Phu Giao: Restoring pepper gardens

As a key crop of Phu Giao, pepper once covered around 500 hectares, generating stable income for many households thanks to favorable soil conditions. However, volatile prices and prolonged diseases caused many pepper gardens to decline, forcing farmers to cut them down. Now, with positive market signals, pepper gardens are gradually recovering. Behind this revival is a shift in farming practices, from experience-based production to standardized processes, technical application, and stronger production linkages, thereby opening up a more sustainable development path for this crop.

Science and technology applied in the gardens

According to the People's Committee of Phu Giao Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, although the area of pepper is no longer as large as before, nearly 50 households in the locality remain committed to this crop. They are the ones who have preserved the "lifeline" of the pepper-growing region during its most difficult period, while gradually introducing technical advances into production.

Ms. Bui Thi Thuy Thom, Chairwoman of the Farmers' Union of Phu Giao commune, said that local farmers have a long tradition of pepper growing and extensive experience in seed selection and crop care. However, pepper is a highly demanding crop in terms of technique. "From seedling propagation, planting, pruning, vine tying, fertilization, to pest and disease control, every step must strictly follow technical procedures. Just one mistake at any stage can affect the entire garden," she said.

During cultivation, irrigation water is a particularly critical factor. Mr. Bui Thanh Hai, a farmer in Cay Cam hamlet, explained that pepper plants are highly sensitive to moisture, so watering must be carefully calculated. "If there is too little water, the plants suffer from drought stress; too much water causes waterlogging, weakening the plants and eventually leading to root rot. To maintain a stable pepper garden, water regulation must be reasonably implemented," Mr. Hai shared.

From these strict requirements, the application of science and technology has become a particularly important factor in ensuring safe and sustainable pepper production. For pepper growers, technology begins with practical changes such as automated irrigation systems, soil moisture monitoring, and crop care based on standardized procedures. These solutions enable farmers to better cope with erratic weather, reduce labor costs, and minimize risks.

To support farmers in recovering pepper plants, the locality has implemented an integrated management model in line with GAP standards. Currently, the Phu Giao Pepper Production Cooperative Group comprises 18 households with a total area of around 50 hectares and has achieved GlobalGAP certification. The adoption of these standards helps farmers establish more methodical cultivation processes, from seed selection and crop care to harvesting and preservation.

According to Ms. Bui Thi Thuy Thom, when farmers follow the correct procedures, pepper yields increase by 15–20% compared to traditional methods, while quality is also improved. More importantly, farmers have changed their production mindset, understanding that long-term cultivation requires strict adherence to technical standards.

This year, the harvest season showed positive signs. Mr. Bui Thanh Hai noted, "Overall, this crop has been more favorable, with yields reaching about 2–3 tons per hectare depending on each garden. Pepper prices have also improved compared to previous years, allowing farmers to make a profit and gain more motivation to continue investing in crop care."

Phu Giao pepper recovers

While science and technology help pepper plants become healthier and more productive, production linkages are the key factor enabling pepper to reach broader markets. After many difficult periods, Phu Giao farmers have gradually realized that fragmented production makes it hard to achieve sustainable growth. Long-term pepper cultivation requires not only good techniques but also more effective forms of production organization.

This is also why the Phu Giao Pepper Production Cooperative Group plays an important role. With 18 households participating across an area of around 50 hectares, the group serves not only as a platform for farmers to share experience but also as a foundation for the synchronous application of technical processes, improving product quality and creating more stable outputs. Following the same direction, pepper is no longer an individual product from each garden but gradually forms an organized production region.

According to Mr. Bui Thanh Hai, linkages among pepper-growing households bring many practical benefits. When farmers share experience, apply techniques together, and pay attention to outputs, production becomes more stable. Linkages provide support on technique updates and good outputs.

Alongside supporting GAP-standard cultivation processes, the locality has also paid attention to strengthening linkages among farmers in pepper production, preservation, and consumption. The establishment of cooperative groups, the synchronous implementation of technical measures, and the sharing of experience have enhanced the value of pepper in the market while laying the groundwork for farmers to adopt standardized production methods with a clearer market orientation.

Ms. Bui Thi Thuy Thom said that in the coming time, the Farmers' Union of Phu Giao Commune will continue to accompany farmers with a range of specific solutions. "We will further strengthen training, transfer science and technology, guide farmers in applying GAP processes, and support access to preferential credit, replanting, and the expansion of cultivation areas in a sustainable direction while also promoting market linkages," Ms. Thom shared.

From the pepper rows turning green again, it is evident that Phu Giao's pepper sector is recovering on a new foundation: built on science and technology, driven by linkages, gradually enhancing product value, and creating more sustainable livelihoods for farmers.