Lam Dong, Vietnam - successful with story about potato cultivation is a testament to meticulous planning and innovation. The commercial potato production model implemented here focuses on precision agriculture techniques, leveraging technology to optimize crop management. From precise irrigation systems to data-driven pest control, every aspect of cultivation is fine-tuned for efficiency.
Potato Commercial Production Model in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam.
The commercial potato production model is implemented using the PO3 and 07 potato varieties in Lam Dong Province, covering an area of 25 hectares. The results of this model show that, the potato varieties exhibit good growth, high uniformity, achieving 100% coverage at 50-60 days after planting. There were no signs of diseases such as potato late blight and viruses observed in the fields, and the occurrence of powdery mildew was minimal (around 2%) at 50-60 days after planting, effectively controlled thereafter.
Before implementing the model, the Lam Dong Promotion Center for Agriculture and the Potato, Vegetable, and Flower Research Center coordinated with the distribution units, including companies, enterprises, and cooperatives within the local area and nearby regions. They signed contracts with representatives of participating farmers to secure the entire potato crop from the project. The contracts contained various agreed-upon terms, such as quality standards for commercial potatoes, harvesting conditions, storage, packaging, transportation, pricing, payment methods, and confirmation from local authorities.
Results of Commercial Potato Production Model in Lam Dong Province.
Currently, Lam Dong Province has approximately 1,500 hectares of land dedicated to commercial potato production, with an average yield of around 17 tons per hectare. The cultivation is mainly concentrated in Da Lat City, Don Duong District, and some neighboring areas. The main potato varieties cultivated include PO3, Atlantic, and 07. Lam Dong farmers have access to technical solutions to improve potato yields and minimize pest damage. However, they still face challenges such as prolonged rain affecting production conditions, pest and disease pressures, and competition from imported potatoes in the market.
During the implementation of the model, the Potato, Vegetable, and Flower Research Center and the Lam Dong Promotion Center for Agriculture organized three training courses within the model, with 150 participants, and three additional training courses outside the model, with 98 participants. They also conducted one interim conference with 50 participants and one regional conference with 100 participants. Through these training courses, workshops, and conferences, the model was disseminated and evaluated, and the results were communicated to the agricultural extension system and the Farmers' Union to promote and expand the model. The model is planned to be further developed and expanded, with several villages already building plans for its expansion in 2019-2020. Moreover, farmers outside the model and some nearby areas have obtained seed potatoes for conservation and future cultivation.
The commercial potato production model aligns with the direction of agricultural production through value chain linkages, aiming to enhance potato productivity and quality. Stable potato yields and expanded market linkages with higher product prices have led to increased income and improved livelihoods for potato farmers. The success of the model has contributed to environmental protection, as it reduces pesticide use and related pollution, benefiting both producers and consumers. It establishes a sustainable and practical agriculture sector that meets the needs of farmers and receives enthusiastic responses from them.
Orion Develops Potato Raw Material Area in Vietnam.
Previously, the potato cultivation area in Lam Dong Province was mainly focused on fresh consumption varieties. However, in recent years, due to the collaboration with processing companies, the area for potato varieties used for processing has significantly increased. Particularly, in the last two years (2020-2022), the cultivation area for potatoes used in processing has doubled. Specifically, in 2022, the cultivation area reached over 2,700 hectares, producing 76,000 tons compared to 1,350 hectares and 35,400 tons in 2020.
"The collaboration with processing companies provides potato growers with support in terms of supplying high-quality seeds, fertilizers, technical guidance on potato cultivation, and assistance in marketing and purchasing products after harvest. As a result, the production level and income of the farmers are increasing. In the future, Lam Dong's agricultural sector will continue to promote and encourage companies and farmers to strengthen production linkages, similar to the models already implemented by various enterprises."
According to Orion Vina Food Company (Orion), a company involved in collaborating with potato growers for snack processing in Lam Dong Province, their goal is to use 100% fresh potato raw material in Vietnam. Currently, the potato raw material area in Vietnam supplies over 30% of the production capacity of their factories to produce various snack products like O'star and Swing. Orion is actively expanding the potato raw material area to achieve their target.
Orion's potato raw material areas cover approximately 1,500 hectares in various provinces, including Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and others. These areas were established under the project name "Homeland Potatoes" seven years ago. "Since collaborating with local farmers to develop the raw material areas, Orion has reduced its import volume from foreign countries by replacing it with raw materials sourced directly from Vietnam," said Mr. Jung Mun-Kyo.
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