditional practices, not focusing on in-depth investment, leading to unstable productivity. The production area according to safety standards and regulations is still limited; the production model following VietGAP and organic standards is still modest compared to the potential.

In order to improve production efficiency and sustainable development of fruit trees, Tuyen Quang is focusing on synchronously implementing solutions to apply science and technology. Prioritizing the renovation of old orchards with new high-quality varieties, applying advanced farming processes, and expanding production areas according to VietGAP and organic standards.

At the same time, increase support for people to register growing area codes, build brands, trace product origins; encourage investment in product preservation, processing and packaging.

Along with that, focus on promoting the connection between cooperatives and enterprises, expanding domestic consumption and export markets, especially potential markets such as the European Union, UK, USA... Thereby, gradually increasing the value of agricultural products and income for fruit growers in the area.

Delegates visited the Soi Ha grapefruit growing model for export to the UK market in Xuan Van commune, Yen Son district, Tuyen Quang province.

Comrade Cam Thi Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Son La province, said that in the period of 2016-2025, implementing the province's policies and mechanisms on developing fruit trees on sloping land, the total area of ​​fruit trees and plants in Son La in 2025 is estimated to reach 85,050 hectares, the fruit output in 2025 is estimated to reach 510,000 tons; compared to 2016, the area increased by 219%, the output increased by 332%. The whole province has more than 4,700 hectares of fruit trees meeting VietGAP standards and 5 production areas are recognized as high-tech agricultural areas.

Currently, there are more than 300 enterprises and cooperatives operating in the field of fruit production, preliminary processing and processing; more than 500 preliminary processing facilities and nearly 10 large-scale processing factories have been operating effectively.

Cooperatives in the area have gradually transferred and widely applied advanced farming processes such as water-saving drip irrigation systems, balanced fertilization according to VietGAP processes, and special attention to integrated pest management.

Cooperative members are trained in pruning techniques, canopy shaping, pest control using biological measures, minimizing the use of chemical pesticides, to ensure safety for products and consumers.

Representatives of fruit tree growers asked questions at the forum.

At the forum, delegates, cooperatives, businesses and gardeners focused on discussing and proposing many groups of solutions to promote the development of fruit trees in the northern mountainous region. The focus was on promoting the application of science and technology, synchronously applying VietGAP, organic processes, water-saving irrigation technology, integrated nutrient and pest management, and digitizing production processes.

Complete infrastructure and concentrated raw material areas, invest in transportation systems, irrigation, cold storage, preliminary processing, and packaging that meet standards. Strengthen the role of cooperatives in building chains linked to consumption and processing enterprises, and improve production organization capacity. Strengthen community training and agricultural extension; support policies for fruit growers to access modern science and farming techniques. Adjust investment incentive mechanisms for agriculture in disadvantaged areas, especially high-tech investment and digital transformation.

Households and garden representatives visit the booth displaying microbial fertilizers.

Mr. Phan Huy Thong, Vice President of the Vietnam Gardening Association, said that in order to realize the goal of sustainable fruit tree development in the northern mountainous region, all levels and sectors need to review and adjust the planning of fruit tree growing areas to suit ecological conditions, and invest in completing infrastructure for transportation, irrigation, preservation and processing.

Along with that, building a policy mechanism to support enterprises and cooperatives in applying science and technology, developing production and consumption chains, improving digital transformation capacity in regional governance and agricultural product quality management. The work of granting growing area codes, quality certification and traceability needs to be accelerated and regularly monitored to meet export requirements.

Research agencies, agricultural extension agencies and professional associations need to strengthen coordination in transferring technical advances, training farmers, and guiding production processes according to VietGAP, organic and ecological agricultural standards. Propaganda and consultation on effective cooperation models and value chain linkages also need to be promoted.

For enterprises and cooperatives, it is necessary to proactively participate in investing in raw material areas, preserving, processing, and consuming products, while connecting domestic and foreign markets. In particular, enterprises need to accompany people in building brands, improving product quality, and expanding export market share.

People and farm owners need to raise awareness, actively learn advanced farming techniques, convert to high-quality crop varieties, comply with safe production processes and proactively participate in cooperation and production linkage models to improve economic efficiency and stable income.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tang-cuong-ung-dung-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-vao-to-chuc-san-xuat-cay-an-qua-o-mien-nui-phia-bac-post881542.html