De Heus Vietnam, through its project “Building a Sustainable Corn Supply for the Future,” is investing in strengthening Vietnam’s feed corn supply chain. As part of this initiative, feed corn farmers across three Central Highlands provinces, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong, are being trained by Fresh Studio in sustainable corn production through the Feed Corn Field School (FCFS) program.
The training is closely linked to demonstration fields established within the program, allowing farmers to directly observe the impact of improved cultivation practices under local farming conditions. Through this practical and interactive approach, the Feed Corn Field School aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers and other stakeholders involved in feed corn production and drying.
By promoting the adoption of more sustainable and efficient production practices, the program contributes to the development of a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable feed corn sector in Vietnam.
Over the past year, Fresh Studio, in collaboration with the Agricultural Extension Centers of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong provinces, has implemented training activities for more than 1,050 feed corn farmers and established over 15 feed corn demonstration fields across the three provinces.
To date, eight Feed Corn Field Days have been organized to showcase the impact of different farming practices on feed corn yield and quality. The demonstration fields have focused on key agronomic factors, including variety selection, sowing practices, plant density, and fertilizer application strategies. During these events, Fresh Studio agronomists facilitated discussions with participating farmers on the effects of these practices and how they can be adapted and applied on their own farms to improve crop performance.
The interactive nature of the Feed Corn Field Days encourages knowledge exchange among farmers, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences and practical insights. This peer-to-peer learning approach has proven particularly valuable in promoting the adoption of improved and more sustainable production practices.
With two additional Feed Corn Field Days planned before the end of the current cropping season in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, De Heus Vietnam, Fresh Studio, and the Agricultural Extension Centers will continue to work closely with feed corn farmers across Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong. Through the demonstration and sharing of practical field results, the partners aim to further strengthen farmers’ knowledge and skills, contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, productive, and profitable feed corn sector across the region.
Transition towards a more safe, sustainable and professional horticulture sector in Viet Nam
During the last decade greenhouse vegetable production has seen an enormous development in Vietnam. Farmers have invested in more modern greenhouse infrastructure and embraced improved growing technologies, greatly increasing productivity, product quality and profitability per production area. Although Vietnamese vegetable farmers have adopted more advance greenhouse production methods, the control of diseases and pests is still done through frequent and intensive application of chemical crop protection products.
Figure 1 - More advance production methods for sweet pepper have resulting in higher yields and quality, but pests and disease management is still done with frequent and intensive application of chemical crop protection products.
The continuous shift towards more advanced greenhouse production methods and increasingly stricter market requirements in terms of food safety has created a momentum amongst Vietnamese farmers to start focussing on more sustainable product methods in which much less chemical crop protection products are applied. In practice this means that farmers are now more open to test and try technologies which can prevent pests and diseases to develop or to control pest and diseases in a biological way. Growing crops in this way means that farmers apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to minimize this harm and control acceptable infestation levels rather than eradicate all undesired populations. This is why it is important to understand which control measures are justified in each case and use aggressive control measures only when other integrated management techniques don’t work. On a larger scope, integrated pest management advantages include the promotion of environmental protection and sustainable agriculture in the long run.
Despite IPM demanding individual solutions in each case, the concept of an integrated pest management program typically covers the following aspects:
Problem assessment is the way to start an IPM program by deciding if the disease or pest presence is dangerous for a crop. A correct understanding of the infestation scope determines how a potential disease or pest should be prevented or controlled.
Preventive measures intend to reduce infestations by applying different agronomic techniques. Prevention in integrated pest management may include crop rotation, planting disease or pest resistant varieties, the use of certified seeds and planting material but also the application of hygiene protocols and more efficient irrigations practices.
Disease and pest monitoring are the next components of an IPM program because a decision is made to take a corrective action or not and how, based on the disease and pest level in a crop and other factors influencing pest or disease development.
Decision making if an action is needed or not is based on the results of the disease and pest monitoring data. For the decision to be made the guiding principle is the planned IPM strategy of preventative and non-chemical methods
Non-chemical methods means the application other technologies than traditional chemical crop protection products, e.g.
Application of natural enemies
Physical e.g. sticky traps / ground cover
Pheromones
Chemical correction, if there is no suitable or feasible non-chemical method to keep a pest or disease under control, a chemical crop protection product is applied, considering legislation, how and where to apply and choosing the least harmful option.
Transition to IPM in Vietnam
Sustainable and climate smart agriculture development remains high in the priority list of the Netherlands in Viet Nam, in line with the Strategic Partnership Arrangement (SPA) in sustainable agriculture and food Security of the Netherlands and Viet Nam. Focus of the government of the Netherlands in Viet Nam is the food system approach with the link towards sustainability, transparency and responsibility. IPM aligns very well with the food systems approach.
Successful implementation of IPM requires a holistic approach, starting from the propagation stages of plant material (seedlings) till the harvested produce leaves the farm. During these stages a wide variety of know-how and technologies needs to be applied to prevent the development of pests and diseases and minimize the application of chemical crop protection products as a corrective measure. In the case a correction action needs to be taken with chemical crop protection products, it is paramount this is done in the most efficient and safe way, including for the person applying the crop protection product. This is certainly a topic to which Dutch know-how and technologies can ensure that the application of crop protection products is done in the most efficient and safest way.
Adoption of IPM by Vietnamese farmers – IPM Lam Dong project
Vietnamese farmers are open to use more safe and sustainable production methods, and farmers have started to apply IPM strategies at their farms. For example, choosing disease resistant varieties, using sticky traps to monitor and catch pests and applying natural enemies to prevent or control pests. But more is needed for IPM to become the mainstream production method in Vietnam, such as training and knowledge development in IPM strategies, access to new technologies supporting IPM and demonstrating IPM technologies in the field. To address these points the project: “IPM and improved crop protection application methods for a sustainable food system in Viet Nam”, in short “IPM Lam Dong”, funded by the Dutch Government, was officially launched in October in Da Lat city during an IPM conference.
The main project objective of the IPM Lam Dong project is that IPM becomes the common practice of Vietnamese farmers to prevent and control pests and diseases with minimal use of chemical crop protection products, creating a safe and sustainable horticulture supply chain in Vietnam.
The project partners: Fresh Studio, Koppert, Da Lat University in close collaboration with PPD Lam Dong, will establish 3 IPM demonstration locations, and establish a training and IPM extension system to demonstrate to farmers IPM technologies, increase the knowledge level related to IPM strategies and provide technical support to farmers to apply IPM strategies at their farm. The project will run till end of 2026.
Figure 3 - Application of natural enemies in a greenhouse in Vietnam
IPM Conference
To increase awareness about IPM and to officially launch the project the conference “IPM: Application of Biological Control Agents and official launch IPM project Lam Dong”, was organised in Da Lat, Lam Dong province on 8 October 2025. During the conference key stakeholders, such as Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu – Deputy Director of the Department of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Ms. Ingrid Korving – Agricultural Counsellor, Embassy of the Netherlands, Mr. Rene van Rensen – R&D Director Crops, Fresh Studio and Mr. Rob Rippens, Business Manager Asia Pacific, Koppert and local representatives from the horticulture sector actively joined to present, discuss and learn from each other, about IPM and how to stimulate the adaptation of IPM strategies. The presence of over 200 participants and Dutch horticulture technology suppliers: Koppert, Rijk Zwaan, Enza Zaden, Bejo, BVB-Substrates, Royal Brinkman, Priva and Ridder is a clear indication that farmers and other stakeholders are very interested to learn more about IPM strategies and how to apply these strategies in practice n Vietnam.
Full room during afternoon IPM workshop
Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu – Deputy Director of the Department of Horticulture and Plant Protection spoke at the opening of the conference
Full room during afternoon IPM workshop
Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu – Deputy Director of the Department of Horticulture and Plant Protection spoke at the opening of the conference
Figure 4 - Group picture with IPM conference participants
As part the conference activities a field visit to one of the IPM demonstration locations was organised to see biological control agents of Koppert in action in a sweet pepper crop. Participants could observe that biological control agents, such as predatory wasps, bugs and mites imported from the Netherlands established and developed well in the sweet pepper crop, keeping pest insects such as spider mites, thrips, white flies and aphids under control.
In the coming period the IPM project Lam Dong will continue to its project activities to train farmers and demonstrate IPM technologies.
Visit of workshop delegation to IPM demonstration greenhouse
Improving water use efficiency for shallot production in Soc Trang province
An important objective of the Impact Cluster project: “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta”, is to improve the water use efficiency of shallot production in Soc Trang province. By improving the water use efficiency, the amount of ground water extracted can be reduced, reducing the impact of ground water extraction on land subsidence in Soc Trang province. As part of the project activities, Can Tho University as implemented at 6 irrigation demonstration locations trials to compare various irrigation methods and the impact on shallot production and water use efficiency. Drip irrigation was identify as the best system in terms of yield, quality and water use efficiency. A reduction of > 40% in water used to irrigate shallots was achieved with better quality and yield. A nice article was published in Nong Nghiep Moi Truong newspaper about the irrigation trials and results. Enjoy ready this article below.
