The Vietnam Farm Expo 2015 opens in HCM City yesterday. — Photo doanhnhansaigon

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The agriculture sector saw a growth rate of 5.9 per cent over the first nine months of the year, with increased production value helped by higher-quality seeds and seedlings, according to the director of HCM City's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Nguyen Phuoc Trung said the sector had maintained an annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent between 2011 and 2014 although the farming area has reduced in size.

Trung spoke at the Vietnam Farm Expo 2015, which opened yesterday in HCM City.

Last year, the average production value of one hectare was about VND325 million (US$14,440) per year, the country's highest value. It is expected to reach VND375 million ($16,660) per hectare this year.

Nearly 100 enterprises with 200 booths are showcasing high-quality agricultural produce that meet Vietnamese Good Agriculture Practices (VietGAP) and Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALGAP) standards as well as agricultural machinery and seedlings at the Vietnam Farm Expo 2015. — VNS Photo Thu Hang

Over the first nine months, the city exported more than 1,600 tonnes of fruit and vegetables to many countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Last year, it exported about 1,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables.

Th expo has attracted nearly 100 enterprises with 200 booths showcasing farm machinery and high-quality agricultural produce that meet Vietnamese Good Agriculture Practices (VietGAP) and Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALGAP).

The five-day event at Tan Binh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Tan Binh District was co-organised by the HCM City Business Association and Dong Nam Advertising and Commercial Promotion Joint-Stock Company. —VNS