Deputy Minister: Dak Lak needs to advance deep processing for farm exports

On the afternoon of May 13, continuing a working trip to Dak Lak, a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment led by Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung visited and held a working session at Chanh Thu Export Fruit Processing Factory under Chanh Thu Fruit Export-Import Group Joint Stock Company (Chanh Thu Group), located in Nam Ky hamlet, Cuor Dang commune.

At the working session, Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of Chanh Thu Group, introduced the factory's operational process, from the post-harvest receiving area and frozen segment processing line to whole-fruit cold storage at –25°C.

According to Chanh Thu Group, in 2022, the company invested more than VND 400 billion to expand the factory in Nam Ky hamlet, Cuor Dang commune, Dak Lak province. The factory currently specializes in processing frozen products such as durian, mango, jackfruit, passion fruit, and avocado for export to more than 20 countries, with a total capacity of approximately 70,000 tons of frozen agricultural products per year.

Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy noted that the Group is linking with farmers to secure product consumption at market prices. However, the development of planting area codes in the locality still faces challenges due to limited numbers and implementation procedures following the merger of administrative units that have yet to meet practical demand.

"In the coming period, the Group will continue to coordinate with local authorities to support farmers in completing planting area codes to meet traceability requirements and export standards. At the same time, Chanh Thu Group also aims to develop large-scale raw material areas, combined with a product showcase and rest stop complex of around 60 hectares to promote local agricultural products," said Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy.

Speaking at the working session, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung highly appreciated the role of Chanh Thu Group in purchasing, processing, and consuming agricultural products for farmers. According to the Deputy Minister, the enterprise has demonstrated strategic vision by proactively investing in modern technology, developing raw material areas, and expanding processing systems that meet international standards.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung emphasized that for Vietnamese agricultural products to achieve sustainable exports, it is essential to ensure transparent production processes from planting areas, full traceability, and compliance with food safety standards required by import markets.

The Deputy Minister urged Chanh Thu Group to continue promoting deep processing, diversifying products, and expanding export markets beyond China. In particular, the company should further develop frozen, segmented, and value-added processed products to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

Following the visit, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung and the delegation visited the raw material area and banana processing plant of KD Green Farm Joint Stock Company in Vu Bon commune, Dak Lak province.

Reporting to the Deputy Minister, Mr. Phan Nguyen Huy Hoang, CEO of KD Green Farm Joint Stock Company, said the company began developing its banana raw material area in 2018, which has now reached nearly 600 hectares. According to Mr. Hoang, the area’s climate and soil conditions are well suited to banana growing, enabling strong growth with yields reaching approximately 500 tons/hectare.

The company's main export markets are South Korea and Japan, with selling prices ranging from VND 19,000 to VND 20,000/kg. Revenue reaches nearly VND 1 billion/hectare, delivering high economic efficiency compared to many other crops while generating stable employment and income for nearly 1,000 local workers.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung highly valued KD Green Farm's banana-growing model and suggested the company expand raw material supply, enhance production value, and step up deep processing to increase the value of agricultural products, thereby contributing to the sector's development in the coming period.

$1 = VND 26,379 - Source: Vietcombank.