Farmers in the Mekong Delta have exported watermelon seeds for the first time to Japan. — Photo courtesy of Loc Troi Group
The first batch of watermelon seeds produced by farmers in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta provinces of Tien Giang and Hau Giang have been exported to Japan.
After two years of research and a pilot programme, farmers produced seeds meeting Japan’s strict standards with technical support from the Loc Troi Group and Japan’s Hagihara Farm Company. The seed variety produces seedless watermelons.
Production of watermelon seeds were piloted on an area of 0.3ha by three farmers in Gia Lai, Tien Giang and Hau Giang provinces.
Weather conditions in Tien Giang and Hau Giang provinces are favourable to planting watermelons with high-quality fruits and seeds.
Meanwhile, production in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai failed because of the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Tran Viet Truong, one of the three farmers in Hau Giang Province’s Chau Thanh District, said the production process required much more advanced techniques compared to normal commercial watermelons.
“They must meet strict standards for soil quality and temperature, and separate seedless plants from others to avoid unwanted pollination,” he said.
The chairman of the management board and general director of Loc Troi Group, Huynh Van Thon, said the group would continue to support local farmers in promoting cooperation with Hagihara Farm.
“The success of exporting watermelon seeds to Japan reflects the farmers' production capacity, which meets regional and world standards,” he said.
Established in 1993, Loc Troi Group is a leading provider of agricultural services and products in Viet Nam, building value chain models for sustainable rice production.
Its engineers have built close links with thousands of farmers to provide seeds and agricultural inputs for large-scale rice fields.
With over 100 years of development, Hagihara Farm Co., Ltd is a specialised watermelon-breeding farm.
The company breeds three types of plants (melons, watermelons and grafting stock) through the application of biotechnology, seed sales and production, and technological development and guidance. — VNS