To enhance the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese fruit, the 'Tropical Fruit Quality Improvement' Project recently held a series of technical training sessions on soil testing and crop nutrition in three provinces.

The program aimed to equip farmers and agricultural experts with the knowledge and skills to boost production and improve fruit quality.

Overview of the event in Binh Thuan province. Photo: Binh Thuan Newspaper

The training program's teaching staff are leading agricultural experts from the Netherlands and Vietnam, including Peter Prins, director of soil, water and agricultural consulting company - Eurofins (Netherlands); Dr. Lam Van Ha, Southern Center for Soil, Fertilizer and Environmental Research; and Dr. Nguyen Quang Chon, expert at Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang.

Training took place in Dong Thap, Binh Thuan, and Long An provinces in August, with participants from government agencies, farmers' associations, and agricultural service centers. Leading agricultural experts from the Netherlands and Vietnam shared their knowledge on soil testing, crop nutrition, and sustainable farming practices.

Participants learned about the importance of soil health for crop growth, the efficient use of fertilizers, and the latest soil analysis technologies. They also visited farms demonstrating innovative techniques for growing dragon fruit, pomelos, and mangoes.

The project will provide soil testing and consulting services to approximately 300 cooperatives and farming households. By analyzing soil samples and recommending tailored fertilization plans, the project aims to help farmers improve crop yields, reduce costs, and enhance fruit quality.

Ultimately, this initiative seeks to foster a more sustainable and profitable fruit industry in Vietnam.

Peter Prins, director of soil, water and agricultural consulting company - Eurofins (Netherlands). Photo by Long An newspaper

In agricultural production, soil and plant nutrition have a close relationship. Soil analysis and testing results are the basis for adding necessary and reasonable nutrients for plants to grow well, reduce carbon emissions, save production costs and improve the quality of exported fruits. increase economic value.

According to Peter Prins, more than 100 years ago, farmer organizations in the Netherlands have established many soil laboratories. Based on soil testing, Dutch farmers find the correct way to fertilize (based on crop requirements) to avoid overuse of fertilizer, helping to save production costs and reduce pollution.

The project ‘Improving Quality of Tropical Fruit Vietnam’, implemented by Vietnam Farmers’ Union (VNFU) in close collaboration with a Dutch-Vietnamese NGO, Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam (MCNV), targeted key production areas of dragon fruit (Long An, Binh Thuan), mango (Dong Thap) and pomelo (Ben Tre). Farmers got extensive guidance of partners from the Netherlands. Execution of the project started in 2022 and will end December 2024.

The farmer households participating in the project are carefully selected under the Vietnam Farmers Union evaluation, the MCNV, and local authorities.