Dak Nong (VNA) – A programme themed “Dak Nong: Ripe Avocado Season”, the first of its kind, isunderway in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong to promote theprovince’s speciality among consumers, fruit processors and exporters.

The programme, which takes place from July18 – 23, features a variety of events, including a rite to celebrate theavocado harvest season, an avocado trade fair, a business matching event toconnect buyers and suppliers, a workshop on the sustainable development ofavocado farming and a contest to find the best avocados.

The avocado harvest rite was held on theopening day with UNESCO representatives invited to join as guests. The host andvisitors sang together while other family members played the gong and danced towelcome the guests.

Offerings included the province’s specialitiesthat are in season, namely avocado, rice and corn. The head of the ritualprayed to invite deities and ancestors to the festival and ask for good healthand bumpy crops.

The festival serves as a platform foravocado farmers, businesses and State agencies to meet, share experience andseek partnerships. It is also an opportunity for Dak Nong to introduce to thepublic the diversity of high-quality avocado varieties grown in the province inaccordance with international standards and food safety requirements.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman ofthe provincial People’s Committee Ton Thi Ngoc Hanh said Dak Nong’s plan tomake avocado a local staple has received big support from other cities andprovinces and some foreign countries.

She expected that this year’s “Dak Nong:Ripe Avocado Season” will mark a promising start for the sustainable growth ofavocado in the province.

Dak Nong is one of the provinces with thebiggest avocado farming areas and output in Vietnam. It is currently home tonearly 2,600ha of avocado trees, accounting for some 20 percent of the localfruit cultivating area, with an average output of 10-15 tonnes per ha. Avocadofarming is particularly concentrated in Dak Mil, Dak R’lap, Dak Song, and DakGlong districts and Gia Nghia town.

With its terrain, climate and soil conditionsdifferent from those of other provinces, Dak Nong is able to plant many avocadovarieties bearing fruit from January through to November. Local avocados arealso preferred by domestic and foreign consumers thanks to their large size,appealing appearance and rich nutrition, the official noted. -VNA