Soc Trang faced with the risk of declining groundwater resources, Vinh Chau farmers want to convert to drip irrigation to save water, reduce costs and improve crop yields.
Risk of groundwater depletion
The sandy land of Vinh Chau town (Soc Trang) province is a specialized farming place shallot the largest in the country with an annual area of up to 7,000 hectares. Irrigation water for production here is mainly exploited from groundwater. However, in the face of the effects of climate change and overexploitation, groundwater resources are seriously declining.
Figure 1- Hand irrigation is a traditional method that Vinh Chau farmers are applying to increase the risk of groundwater depletion. Photo: Kim Anh.
According to Dr. Dang Kieu Nhan – Director of Mekong Delta Development Research Institute (Can Tho University), groundwater in the Mekong Delta, it is not replenished in situ but originates from the Southeast and the Cambodian Delta with a very slow movement speed. Meanwhile, the increasing demand for groundwater for agricultural farming and domestic purposes makes the water replenishment insufficient to compensate for the quantity extracted, the, leads to the risk of depletion.
In Vinh Chau town, in the past, farmers only needed to drill wells at a certain depth, then place pipes and pump water for irrigation. However, now, with that same depth, the water is no longer enough to pump, forcing farmers to place pipes deeper, at the same time, it must be inflated down to create pressure to push water up.
According to Mr. Chau Van Thang –, Deputy Head of Agriculture and Environment Department of Vinh Chau town, every year during the local dry season, there is no water shortage because people find ways to get groundwater. Previously, people only needed to use one motor to absorb water, but now they have to use additional bellows to pump water at a depth of about 50m. If the water is still not enough, people increase the depth to 70 – 80m and use 2 more motors.
Figure 2 - Farmers evaluate drip irrigation methods to help shallot increase productivity and save investment costs. Photo: Kim Anh.
Due to sandy soil properties, digging water storage ponds in Vinh Chau is very difficult to do. Some households have adopted tarpaulin solutions to store water, but the amount of water stored is still very limited. This poses a big challenge for agricultural production, especially for farmers who grow shallot. Without effective irrigation water solutions, the risk of future shortages of produced water is very high.
Drip irrigation system outlook
In 2024, The Mekong Delta Development Research Institute cooperates with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Chau town and a number of partners to implement the project to convert to the operating value chain sustainable purple in the Mekong Delta. The project, funded by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), lasts for 2 years. One of the project’s highlights is technical transfer drip irrigation add shallot.
This system is considered to have many advantages such as saving irrigation water; reduce labor costs; limit fertilizer loss; reduce the impact of wind and do not wet onion leaves… This helps farmers improve productivity compared to traditional hand irrigation methods.
This system uses mini swivels and drip wires from 12 – 15mm diameter, with about 3 – 4 drip wires/drip wires (depending on soil type). According to calculations by experts from the Mekong Delta Research and Development Institute, the total investment cost of drip irrigation system is about 8.2 million VND/ha, while the hand irrigation method costs about 11 million VND/ha (, installing machinery and labor irrigates). Thus, farmers can save nearly 2.8 million VND/ha when converting to this irrigation method.
Figure 3- Shallot growing model applying drip irrigation technique in Vinh Chau town. Photo: Kim Anh.
Test results at several models in Vinh Chau town showed that the breed Vinh Chau shallot traditionally using hand irrigation, the yield is about 14.3 tons/ha. With the drip irrigation technique, onion yield increased to 15.1 tons/ha, offering great prospects.
Thach Son farmers in cluster 6, ward 1, Vinh Chau town are cultivating 2,000 square meters of shallot. Currently, his method of irrigating onion fields is mainly pumping from groundwater. On average, every month he has to spend around 700,000 VND in electricity to pump irrigation water, not including the cost of hiring workers.
In the dry season, the pumped water is very weak, causing many difficulties for production. Mr. Son rated: “Drip irrigation system is very suitable for family conditions because the investment cost is not too high, farmers are not extreme, have other working hours”.
Similarly, Mr. Huynh Xu Khang lives in group 6 together, ward 1 is planting 5,000m2 of shallot with 2 varieties of traditional Vinh Chau shallot and Maserati F1 shallot (a new experimental variety).
8 years ago, when testing plant Maserati F1 shallot, Mr. Khang continuously encountered failures due to improper irrigation techniques, causing onion leaves to be damaged and pathogens to arise.
Figure 4 - Drip irrigation system transferred by the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute in Vinh Chau town. Photo: Kim Anh.
