Binh Thuan: Over 30 percent of dragonfruit land under VietGap

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Binh Thuan (VNA) – Since the start of this year, more than 10,000 ha of dragonfruit in the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan has been grown under VietGap standards, an increase of over 500 ha compared to 2017 and accounting for about 30 percent of the province’s dragonfruit growing area.

Ham Thuan Nam district has the largest area of dragonfruit crop under VietGap standards with 6,000 ha, followed by Ham Thuan Bac and Bac Binh districts with 3,500 ha and 340 ha, respectively. 

Since 2009, a project towards the safe production of dragonfruit that meets VietGap standards has changed the farmers’ traditional cultivation methods and bolstered the application of science and technology in line with the current trend of development. 

Dragonfruit has become a prominent staple of Binh Thuan and raked in high export values, as the province is currently home to more than 29,000 ha of dragonfruit, yielding about 600,000 tonnes per year. 

The province’s agricultural sector will work with localities to raise public awareness of the importance and process of safe farm produce production, said the provincial Department of Agricultural and Rural Development.

It will call on firms to purchase dragonfruit under VietGap standards and encourage the building of a value chain between businesses and dragonfruit growers.