Shallot Value Chain – Fresh Studio

Promoting Sustainable Shallot Farming in the Mekong Delta

Posted on May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 by Ngô Khoa

The Mekong Delta River is renowned for its shallot production in Vietnam. However, traditional farming methods have posed significant challenges to the environment and farmers’ livelihoods. The impact cluster: “Transition towards sustainable shallot value chains in the Mekong Delta” is aiming to build the sustainable shallot value chain in this area.

Farmers are open to more sustainable farming practices

As mentioned in the news report of VTV4, initially met with skepticism, innovative and sustainable shallot farming practices are gradually accepted by farmers. By encouraging farmers to try the drip irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM) and the new shallot variety named Maserati F1, farmers are convinced with the immidiate results: reduced water consumption, lower input costs, and improved crop yields.

Mr. Sang’s success story is not an isolated incident. Many farmers, hesitant at first, are now witnessing the positive outcomes of the new shallot variety and modern farming techniques. The project’s emphasis on farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing has proven to be a powerful tool in overcoming initial resistance and fostering a sense of community among the farmers.

A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future

By transforming shallot farming practices, the project is contributing to a brighter future for farmers, the environment, and consumers. The collaboration between Fresh Studio, Can Tho University, Dutch agricultural experts, and local cooperatives exemplifies the power of collective action in driving positive change. By combining scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and community engagement, it demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the agricultural sector.

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

Embracing Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Shallot Cultivation

Posted on April 10, 2024April 10, 2024 by Ngô Khoa

In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and enhanced crop health, the Impact Cluster Shallot project recently organized a comprehensive training program on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for shallot cultivation. This initiative, in collaboration with Fresh Studio and the Soc Trang Department of Crop Plant and Plant Protection, marked a pivotal moment for shallot farmers in the region, aiming at equipping them with advanced, sustainable farming techniques.

Integrated Pest Management: the holistic approach focused on sustainable pest control

The training saw the participation of 150 shallot farmers, who gathered to enrich their knowledge and skills in effective pest management, a crucial aspect of shallot farming. The presence of esteemed lecturers from Can Tho University further elevated the training, bringing in a wealth of expertise and research-backed insights into the IPM strategies tailored specifically for shallot crops.

Integrated Pest Management is a holistic approach focused on sustainable pest control, minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides while maximizing the health and productivity of crops. By understanding the ecosystem and the life cycles of pests, IPM allows farmers to implement strategies that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.

During the training, participants were introduced to a variety of topics, including the identification of common pests in shallot cultivation, the use of biological control agents, cultural practices to prevent pest outbreaks, and the judicious use of chemical pesticides as a last resort. Practical sessions provided hands-on experience in monitoring pest populations and implementing IPM strategies effectively.

A Glimpse into the Impact Cluster Shallot Project Training

This initiative is part of the broader objectives of the Impact Cluster Shallot project to enhance the sustainability and profitability of shallot farming in the region. By adopting IPM, farmers can significantly reduce their input costs, minimize environmental impact, and produce healthier, more resilient crops. This not only benefits the farmers themselves but also contributes to the well-being of the community and the ecosystem at large.

The enthusiasm and engagement of the participants underscored the growing awareness and willingness among farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. The training provided them with the tools and confidence to transition towards IPM, promising a future of more sustainable, productive, and environmentally friendly shallot cultivation.

As the Impact Cluster Shallot project continues to unfold, its emphasis on education, collaboration, and sustainable agriculture practices sets a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. The success of this training program highlights the critical role of knowledge transfer and capacity building in transforming agricultural practices and ensuring food security and sustainability for future generations.

Tropical hybrid shallot variety Maserati gaining traction in Vietnam

Posted on February 15, 2024September 25, 2024 by Ngô Khoa

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.

Figure 6. Happy impact cluster shallot partners at Maserati demonstration field.

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.

Bejo Zaden
Groot & Slot
Royal Brinkman
BvB Substrates
Eurofins
Can Tho University
Fresh Studio

Tag: Shallot Value Chain