Potatoes, a vital crop in Vietnam's agricultural landscape, have witnessed remarkable developments in recent years. As the demand for this versatile tuberous vegetable grows steadily, the nation has taken significant strides towards achieving self-sufficiency in potato production.
Only regions with a mild climate ranging from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, such as Dalat (Lam Dong) and the northern regions during the winter season, are suitable for the robust growth and high yields of potatoes. Specifically, the northern regions account for approximately 90 to 95% of the total potato cultivation area in the country. In 2022, the potato cultivation area reached over 2,700 hectares, producing 76,000 tons compared to 1,350 hectares and 35,400 tons in 2020.
The Potatoes Cultivation Puzzle in Vietnam.
According to the International Potato Center in Vietnam, the demand for potatoes in the food production industry is substantial, but domestic production can only meet approximately 30 to 40% of this demand, resulting in a heavy reliance on imports.
Potatoes are a challenging food crop to cultivate due to their sensitivity to weather conditions and susceptibility to various pests and diseases. In 1979, the potato cultivation area in Vietnam experienced a remarkable surge, increasing from just a few thousand hectares to nearly one hundred thousand hectares. However, this rapid expansion was followed by a sharp decline, and for the past two decades, the potato cultivation area has stabilized at around 30 thousand hectares or less. Currently, the potato cultivation area hovers at just under 23 thousand hectares per year. The primary market for consumption remains domestic, focusing on fresh potatoes, with limited processing and value-added products.
The limited domestic potato production poses a significant challenge for Vietnam, leading to a heavy reliance on imported potatoes to meet the growing demand from the food industry. To address this issue and enhance self-sufficiency, the agricultural sector must find sustainable solutions to improve potato cultivation techniques, develop resistant potato varieties, and implement effective pest and disease management strategies. By doing so, Vietnam can reduce its dependency on potato imports and create a more resilient and productive potato cultivation sector.
Demand Exceeds Supply: The Potato Scenario in Vietnam.
Potatoes in Vietnam primarily cater to the fresh food market domestically and are also exported in smaller quantities to Indonesia. The demand for potato raw material for processing plants is currently around 180,000 tons per year, but domestic production can only meet about 30-40% of this demand, leading to the need for substantial imports from various countries. As for sweet potatoes, they are mainly used for fresh consumption and exported in their raw whole form.
Addressing the Potato Supply-Demand Gap in Vietnam.
Potatoes, specifically tuber crops in general, hold significant importance in Vietnam's agricultural sector. In previous years, the potato cultivation area was substantial, at times exceeding 100,000 hectares. However, the current potato cultivation area has decreased to only about one-fifth of the previous figure, while the demand for consumption remains high.
In Vietnam, potatoes are mainly grown for fresh consumption in the domestic market. It is estimated that the demand for potato raw material for processing plants is around 180,000 tons per year, but domestic production can only meet about 40% of this demand, resulting in the need to import from various countries.
The primary reason for this supply-demand gap is the considerable pressure from pests and diseases on potato crops. Managing these pests and diseases, improving productivity, and ensuring the quality of commercial potatoes have always been challenging tasks, and this has contributed to farmers' reluctance to engage in potato cultivation. Consequently, the potato cultivation area in Vietnam has declined in recent times.
To address this challenge, since 2019, Syngenta and PepsiCo, in coordination with the Vegetable Workgroup under the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV), have collaborated with partners such as Yara, Minosatek/Khang Thinh, and some non-governmental organizations like USAID and Resonance to implement a strategic cooperation model for sustainable potato production in Vietnam. This model has received support from various governmental agencies and localities nationwide and is viewed as a promising linkage model in agriculture.
The Potential for Expansion is Vast.
Regarding sweet potatoes, there is a need to explore additional sustainable and stable export markets. On the other hand, attention should be given to processing, suitable production area planning, and efficient irrigation. Organizing production through cooperative models, household groups with the active involvement of businesses, and transparent contracts with farmers are crucial.
Mr. Dao Huy Chien, an expert from the International Potato Center (CIP), introduced the project of developing five potato varieties adapted to tropical regions through a public-private partnership model. The project utilizes advanced methods to select superior varieties, aiming to increase yield, stability, and competitiveness of potatoes, as well as enhance food security and income for poor farmers in Southeast Asia.
In particular, CIP collaborates closely with VAAS in evaluating and selecting marker and genomic varieties with agronomic traits for the development of potato hybrids resistant to diseases. Moreover, the project includes the development of 3R biotech potato varieties with long-term resistance. In vitro testing, field trials, and large-scale DNA sequence-based diagnostics for potato varieties and seed production are also part of the project.
Vietnam has made significant strides in its potato production, achieving 40% self-sufficiency in recent years. Although the demand for potatoes is substantial, domestic cultivation has been able to meet a notable portion of this demand. The potato industry has faced challenges in the past, but efforts from various stakeholders, including agricultural experts, companies like PepsiCo, and collaborative initiatives, have contributed to enhancing potato cultivation practices.
Addressing the supply-demand gap has been a priority, and partnerships between public and private entities have played a crucial role in developing sustainable potato production models. By focusing on improving cultivation techniques, managing pests and diseases, and exploring opportunities for export markets, Vietnam's potato industry continues to evolve positively. Looking forward, continued efforts in research, development, and strategic collaborations hold the potential to further boost potato production, enhance food security, and increase income for farmers across the country. As Vietnam remains committed to enhancing agricultural practices, the future of the potato industry looks promising, offering opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency in meeting the nation's potato needs.
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