As part of the implementation of the project "BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE PEA NUT CULTIVATION PROCESS IN TRA VINH PROVINCE," on August 27, 2024, the High Agricultural Technology Research Institute for Mekong Delta, in collaboration with the Plant Protection and Cultivation Sub-Department of Tra Vinh Province, conducted a training session for local officials and farmers in Sa Van A Hamlet, Long Son Commune, Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province.

Figure 1: Overview of the training session

At the beginning of the session, Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh Tran (the project leader) shared the objectives, implementation content, and economic benefits of the project. Additionally, a representative from the High Agricultural Technology Research Institute for Mekong Delta discussed the progress made so far. According to Ms. Tran, "Under the direction of the Department of Science and Technology of Tra Vinh Province, the institute has completed about 80% of the project’s work. Today, we are conducting a training session on the VietGAP process covering an area of 30 hectares in two districts. Participating in the model according to VietGAP standards will enhance the value of agricultural products, improve quality, and avoid price pressure, bringing economic benefits to peanut growers."

Figure 2: Ms. Khanh Tran introducing the opening of the training session

Afterward, Mr. Trang Tung, representing the Plant Protection and Cultivation Sub-Department of Tra Vinh Province, provided an overview of the development of peanut cultivars in the local area and some pest control measures. He shared, "In the local area, previously, peanut cultivars like Dau Vo, MD7, and L14 were widely cultivated. These cultivars have high yields, pest resistance, and quality, with forms favored by the market and traders. Therefore, they were widely grown and developed by farmers. Combining the VietGAP process to add value to agricultural products is very important." He also emphasized the importance of mechanization in harvesting peanuts and the need for research on high-quality peanut cultivars.

Figure 3: Mr. Trang Tung presenting the development of peanut varieties in the local area

The next report was presented by Mr. Pham Thanh Ton on "AWARENESS OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (GAP) ACCORDING TO VIETGAP STANDARDS (TCVN 11892-1:2017) IN PEANUT CULTIVATION." He provided an overview of the VietGAP standards and guided farmers in understanding the application of the process. According to him, this is an essential factor in avoiding the situation of high prices but poor harvests and is also one of the standards required for export, especially to markets like China. Through his report, local officials and farmers gained a better understanding of the implementation and showed great interest in these standards.

 

 

 

Figure 4: Mr. Pham Thanh Ton presenting the VietGAP standards

After the experts' presentations, the farmers engaged in discussions and asked several related questions, all of which were thoroughly answered by the experts. Local representatives reiterated the benefits of participating in the VietGAP model and thanked the Institute and the company for sharing these standards. The farmers agreed to participate in this model and follow the provided guidelines.
At the end of the training session, Ms. Khanh Tran thanked the local officials, departments, and farmers for attending. The institute representatives promised to assist the farmers in implementing the cultivation process towards sustainable development for peanuts. Finally, the representative from the Tra Vinh Department of Science and Technology congratulated the success of the training session and reminded the institute to adhere to the project schedule and ensure proper financial reporting as outlined in the project proposal.

Figure 5: Farmers and local officials discussing and exchanging ideas

The training session concluded at 11:00 AM. The farmers were delighted and excited to learn about the new technical processes and VietGAP standards for peanuts. Everyone took a group photo and enjoyed lunch together.

Figure 6: Local officials and farmers taking a commemorative photo