However, since 2024, when applying the drip irrigation system transferred by the Mekong Delta Research and Development Institute, onion fields have shown positive results, and trees have grown evenly, the roots are deeply ingrained, limiting water stagnation on the leaves.
“The investment cost of drip irrigation system is not high. If hiring hand irrigation labor costs about 4 million VND/1,000m2, and investing in drip irrigation systems ranges from 2 – 3.5 million VND (installation supplies)”, Mr. Khang said.
Looking carefully at each onion bush, Mr. Thach Tien – member of Hoa Thanh Vegetable Cooperative (Hoa Thanh, Lac Hoa commune, Vinh Chau town) commented, when watering hands, observe that the surface of the field is standing, but using equipment to check the moisture in the soil is not enough. Besides, due to strong spray water pressure, onion leaves break, fall, and easily spread pathogens. At that time, even if farmers treated with plant protection products, they were also washed away by water, which was not effective.
According to Mr. Tien, applying the drip irrigation technique, onion leaves are not wet much, but the moisture in the soil is enough, and the plant grows well. In the next onion, he plans to install a drip irrigation system to save time, reduce costs, and help improve onion quality.
Besides the drip irrigation method, the introduction of new varieties of Maserati F1 shallot it is also bringing clear results to Vinh Chau farmers. According to Mr. Chau Ba Binh – technical officer of Fresh Studio, this onion variety has a longer growing time than the local variety of about 10 days, but yields 10 – 20% higher%.
Figure 5 - Applying drip irrigation and shallot showed positive effects, the plants grew evenly, the roots were deep-rooted, and water stagnation on the leaves was limited. Photo: Kim Anh.
The yield of Maserati F1 shallot grown by drip irrigation method is about 19.2 tons/ha, about 4.1 tons/ha higher than traditional purple onion varieties.
Furthermore, the onion quality was also significantly improved. Maserati F1 shallot for large tubers, beautiful color, suitable for consumer tastes, higher selling price than local purple onion from 1,000 – 2,000 VND/kg.
However, some farmers are concerned that growing new onion varieties could affect soil fertility in the long term. Crop rotation and rational use of fertilizers, therefore, farming techniques will be an important factor in ensuring the sustainable development of this model.
Shallot are the main crop of Vinh Chau town. Drip irrigation techniques not only help save water resources but also improve productivity, product quality and income for farmers. In the long term, for this model to be effective, there needs to be strong links between farmers, the, businesses and local authorities to ensure stable output and sustainable market development.
The impact cluster: “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta” is funded by The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and consists of the following project partners:
Bejo Zaden
Groot & Slot
Royal Brinkman
BvB Substrates
Eurofins
Can Tho University
Fresh Studio
Improving water use efficiency for shallot production in Soc Trang province.
The successful conclusion of the GIC Project marks a defining moment in the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam, particularly in the rice and mango value chains. The closing event, held on March 10, 2025, in Can Tho City, gathered key stakeholders, industry experts, and government representatives to reflect on the project’s achievements and discuss its enduring impact on the sector.
A Look Back: The GIC Project’s Journey
Launched in 2022, the Green Innovation Centre Viet Nam is a country package of the Green Innovation Centres in the Agriculture and Food Sector (GIC) Program. This global initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the special initiative ‘One World – No Hunger’, has been jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and GIZ. The mango component of the GIC Project was executed by Fresh Studio, focusing on improving sustainability, productivity, and resilience within the mango value chain.
Over the past two years, the project has driven impactful change in the six Mekong Delta provinces by introducing green innovations, strengthening capacity-building programs, and fostering deep collaboration among farmers, enterprises, researchers, and policymakers.
Through its various interventions, the mango component of the GIC Project has successfully trained 1,015 farmers, helping them increase their income by 20%. In collaboration with SOFRI (Southern Horticultural Research Institute), the project has also achieved a remarkable 50% to 80% reduction in post-harvest losses and extended the post-harvest preservation duration to 35–40 days when exporting by sea freight. These advancements pave the way for enhanced global competitiveness and market expansion for Vietnam’s mango industry.
Lasting Impact & Future Prospects
Two years may seem short, but the collective efforts of each actor in the value chain have yielded remarkable achievements. By placing capacity-building at the core and demonstrating the power of innovation, the project’s impact is expected to extend far beyond its official timeline.
Seeing is believing. Many of the implemented practices have set a precedent for broader adoption, encouraging a ripple effect throughout the industry. While the formal project has concluded, the momentum for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable agricultural system continues. Stakeholders are urged to build on these successes and explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that innovation and sustainability remain at the heart of Vietnam’s agricultural transformation.
