Hai Duong province is focusing on improving quality and enhancing production-consumption linkages. In addition, the province is supporting farmers to increase the value of Vietnamese high-quality carrot.
For many years, carrots have been a major crop in the province, generating high economic value. To expand export markets, the province has implemented support policies to enhance product quality and establish sustainable value chains.
Ms. Ngat, a farmer in Thai Tan commune, is more excited than usual. Her nearly two acres of carrots are part of a Vietgap-certification cultivation zone. “We received technical training from the Agricultural Services Cooperative on Vietgap standards. Therefore, we do not have to worry about selling issues. A company has signed a contract to purchase our Vietgap carrots,” said Ms. Ngat.
Thai Tan commune currently has 195 hectares of carrot cultivation, accounting for over 95% of the local vegetable growing area. Of this, there are more than 60 hectares follows Vietgap standards. Households participating in the Vietgap model are strictly managed and monitored, with daily care and cultivation logs maintained.
Vietnamese high-quality carrot
The commune has recognized that controlling pesticide residue is a key factor in evaluating Vietnam’s carrot quality. Since the beginning of the season, the commune has coordinated with agricultural cooperatives to train most pesticide retailers in key carrot-growing regions across the province. This aims to control the source and volume of pesticides used in Vietnamese high-quality carrot areas.
As carrots are a major crop with strong export potential, improving product quality remains a provincial priority. This year the province is supporting the development of eight Vietgap-standard carrot growing zones, covering 281 hectares. This marks the first year that the province has implemented mechanisms to support safe production zones.
These zones receive partial subsidies for pesticides and assistance with consultation, evaluation, and issuance of Vietgap certification. Improving and stabilizing product quality according to Vietgap standards is a pressing need. Therefore, even beyond the certified Vietgap areas, the entire carrot-growing area in the province is cultivated following this process.
Vietnamese high-quality carrot boxes
Ms. Kiem, a provincial official, said: “Unlike in previous years, this year the agricultural sector has guided localities to produce based on market demand. Depending on the requirements of each export market, farmers adjust their production techniques accordingly to meet criteria on appearance, size, and quality. Enhancing product quality will build consumer trust and help Vietnamese high-quality carrot continue expanding into export markets.”
This year, the entire province has around 1,200 hectares of carrot cultivation. In addition, farmers also lease thousands of hectares in other provinces and cities for carrot cultivation. As a result, the total yield will increase significantly compared to previous seasons.
Although Hai Duong carrots have established a reputable brand, selling prices remain unstable. Therefore, linking production and consumption through value chains is the optimal solution to minimize market risks.
Mr. Mich, Director of Cam Van Cooperative, shared: “This season, 30 hectares out of 70 hectares of Vietgap-certified carrots in the commune have been contracted by an export company. The cooperative serves as a bridge between enterprises and farmers. Growers do not have to worry about consumption, and enterprises guarantee to purchase a stable, high-quality supply.”
In Thai Tan commune, the largest carrot-growing area in Nam Sach district, production-consumption chains are gradually forming. Instead of buying only at the end of the season, by the beginning of this season, contracts had already been signed for three-fourths of the local carrot-growing area.
Vietnamese high-quality carrot farm
“Each export market has different requirements. Proactively developing raw material areas helps enterprises ensure product quality for exports. This also forms a sustainable link for the agricultural sector, especially in the unpredictable context of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mr. Ha, Vice Chairman of Thai Tan commune.
The province currently has about 20 enterprises and numerous individual traders involved in carrot purchasing and export. In 2020, approximately 75% of carrot output was for export markets, including demanding markets such as South Korea and Japan.
To maintain and expand into new export markets, improving product quality must remain a top priority. Enterprises are also building tight value chains to proactively secure supply, enabling farmers to feel secure in production and continue enhancing quality.
Vietnamese source: https://baohaiphong.vn/xay-dung-vung-ca-rot-chat-luong-cao-173890.html