Binh Phuoc (VNA) –🐈 The southern province of Binh Phuoc aims to replant 25,000 hectaresand conduct intensive cultivation on another 41,000 hectares of cashew by 2020.

During a working sessionwith the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), local leaders proposedthe Government and the Ministry assist Binh Phuoc to realise its target. The locality willneed to invest 10 million VND (440 USD) to enhance the productivity of eachhectare, and 20 million VND (880 USD) to replant each hectare of cashew trees,however, it faces financial difficulties. Therefore, BinhPhuoc called for either non-interest loans or 3-10 year term loans for thework. It also suggested a project to trainlocal farmers in sustainable production. MARD DeputyMinister Le Quoc Doanh said the ministry will review the province’s proposals anddevelop long-term solutions to develop sustainable cashew material area. Focus will also beput on building infrastructure, applying science-technology, production,replacing old plants, improving productivity and selecting varieties to ensuresustainable cashew development. Doanh urgedrelevant bodies to propose a legal framework to support industrial crops’development, and report to the Prime Minister for approval, with priority oncashew trees in Binh Phuoc province. To improveproductivity and product quality, the provincial People’s Committee instructeddistricts and townships to replace old and low-yield cashew planting areas withnew varieties and use advanced science-technology in production. Climate changeadaptation measures will be applied in cashew production to minimise the impactof weather and diseases on productivity. A favourable legalframework will also be developed to facilitate the sustainable and stabledevelopment of the cashew sector. Large-scale cashewgrowing areas will be established in tandem with cashew productioncooperatives, encouraging connection between farmers and investors. The province wantsinternational and local businesses to invest in the sector while fosteringlinks to expand export markets, with a focus on processing to increase productvalue. According to the Ministry,Vietnam has nearly 300,000 hectares of cashew plants, and each produced 704 kgon average in 2017, down 50 percent from 2016. Research showsthat old and low-yield cashew growing areas are increasing nationwide,particularly in key cashew production localities, including 50,000 hectares inQuang Tri, 10,800 hectares in Dong Nai, 2,000 hectares in Ba Ria- Vung Tau,12,800 hectares in Binh Thuan, 3,700 hectares in Gia Lai and 700 hectares inDak Nong. Binh Phuoc alonehas 134,170 hectares of cashew growing area, nearly half of the nation’s totalcoverage, producing 150,000 tonnes per year, and earning more than 500 millionUSD from exporting cashew nuts. Cashew is a keyindustrial plant that helps the province realise its target of povertyreduction, particularly among ethnic minority groups.-VNA