Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister, attended the conference.Ministry of Agriculture and EnvironmentMr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, and leaders and experts from departments and divisions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Representing Son La province were Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; and other leaders.Department of Agriculture and EnvironmentRepresentatives from Son La, Dien Bien, Hung Yen, and Phu Tho provinces, along with representatives from businesses involved in the production, processing, and supply of agricultural seeds and materials, and exemplary cooperatives both domestically and within the province, were present.

 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien and Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Cong attended and chaired the Conference on developing the value chain of Anh Vang 205 longan products. Photo:Duc Binh.

Opening up avenues for increasing farmers' income.

According to the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute,Golden label 205Selected from imported genetic resources, its adaptability was assessed in Son La province from 2018, and it was officially released for circulation in 2021. The variety exhibits vigorous growth, large (14-15 g/fruit), round fruit with thick skin, crispy and fragrant flesh, a Brix level above 22%, and a flesh yield exceeding 68%. Yields 60-70 kg/tree, equivalent to 19-22 tons/ha, significantly higher than many commonly cultivated varieties.

Alongside its superior characteristics, research on grafting techniques, integrated intensive farming, and pre- and post-harvest treatment has also been applied, helping to increase productivity, reduce fruit drop, improve appearance, and extend shelf life by 15-20 days. This is especially important in the context of increasingly stringent quality and logistics requirements for agricultural exports.

Period 2023-2025,National Agricultural Extension CenterThe Ministry of Agriculture and Environment assigned the task of building and developing the Anh Vang 205 longan model according to VietGAP standards in Son La. The task focused on establishing a 50-hectare Anh Vang 205 longan production model, including 35 hectares of new planting and 15 hectares of grafted and improved trees; organizing training courses on technical procedures; and conducting communication and market linkages.

Initial results are very promising; the plants are growing and developing evenly, and are more resistant to pests and diseases than traditional longan varieties. This longan variety has a long harvesting season from July 20th to September 10th, with an average yield of 15 tons/ha; the selling price is 50,000 - 60,000 VND/kg during the peak season.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, expressed his expectations for the formation of inter-regional value chains in agricultural production. (Photo:)Nguyen Nga.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, said: Son La currently has about 19,800 hectares of longan orchards, with an estimated yield of 180,000 tons this year. Of that,Golden label 205It is a product that has been incorporated into the province's crop structure, with superior quality and yielding 30-50% higher income compared to conventional varieties.

Currently, Son La is focusing on developing fruit cultivation in depth, emphasizing soil health, improving product quality, building brands, and targeting demanding markets. Son La also hopes to promote regional linkages, arguing that developing a single factory or a single product is insufficient; it is necessary to form inter-regional value chains, connecting Son La with neighboring provinces to create large raw material areas, avoiding spontaneous development and surplus of raw materials.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized: For the production of the Anh Vang 205 longan variety to be effective, a synchronized approach closely linked to the market is necessary. (Photo:)Duc Binh.

Affirming the pivotal role of science and technology

According to Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, the varietyGolden label 205While the variety itself is good, producing it efficiently is not simple if the approach lacks coordination. It's crucial to integrate technical solutions simultaneously from the very beginning of the model. Agricultural extension workers need to work closely with farmers, demonstrating commitment and responsibility to ensure they access new varieties in a systematic way. Models must become "on-site classrooms," attracting farmers and cooperatives to participate from the outset, while also being closely linked to market orientation and clearly defining the consumption timeline.

In his opening remarks at the conference,Deputy Minister Phung Duc TienExpressing admiration for Son La along the roads leading to the Northwest highlands, Son La, once a mountainous province facing many difficulties, has made significant strides thanks to agriculture, affirming the resilience of its people who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility.

However, specific problems remain: agricultural products are seasonal, harvests are concentrated, and prices are volatile. This necessitates improvements in everything from seeds and cultivation processes to preliminary processing, final processing, and finding markets for consumption.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien believes that the longan tree, with a firm, well-structured, and market-linked approach, can absolutely become a key export industry. (Photo:)Duc Binh.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, many longan orchards inSon LaCurrently, the yield is 1.3-1.5 times higher than before, providing stable income for farmers. This is proof of the effectiveness of applying science and technology to production. Longan cultivation, with a firm, well-structured, and closed-loop approach linked to the market, can absolutely become a key export industry.

Deputy Minister Tien suggested that localities proactively propose mechanisms and invest in agricultural infrastructure, including electricity, irrigation, transportation, and warehousing, to support farmers in selling their agricultural products and aiming for export.

"Looking broadly, the agricultural sector has a continuous, closely linked flow: from research - seed recognition - technology transfer - cooperatives and businesses applying the technology - local authorities accompanying - ministries and sectors providing support. I greatly appreciate the spirit of Son La and the Northwest provinces: passion, dedication, and a willingness to think outside the box and take action to bring about progress."Northwest agriculture"In particular, Vietnamese agriculture in general has reached a new level," Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized.