- Booth of the Southern Fruits Research Institute (SOFRI), an associate member of TFNet
CAO LANH CITY, VIETNAM: The 1st Festival of Safe VAC products was organized by the Southern Vietnam Gardening Association (VACVINA), in cooperation with newspaper Rural Economy and the local Dongthap provincial government on 15-20 April 2012.
The festival highlighted agricultural products grown and raised from an ecosystem that closely integrates gardening, fish rearing, and animal husbandry. VAC stands for Vietnamese words vuon (garden), ou (fish pond), and chuong (animal shed).
More than 200 participants from 14 provinces in South Vietnam displayed their products in kiosks to more than 40,000 visitors. Products included the latest farming technology and equipment, organic and fresh agricultural products, and seedlings.
Visiting farmers and agriculture enthusiasts also attended different workshops on the VAC farming system that aim to meet GAP (good agriculture practice) standards for improved food quality.
The first workshop discussed the value chain of VAC safe products including the development of the products from production to market, fruit production and trading in the Mekong Delta, safe fish and pig production, the value chain of Vietgap pomelo and pink mandarin, and export of Vietnamese fruits.
The second workshop discussed the applications of science & technology in the VAC system. These include biotechnology, organic farming, role of pesticides in safe VAC production, treatment of fish ponds & husbandry cages, benefits of proper fruit bags, pest and disease management, and cattle husbandry.
The last seminar highlighted mechanization in agricultural production. These include the application of laser-controlled leveling machines in large production areas, machines for rice and sugarcane production, technology and machinery for animal husbandry feed production, postharvest technologies for dragon fruit and papaya, and the Taiwanese experiences in mechanization.
Former Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong graced the festival with his presence. Other VIPs include the president of VACVINA and local government leaders from Cao Lanh City and surrounding provinces.
TFNet CEO Yacob Ahmad was one of the esteemed guests of the festival.