Binh Thuan: Exploiting the Dragon Fruit Economy

DNHN - Binh Thuan, a province in Vietnam known for having the largest dragon fruit growing area in the country, is undergoing a major transformation to exploit the economic potential of the “red gold” - dragon fruit.

By applying advanced farming techniques and strictly managing product quality, Binh Thuan has not only consolidated its position in the domestic market but is also expanding its influence in the international market.

Binh Thuan dragon fruit is highly valued for its quality, with its characteristic sweet taste and firm flesh texture. This product not only meets nutritional needs but is also a valuable export source, bringing in significant foreign currency for the locality, thereby contributing to improving the lives of people from farmers to businesses.

To optimise the economic value of dragon fruit, Binh Thuan is investing in improving cultivation techniques, from applying water-saving irrigation technology to controlling agricultural pests and diseases. Branding and marketing programmes are also being stepped up to raise awareness and the image of Binh Thuan dragon fruit in the international market.

The province is also promoting the development of value chains linking production to processing and consumption, to create products with high added value. In addition to focusing on the domestic market, Binh Thuan also focuses on promoting trade and expanding partnerships with countries such as China, South Korea, and EU countries, where demand for dragon fruit is increasing.

Developing the economy based on dragon fruit not only brings great economic value but also indirectly contributes to environmental protection and sustainable development. As the agricultural sector shifts towards a green and clean direction, dragon fruit becomes a testament to an environmentally friendly business model, while providing jobs and stable incomes for local people.

In 2024, the Binh Thuan Provincial Department of Industry and Trade estimates that it will spend about 1.5 - 2 billion VND to implement solutions to support the development and expansion of the Binh Thuan dragon fruit consumption market. The Department of Industry and Trade has developed a plan to develop and expand the domestic and foreign consumption market for Binh Thuan dragon fruit products in 2024, to support businesses, cooperatives, and dragon fruit production and trading establishments in the province to develop and expand their production of goods.

This plan also focuses on information and communication, encouraging people to develop dragon fruit areas following the planning and market demand, and educating people about the meaning and importance of producing dragon fruit according to standards. This not only increases productivity and product quality but also develops distribution channels, expands the consumer market, and boosts exports.

Binh Thuan is developing its economy by expanding dragon fruit production and exports, using modern farming techniques and deep processing to create high-value products, especially for the international market. This development not only increases income for local people but also helps promote innovation in the agricultural sector and marketing programmes, bringing long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Quang Duy - Van Nguyen