HÀ NỘI — CJ Group of the Republic of Korea (RoK) announced on May 14 that it has provided over VNĐ4.2 billion (nearly US$162,000) to support a project expanding chilli farming areas in the south-central province of Ninh Thuận.

The initiative is expected to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

The funding will focus on expanding cultivation areas and increasing farmer participation through the provision of seeds, fertilisers and machinery. It also aims to strengthen the capacity of local cooperatives and processing facilities.

Notably, Korean experts will be dispatched to provide technical support in cultivation and production, helping to better the quality and efficiency of the local agricultural value chain.

In May 2025, many households in Tầm Ngân village, Lâm Sơn commune, Ninh Sơn district of Ninh Thuận have resumed chilli cultivation after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CJ Group has provided free chilli seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to participating farmers. Meanwhile, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has sent Korean volunteers and experts to Tầm Ngân to support the project.

Previously, local farmers planted only one chilli crop per year. Thanks to the project, they are now able to cultivate two crops annually. In 2025, the project initially aimed to plant three hectares of chilli, but due to growing farmer participation, the area is expected to expand to five hectares.

The estimated chilli powder output for 2025 is projected at 3.6 to 4 tonnes. Notably, Ninh Thuận chilli powder brand has officially returned to the shelves of Bách Hóa Xanh and Co.op Mart supermarket chains, marking a key milestone in the restoration of the local value chain from production to consumption.

Since 2014, the project has helped improve living conditions for farmers in Tầm Ngân village by increasing incomes through chilli farming contracts with local farmers. In 2017, CJ officially inaugurated Tầm Ngân agricultural processing plant, ensuring stable purchases of local chilli products.

After being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has entered a strong recovery since 2023, with chilli powder products being reintroduced to the market, marking a significant step in reaffirming the quality of local agricultural products. — VNS