Phu Giao charts a steady and sustainable path for pepper cultivation

After years of market fluctuations, pepper cultivation in Phu Giao, Ho Chi Minh City, is being reassessed as a crop with considerable growth potential when supported by the right investments. Rather than expanding cultivation areas, local authorities are focusing on science and technology, improving product quality, strengthening branding, and promoting more sustainable production systems.

Although pepper cultivation has been affected by volatile prices and disease outbreaks, the crop remains an integral part of local agriculture. Building on this foundation, Phu Giao is pursuing a quality-driven development strategy that emphasizes improved varieties, better cultivation techniques, efficient irrigation, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management to enhance productivity and increase product value.

Revitalizing Aging Pepper Plantations

A key feature of the current approach is the integration of science and technology directly into everyday farming practices. From replanting aging pepper gardens with high-quality, disease-resistant varieties to adopting water-saving irrigation systems, balanced fertilizer application, and integrated pest management, every measure is designed to reduce production risks while improving efficiency and profitability.

Vu Hai Ly, Chairman of the Phu Giao Commune People's Committee, said: "The commune is committed to developing a sustainable pepper industry by improving productivity and product quality, encouraging farmers to adopt safe production standards, and gradually transitioning toward organic cultivation. We will also accelerate the replanting of aging pepper gardens with high-quality, disease-resistant varieties while expanding the adoption of advanced farming practices, including water-efficient irrigation, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management."

Rather than focusing on short-term production gains, Phu Giao is shifting toward a more stable, safe, and resilient pepper industry. As pepper is a highly sensitive crop, shortcomings in any stage of cultivation can affect the health and productivity of an entire plantation. Integrating scientific and technological advances into production is therefore not only a long-term strategy but also a practical necessity to help farmers reduce risks, maintain healthy crops, and improve overall farming efficiency.

Nguyen Hung Hai, Director of the Phu Giao Commune Public Service Center, believes that integrating technical expertise with on-the-ground farming practices is essential to providing more effective support for growers.

"Regular field inspections and the application of science and technology are crucial for helping local authorities and businesses gain a clear understanding of production conditions. When all stakeholders work together to inspect fields and orchards, potential risks can be identified early and addressed with appropriate solutions before pest or disease outbreaks become widespread," Hai said.

From this perspective, science and technology are no longer abstract concepts but have become an integral part of modern agricultural production. Close collaboration among local authorities, agricultural specialists, and farmers enables early detection of crop abnormalities and timely intervention. This approach helps minimize losses, particularly for sensitive crops such as pepper.

What pepper growers need today is not only a favorable harvest but also the confidence to continue investing in and cultivating the crop over the long term. With improved varieties, more science-based cultivation practices, and timely technical support, pepper plantations will have a stronger foundation for stable and sustainable development.

A Flexible but Steady Path Forward

Achieving sustainable pepper production requires more than improved cultivation techniques. Long-term success also depends on stronger production linkages and greater value creation, both of which have become key priorities in Phu Giao's development strategy.

According to Vu Hai Ly, alongside technical improvements, the commune will promote production and marketing linkages through cooperative groups and agricultural cooperatives while strengthening partnerships with businesses that purchase pepper under contract. The locality will also expand farmer training, technology transfer, and brand development to establish pepper products that meet OCOP standards.

Pepper is now being viewed within a broader development vision. Rather than simply preserving a crop that has traditionally been one of the area's agricultural strengths, Phu Giao aims to build a high-quality, branded agricultural product with a stronger market presence. By organizing growers into cooperative groups and cooperatives and connecting them with businesses, pepper farmers can secure more stable market access, reduce reliance on informal trading channels, and create greater opportunities to enhance their products' value.

At the same time, efforts to build a strong brand and develop OCOP-certified products carry significant strategic value. As agricultural markets place increasing emphasis on food safety, traceability, and product quality, long-term competitiveness can no longer rely solely on production volume. By linking Phu Giao pepper to clearly identified growing areas, safe production practices, and a commitment to sustainable development, the crop will be better positioned to establish a stronger presence and gain greater recognition in the marketplace.

Drawing on current production realities, Phu Giao has chosen a measured yet forward-looking path for its pepper industry: building on science and technology as the foundation, using technical extension as the bridge, strengthening production linkages as the driving force, and pursuing sustainable value creation as the ultimate goal. This strategy is not only about preserving a crop that has long been part of the local farming landscape, but also about opening a new chapter for the region's agriculture through a more modern, sustainable, and efficient development model.