SUB-PROJECT 5 CONDUCTS FIELD SURVEY TO SELECT SITE FOR PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEM (PGS) PILOT IN SAFE DRAGON FRUIT PRODUCTION
Within the framework of Phase 1 of the IUC-QNU Project, the members of Project 5, led by Dr. Truong Thi Thanh Phuong – Local team leader of Project 5, conducted a field survey in Binh Thuan province in order to ascertain the current situation and identify an optimal site for the pilot implementation of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in safe dragon fruit production.
From July 16th to July 18th, the working group, in collaboration with two experts from the Center for Organic Agriculture Development Support (CODAS), conducted a survey to assess basic market conditions, awareness of safe production among stakeholders in the dragon fruit supply chain, and the support of local authorities and state management agencies. The team worked with farmers at three cooperatives: Ham Minh 30 Cooperative, Ham Cuong Cooperative (Ham Thuan Nam District), and Phu Hoi Cooperative (Ham Thuan Bac District). During these meetings, the experts and the working group attentively listened to the valuable insights of the dragon fruit farmers regarding the challenges they encountered, the solutions they were implementing, and their aspirations for participating in the pilot project. The cooperation of the local farmers will play a crucial role in establishing and implementing the PGS model, fostering the sustainable production of dragon fruit in Binh Thuan.
The team also visited dragon fruit farms to assess locations, soil characteristics, and cultivation practices in order to select an appropriate site for piloting the PGS model.
In addition, the working group engaged with dragon fruit businesses in Ham Thuan Bac and Ham Thuan Nam districts to evaluate their business situations, as well as their interest and willingness to participate in the model.
After the trip, the experts and the working group collaborated to select a suitable location for the PGS pilot. Project 5 is set to proceed with the next steps for implementing the model at the chosen site shortly. With the enthusiasm and determination of the farmers, along with effective coordination from local authorities, the PGS pilot is expected to succeed and bring significant benefits to local dragon fruit farmers.
