The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the southern province of Vinh Long is joining with the Green Path Viet Nam Trading and Import-Export Company to increase mango exports to the US.

A ceremony to ink the co-operation agreement was held in the province on Wednesday. Green Path will provide technical support and update the importer’s requirements to local farmers, helping them adopt more efficient farming practices.

Vinh Long Province is home to nearly 44,500ha of fruit-growing areas, yielding more than 440,900 tonnes per year, 4,900ha of mango, or 11 per cent of its total orchard areas, are being cultivated across the districts of Vung Liem, Mang Thit and Tam Binh.

The province has grown more than 93ha of mango under VietGap standards while granting management and traceability codes for mango, rambutan, longan and pomelo.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Van Liem said technical barriers remain the biggest challenge to Viet Nam’s agricultural production. That mangoes are entering such demanding markets as the US is a good sign for the province’s farms, he said.

The official also advised local farmers to ensure safety and sustainability, as well as to follow production methods agreed upon with businesses. — VNS