The GIC Project Closing Event was not just an endpoint—it was a celebration of progress, a testament to collaboration, and a catalyst for the future of sustainable agriculture. The lessons learned, the innovations introduced, and the partnerships forged will serve as a strong foundation for continued growth and long-term success in the sector.
To strengthen the value chain of mango production in the Mekong Delta, the ceremony for the inauguration of the Post Harvest Center for Vietnamese Fruit Sector and the training of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for mango varieties was held at the Southern Horticulture Research Institute (SOFRI). This event the establishment of the Post Harvest Center and SOP’s are part of the project: “Strengthening the mango value chain in the Mekong Delta” under the program Green Innovation Centers (GIC) for the agriculture and food sector (Vietnam country package).
The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam is renowned for its fertile lands and favorable climate, ideal for the cultivation of a variety of fruits, with mangoes being one of the most prominent. However, despite the abundance of produce, challenges in post-harvest management and storage have often led to significant losses in quality and quantity, thereby impacting the livelihoods of farmers and the overall value chain.
Recognizing the need to address these challenges, Fresh Studio, in partnership with GIZ through the Green Innovation Center initiative, embarked on a project to strengthen the mango value chain in the region. The establishment of the Post Harvest Center for Vietnamese Fruit stands as a testament to their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.
At the heart of the ceremony was the training of Standard Operating Procedures tailored specifically for key mango varieties In Mekong delta such as Cat Hoa Loc mango, Cat Chu mango, Tuong Da Xanh mango and Keo mango, aimed at extending their storage life. This comprehensive training program equipped participants with the knowledge and skills, including the post-harvest issues such as sap burn on mango, anthracnose control and stem rot prevention and how to implement best practices in post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation.
Over 100 participants consisting of scientists, agricultural officers from the Plant Protection Department, companies active within the fruit sector , cooperatives and farmers, joined the event. The event featured insightful discussions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions, ensuring that participants gained practical insights that could be directly applied in their operations.
The collaboration between Fresh Studio,, GIZ, and SOFRI underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development initiatives. By leveraging expertise, resources, and networks, these organizations have paved the way for transformative change within the agricultural landscape of the Mekong Delta.
The Post Harvest Center for Vietnamese Fruit serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, research, and innovation, empowering farmers and stakeholders with the tools and technologies needed to optimize post-harvest practices. Through initiatives like these, the potential for value addition, market access, and income generation within the agricultural sector is greatly enhanced, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination amongst participants. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, they departed with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to implement sustainable practices and drive positive change within their communities.
The Green Innovation Centre Viet Nam is a country package of the Green Innovation Centres in the Agriculture and Food Sector (GIC) Program. This global program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the framework of the special initiative ‘One world – No Hunger’. The GIC Viet Nam Project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and GIZ.
The successful introduction and adoption of the hybrid tropical shallot variety Maserati by Vietnamese shallot farmers in the Mekong delta is a crucial component of the impact cluster: “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta”.
The first successful harvest of Maserati in Vietnam
To demonstrate the added value of Maserati over 15 demonstration fields with local farmers were established to collect data to quantify yield and other agronomical performance indicators of Maserati and to showcase the results to local shallot farmers.
The first harvests of the new shallot production season started this month (January 2024) in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang province. An ideal moment to check and compare the performance of the tropical hybrid shallot variety Maserati in the field by teams of Bejo, De Groot & Slot and Fresh Studio and to organize the first fields days of the season to showcase Maserati to local shallot farmers.
Figure 1. First harvest of Maserati of the new shallot season in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
Figure 2. Excellent colour and bulb size of Maserati.
Figure 3. Inspection of field with Maserati by Bejo, Groot & Slot and Fresh Studio.
First demonstration fields being harvested showed higher yield results and larger average bulb size of Maserati compared with the local shallot variety. Especially mini bulbs produced from Maserati seeds earlier in the year, showed very good results. On pungency and taste Maserati scored at least similar or better compared to the local shallot variety.
Most important is however that shallot farmers are enthusiastic about Maserati. During the field days organized at 2 different locations this was clearly the case and farmers showed their interest in planting more Maserati for the coming season. Through direct cooperation with local shallot farmers, cooperatives and traders the project partners will further upscale the production of Maserati seedlings and mini bulbs for the next shallot season.
Figure 4. Shallot farmers harvest and inspect the quality and yield of Maserati.
Figure 5. Mr. Dung from Bejo Vietnam presenting Maserati to shallot farmers.
