Dak Lak needs clear direction for organic agriculture: official

Dak Lak – The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak has many advantages and potential to develop organic agriculture, but the province still lacks clear development directions, according to an official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Illustrative image. (Source: VNA)

Speaking at a recent conference on policies for organic agriculture held in Dak Lak province, Deputy Director of the MARD’s Department of Farm Produce Processing and Market Development Pham Van Duy said organic agricultural production in Dak Lak is on a small scale without any planning and direction as regards the types of plants and animals, or the designation of areas for specific kinds of products.

At the same time, the domestic market for organic farm product is at a nascent stage while there is no available export market, according to Duy.

He also noted that the existing legal framework and standards in this field are uncoordinated, and there is a shortage of policy and mechanism incentives for its development.

The official recommended the provincial authorities pay attention to building specific policies targeting organic agriculture, while creating favourable conditions to attract investment into the field.

Dak Lak province is endowed with more than 370 million hectares of basaltic soil, favourable for industrial plants and fruit plants. The province has the largest area and output of coffee in the country with the “Buon Ma Thuot coffee” brand granted protection for geographical indications. Its topography and climate is also suitable for animal farming.