Vietnam, Netherlands Working Together to Improve Quality of Tropical Fruits
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The closing workshop for the Vietnam Fruit Quality Enhancement project, funded by the Dutch government through the Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam (MCNV), was held. The project, implemented between 2021 and 2024, involved multiple Vietnamese and Dutch business partners, with the Vietnam Farmers’ Union as the project’s lead agency on November 15 in Hanoi.

More than 2,000 farmers' association officials, agricultural extension officers and farmer members have improved their knowledge of soil health and plant nutrition, aiming to supply agricultural products to high-end markets (Photo: Tran Le Hieu/ MCNV).

Speaking at the event, Ingrid Korving, Agricultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, commended the project's success in assisting farmers and producer groups in Vietnam's fruit production chains. She emphasized the importance of sustainable and efficient development and noted that the workshop also marked the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership agreement on sustainable agriculture and food security signed between Vietnam and the Netherlands in 2014.

Korving highlighted the significant potential of tropical fruits like dragon fruit, pomelo, and mango to improve farmers’ income and elevate their market position, promising substantial export revenues. She stressed the need for innovations in science, technology, and production methods to produce high-quality fruits, enhance competitiveness, and meet the demands of discerning markets.

Assessing the project’s outcomes, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union Dinh Khac Dinh stated that the initiative has helped transform production mindsets, enhance capacity, and improve the position of farmers through innovative and sustainable practices.

Country Director of MCNV Pham Dung, reflected on the project’s achievements. As one of the earliest NGOs to operate in Vietnam (since 1968), MCNV has aimed to improve livelihoods in tandem with sustainable development. Despite initial challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the project successfully achieved its objectives after three years of implementation.

As the coordinating agency for the Vietnam Fruit Quality Enhancement project, MCNV’s Director emphasized that the project’s success exemplifies the goodwill and determination of both governments and people in fostering sustainable agricultural development. He expressed MCNV’s willingness to continue supporting the Vietnam Farmers’ Union at both the central and provincial levels in developing similar agricultural models.

Over the course of the project, five pilot models were developed, focusing on agricultural techniques such as irrigation, fertilizer application, pesticide use, and soil testing. More than 2,000 farmers' union officials, agricultural extension workers, fruit farmers, and businesses across the four provinces were trained in advanced techniques for irrigation management, pesticide and fertilizer application, and soil quality management. These efforts were delivered through 65 hands-on training sessions featuring real-life models and practical demonstrations.

At the workshop, the Center for Rural Environment, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, and Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang Company signed a cooperation agreement to introduce and provide soil, agricultural product, and fertilizer analysis solutions for 2025-2027. (Photo: Tran Le Hieu/MCNV).

The project introduced farmers to safer production methods, reducing input costs while significantly increasing income. For instance, the mango cultivation model in Dong Thap doubled its yield while reducing fertilizer usage by 30%. This resulted in a savings of 40 million VND per hectare per crop on fertilizer expenses. The mangoes also passed residue tests, meeting European market standards.

At the workshop, farmer representative Dang Phuoc Hon from Dong Thap shared his experience: "Through the training, I gained a deeper understanding of soil health and plant nutrition. Previously, I didn’t know how much fertilizer to use, but the project’s soil analysis helped me understand what nutrients my plants needed and prevented overuse. My orchard now produces higher yields, better-quality fruits, and commands higher market prices, significantly boosting my income."

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