Exciting possibilities await in 2024
Directly after the Vietnamese New Year (TET) celebrations the project will continue with further training activities and field days in the shallot production areas. Besides highlighting Maserati other topics, such adaptation of innovative and sustainable production practices, such as sprinkler or drip irrigation, irrigation decision support tools, fertilizer application advise, and integrated pest and diseases management will be addressed.
After TET marketing activities to support the sales of Maserati in the market will also start. As local shallot traders in Vietnam have the tendency to try to control the market or are conservative, they are often not very eager to try to develop a new variety. Through marketing activities more market demand and linkage with the end market will be created to stimulate local shallot traders to prefer buying Maserati over local shallot varieties.
The impact cluster: “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta” is funded by The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and consists of the following project partners:
Maybe unknown to many but shallot is one of the key vegetable crops in the Mekong Delta, generating one of the highest income contributions per m2 and month. One of the most important production areas for shallot in Vietnam, is Vinh Chau district in Soc Trang province in the Mekong Delta.
Shallots are a crucial source of income for farmers and workers, who mostly belong to the Khmer ethnicity. Poverty incidence among the Khmer, are one of the highest in the Mekong Delta. For those Khmer who have been able to switch to shallot farming, this has been one of the few pathways to grow out of poverty. Just the shallot sector in Vinh Chau district created jobs for about 70,000 Khmer.
Collecting shallots after harvest from the field (picture: Fresh Studio®)
High use of ground water
Although shallot has been an important crop to reduce poverty among the Khmer, the current farming system is putting pressure on the environment, as currently large amounts of ground water is used to produce shallots in an inefficient way.
Based on data collection by Fresh Studio, the volume of ground water being used for one shallot crop cycle being cultivated on 1,000 m2 is estimated to be 220.5 m3. The volume of 220.5 m3/1,000 m2 per crop cycle, means 2,205 m3/ha per crop cycle. If we multiply this number times the 6,000 ha of shallot cultivation in Vinh Chau, this means that in the main shallot season an estimated 13,230,000 m3 of ground water is used for shallot production. This is equal to 189,000 m3 of ground water per day for 70 days, which is an enormous amount of water.
There are two key reasons for this high use of water:
Inefficient irrigation methods
At least one to two crop cycles to produce the shallot bulbs used as propagation material, before the main shallot crop is grown. These shallot bulbs cropping cycles for propagation material also require quite some water.
The extraction of ground water for shallot production leads to land subsidence in Vinh Chau district. Land subsidence makes the Mekong Delta more vulnerable to the rising sea levels and accelerates salinization.
Irrigation by hand of shallot crop in Soc Trang (picture: Fresh Studio®)
Current irrigation method
That farmers mainly use ground water, through their own drilled wells for irrigation water is confirmed by a study among 90 farm households in Vinh Chau district in Soc Trang Province, of which 85% use groundwater from drilled wells during the dry season. Unfortunately, this groundwater is then used in an inefficient way, mainly delivered in buckets, whereby only 20% of the irrigation water reaches the crop, according to the head of the Soc Trang department of irrigation (Vietnamnet, 2013).
This current inefficient irrigation methods, are confirmed by a study by Can Tho university with sprinkler irrigation on shallots in Vinh Chau. This improved irrigation system resulted in a 43-59% reduction in water use and an income increase of 20% (Hong Minh Hoang et al, 2016). The Asian Development Bank in a paper published in 2017 also identifies the implementation of high efficiently irrigation systems (HEIS), such as sprinklers and drip irrigation, as a key strategy to reduce the amount of water used per kg of crop produced.
Bringing these technologies to smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta would be an important innovation and one that would be supported by government policy, which has recommended that HEIS be adopted more widely.
Shallot bulbs
Currently farmers produce their own shallots bulbs as propagation material, to produce consumption shallots in the December- March period which they sell to traders.
To produce these shallot bulbs, they use a part of the harvest of the December – March, and then plant those shallots bulbs again in very high density to produce bulbs as propagation material to be used for next season. They produce the shallot bulbs as propagation material in the Feb-April period, after which they need to store the shallot bulbs till December of the new production season.
During this storage period from April till November about 30-40% of the shallot bulbs stored as propagation material for the next shallot production season, will be lost (mainly due to Fusarium). As a result of losses, many farmers produce yet another shallot bulb crop in November – December, using additional water without increasing productivity.
In addition to significant post-harvest losses and the high costs to produce the shallot bulbs as propagation material, the shallot bulb production also has the big disadvantage of propagating diseases, thereby reducing productivity in future harvests as well.
