A project focusing on turning dragon fruit supply chains in south-central Binh Thuan province and shrimp supply chains in the Mekong Delta’s Bac Lieu province into models of green agriculture has helped improve the lives and livelihoods of around 5,000 local farmers by introducing them to green production practices.

By switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs and water-saving irrigation systems in their dragon fruit orchards, farmers in Binh Thuan could cut carbon emissions by 68 per cent and save 50 per cent of their energy costs, according to a press release from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on January 29.

Moreover, installing rooftop solar-powered irrigation systems and other water-saving technologies has led to a 42 per cent fall in water consumption, saving each farm at least VND600,000 ($25) per ha.

A conference was held on January 29 by the UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to reveal the commendable results of the three-year project, entitled “Accelerating Private Sector Engagement in Climate-Resilient and Low-Emission Investment in Implementing Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contributions for Agriculture Sector”.

“This project showcases Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable development,” said Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the International Cooperation Department at MARD. “The transformation in Binh Thuan’s dragon fruit supply chain is about empowering farmers and communities to adopt environmentally-friendly practices, securing a better future for all.”

“The farmers and cooperatives play important roles in implementing climate-resilient agriculture and green business development,” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam.

“Building on the experience in Binh Thuan, the UNDP will be happy to work with MARD to devise a National Plan for Sustainable and Low-carbon Dragon Fruit,” she went on. “The Plan aims to promote sustainable and low-carbon production, adopting circularity principles and leveraging sustainable finance for scaling up best practice.”

The project introduced an innovative e-traceability system, offering instant information on the origin, quality certification, and carbon footprint of each dragon fruit. This system has been applied on 269 ha of Global G.A.P-certified farms, enhancing transparency and meeting international market requirements.

“Binh Thuan province continues to promote the results of the project,” said Chairman of the Binh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee Doan Anh Dung. “We will strongly develop electronic traceability tools associated with carbon footprint tracking and apply smart, systematic management to promote the transformation of dragon fruit production in particular and agricultural production in general to sustainable, low carbon, green production and response to climate change.”

The cooperation between the UNDP, MARD, and Binh Thuan represents a pioneering model for sustainable agricultural development. This initiative is a source of inspiration and guidance for other regions aspiring to adopt sustainable and low-carbon agricultural practices.