Tropical hybrid shallot variety
A new tropical hybrid shallot variety (Maserati) developed by the Dutch seed company Bejo Zaden B.V. enables shallot farmers to produce shallots from seeds.
Maserati is based on the genetic material of the Vinh Chau shallot and therefore has the same appearance and taste. These shallot seeds can be sowed directly in the field or first used to produce shallot seedlings, which are then transplanted in the field to produce shallots. Because these true shallot seeds are hybrid and will be guaranteed disease free, the farmer will get higher yields and a better pest and disease resistance.
In addition, they will not have to spend one or two seasons on producing and storing the shallots bulbs as propagation material. Even though the seed price might be higher, starting with hybrid shallot seedlings (produced from seeds), will have an enormous impact on increasing farm income and will halve their use of ground water for shallot farming.
Adaptation of innovative and sustainable production practices, such as sprinkler or drip irrigation, irrigation decision support tools, fertilizer application advise and integrated pest and diseases management to name a few will further increase the positive impact on farmer’s income, water use efficiency and reduce the agro-chemical footprint of shallot production on the environment.
Successful mini-bulb production from hybrid seed for early planting of next shallot production season. After mini-bulb production, shallot seedlings are produced in the nursery for the main shallot production season.
Impact cluster: combining technologies and knowledge
This is also an important reason why this impact cluster is formed, as just introducing hybrid shallot seeds to shallot farmers is not the optimal solution. The combination of the knowledge and technologies of the impact cluster partners enables the cluster to establish and introduce shallot farmers the system to start their shallot production from hybrid shallot seedlings.
The creation of nurseries specialized in producing hybrid shallot seedlings and mini bulbs provides an opportunity to generate additional income and jobs in the region. As part this project the following parties collaborate together:
Bejo zaden
Groot & Slot
Royal Brinkman
BvB Substrates
Eurofins
Can Tho University
Fresh Studio
Project meeting at Can Tho University
Project objective
The main objective of the impact cluster “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta” is to strengthen the shallot production sector in the Mekong Delta (Soc Trang province, > 6,000 hectares of shallot production), by introducing and making innovative Dutch production technologies and methods accessible for local shallot farmers, which will make shallot production more sustainable and profitable.
The impact cluster will further strengthen the adoption of these improved production technologies, by creating market linkages for the shallot farmers, so that a sustainable shallot value chain is developed.
Project activities
Through this impact cluster an important contribution will be made to address excessive and inefficient water use by shallot farmers in the Mekong Delta.
In the area of Vinh Chau district of Soc Trang Province, shallot farming is the second largest agricultural land use activity. This type of land use is contributing to one of the highest rates of subsidence in the Mekong Delta (Minderhoud et al, 2018), making the shallot sector a key contributor to reduced water security in the region. By increasing water use-efficiency, the extraction of ground water can be halved, which can help to reduce the rate of land subsidence.
The main activities of the impact cluster to achieve the project objective are:
Demonstrating optimized irrigation strategy and water use efficiency
Demonstrating optimized shallot production technologies through hybrid shallot seedlings and integrated pest and disease management
The “Strengthening the Mango value chain in the Mekong Delta” project aims to enable stakeholders throughout the value chain to successfully implement identified innovations to enhance their business in terms of sustainability, climate chain resilience and profitability.
Agricultural production in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam is of great national and global importance for current and future food security as well as rural income. It is threatened by the consequences of climate change and the unsustainable use of water and agrochemicals. The smallholders of the Mekong Delta region are not yet able to access existing and developing innovations to ensure their business and income are secure. There even more difficulties in ensuring their production methods are environmentally sustainable. Limited access to innovation limits sustainable rural development and improved food quality and security.
An overview of the component “Strengthening the Mango Value Chain In The Mekong Delta”
The Vietnam country package is a part of their global project “Green Innovation Centre (GIC) in the Agricultural and Food Sector” of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) special initiative “ONE WORLD without Hunger”. It is carried out in six central provinces of the Mekong Delta: An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Tien Giang, Hau Giang and Soc Trang. The main project objective is to provide rice and mango smallholders with access to sustainable innovations to increase income, employment and food quality. The “Strengthening the Mango value chain in the Mekong Delta” project is implemented under the Vietnam country package.
Vietnam produces about 800,000 tons of fresh mango annually, of which about 500,000 tons are produced in the Mekong Delta, this accounts for 45% of the national share of mango orchards. This puts Vietnam in fourteenth place globally in terms of volume of mango production. The majority of mango produced is consumed on the domestic market. 170,000 tons of mango are exported, of which, 94% is unbranded and traded across the Chinese border. The remaining share is exported to medium-high value markets in the Middle East, Russia, Asia-Pacific, and North America.
Mango Business School is an initiative of the component “Strengthening the Mango Value Chain In The Mekong Delta”. The purpose of Mango Business School is to increase the knowledge capacity of key staffs of cooperatives, companies, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and other actors in the mango value chain.
A more efficient, environmentally friendly and internationally competitive agricultural sector is required to improve exportation of mango products from Vietnam. Global and domestic demand for mango and other tropical fruits has increased due to a change in consumer diets and an increase in disposable income. Consumers are willing to pay premium prices for high quality fruits. This allows for the potential for uptake of innovation to improve the mango value chain and boost exports of fresh and value-added products.
The Powering Aquaculture Progress (PAP) project is public-private partnership set to improve the modernization and development of aquaculture supply chains in Myanmar. It is the largest project with foreign direct investment in the aquaculture sector in the country. The team of Fresh Studio Myanmar is managing this project, in partnership with leading animal feed company De Heus, the Myanmar Fishery Federation, Pathein University and Golden Fish World hatchery. The project runs from 2019-2024.
During this five year period, the PAP project aims to achieve the following overall objectives:
Creating access to modern input and technologies, therefore improving quality and access to inputs for farmers, mainly seed and feed;
Improvements on technical knowledge and know-how of farmers, academic institutions, and technical support staff from private and public organisations;
Improvement in efficiency of farming systems through transition towards more productive, shorter cycle and more diverse species, and increased transfer of adapted technologies;
Support value chain coordination between independent actors and promotion of products toward consumers.
To achieve these objectives, the project has been broken down in three main work packages:
1. Access to inputs and technologies
To make aquaculture a more profitable inclusive business that adds value to the local community, we will start by improving access to improved inputs and technologies, which is the backbone of any agricultural revolution. Our interventions consist of setting up the first fingerling feed production unit in Myanmar; establishing professional breeding centers, by modernizing two existing hatcheries; setting up the first Aquaculture Application Centre (AAC) in Myanmar, to apply knowledge and technologies from around the world.
2. Build capacity and professionalize all actors
Without proper capacity building and technical extension approaches, the adoption of improved inputs and advanced practices will be low, as they will not used properly and result in poor financial return. Our interventions consist of developing a technical team of local aquaculture specialists in key organisations (private & public); setting up satellite farms to transfer the work conducted on the AAC to the farmers; training of trainers embedded in key organisations to guarantee continuous training of farmers.
3. Strengthen farmers’ position in the chain
Improving the (production) capacity of fish farmers is the first step towards upgrading the aquaculture sector of Myanmar. To have access to finance and the market, there is the urgency to organize them. Our interventions include forming an independent producer organization; developing a quality standard and continuous improvement program among members; actively search for linkages and alliances between various actors in the chain.
The partnership is now in Year 2 and implementation has not been without challenges with the political developments and Covid-19 situation changing the political and business landscape in which the partnership is operating. However, the partners remain committed, and the work that ultimately aims to improve the income and food security of Myanmar’s people has become all the more relevant. Detailed plans for hatchery upgrading are on the way; the design for the Aquaculture Application Center is finalized and ready to be constructed after the rainy season in October; and soon a detailed training curriculum will be developed as a collaborative effort between all partners. The partnership is committed to achieve results!
There are great opportunities to increase vegetable production in Son La and through these vegetable value chains empower local ethnic women and increase their technical as well as their management skills.
Successful vegetable production starts with access to good quality seeds, seedlings and access to knowledge and technologies for more advanced vegetable production. Without ensuring that these points are well implemented and present locally it will be difficult to bring vegetable production chains to a higher level.
This project will enable access to good quality seeds, seedlings and knowledge and technologies for more advanced vegetable production to hundreds of local farmers and farmers groups, specifically targeting ethic women.
Project objectives
Establishment of a seedling production sector creating increased capacity, additional income and jobs for ethic women in Moc Chau and Van Ho, with further upscaling in other areas.
More professional vegetable production resulting in better quality vegetables, produced year-round, in compliance with Viet GAP and against a better cost price generating higher incomes for over 500 famer households in Moc Chau and Van Ho and other areas in Son La province.
Establishment of 13 successful agri-businesses led and managed by women.
Creation of new and stable jobs within the agriculture sector suitable for local women.
Increased capacity of over 350 local women in technical and management skills through extension services, field days and training sessions
Accelerate the development of an inclusive, sustainable and modern horticulture production sector in Son La province
Increased cooperation between the public and private sector to develop the horticulture sector in Son La providing women more choice to beneficially engage in agriculture.
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