Báo cáo khoa học nông nghiệp " Reducing pesticide resides, improving yield, quality and marketing of vegetables crops in Northern Central Vietnam through improved varieties, GAP principles and farmer focused training " MS12 ppt

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Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development


Project Progress Report




021/06VIE

Reducing pesticide resides, improving yield, quality
and marketing of vegetables crops in Northern
Central Vietnam through improved varieties, GAP
principles and farmer focused training


MS12
: Project Completion Report






1
Table of Contents

1. Institute Information ___________________________________________________ 1

2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________________ 2
3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________________ 2
4. Introduction & Background _____________________________________________ 3
5. Progress to Date _______________________________________________________ 4
5.1 Implementation Highlights ________________________________________________ 4
5.2 Capacity Building _______________________________________________________ 14
5.3 Publicity_______________________________________________________________ 14
5.4 Project Management ____________________________________________________ 14
5.5 Environment ___________________________________________________________ 14
5.6 Gender and Social Issues _________________________________________________ 15
6. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ___________________________________ 15
6.1 Issues and Constraints ___________________________________________________ 15
6.2 Options________________________________________________________________ 15
6.3 Sustainability___________________________________________________________ 15
7. Next Critical Steps ____________________________________________________ 15
8. Conclusion __________________________________________________________ 15

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1. Institute Information
Project Name
Reducing pesticide residues, improving yield, quality and
marketing of vegetable crops in Northern Central Vietnam
through improved varieties, GAP principles and farmer
focused training
Vietnamese Institution
Agricultural Science Institute for Northern Central Vietnam.
(“ASINCV”), Nghi Kim, Vinh city, Nghe An province, VN
Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Dr Chuong
Australian Organisation

Applied Horticultural Research Pty. Ltd.(AHR) ACN 073
642 510
Suite 352 Biomedical Building; 1 Central Ave
Everleigh NSW 2015 Australia
Australian Personnel
Prof. Gordon Rogers
Date commenced
March 2007
Completion date (original)
December 2009
Completion date (revised)
March 2010
Reporting period
Milestone achieved December 2009
Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Name:
Assoc Prof. Gordon Rogers
Telephone:
+61 2 8627 1040
Position:
Project Leader
Fax:
+61 2 9544 3782
Organisation
AHR, Applied Horticultural Research
352, Biomedical Building,
1 Central Avenue,
Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh
N.S.W. 2015 Australia

Email:


In Australia: Administrative contact
Name:
Lynn Christie
Telephone:
+61 2 9527 0826
Position:
Administrator
Fax:
+61 2 9544 3782
Organisation
AHR, Applied Horticultural Research. PO
Box 3114, Bundeena NSW 2230, Australia
Email:


In Vietnam
Name:
Dr Pham Van Chuong
Telephone:
+84 (903) 221 612

Position:
Team Leader Vietnam
Fax:
+84(0) 38 851 981
Organisation
Agricultural Science Institute for

Northern Central Vietnam. (“ASINCV”)
Nghi Kim, Vinh city, Nghe An
province, Vietnam
Email:
chuong.phamvan@gmai
l.com

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2. Project Abstract















3. Executive Summary
The project uses a participatory approach to encourage the uptake of good agricultural practices
(GAP) by the collaborating Vietnamese Institutes and the stakeholders (farmers, extension staff and
commercial partners). The project includes several training initiatives. Such as the establishment of
demonstration variety and GAP trials which are the basis of farmer field days, postharvest research
investigating temperature management and packaging along the supply chain and market

development.

The project was officially signed on the 10
th
March 2007. An initial pesticide residue survey found
that 46% of vegetables samples contained pesticide residues in excess of the allowable limits and by
the end of the project this was reduced to zero. Farmer skills have improved significantly to the point
where they can now successfully grow and supply commercial quantities of high-quality vegetable
crops with pesticide residues below legal requirements for safe human consumption.

Powerful market linkages have been formed between Metro Cash and Carry in Hanoi and the two
main communes we worked with on the project. Prior to this project, Metro dealt only with collectors
or traders. The new linkage were possible because of the commune system which allows farmers to
deal collectively with larger retail entities. At the completion of the project farmers regularly supplied
50 to 100 tonnes of cabbage and watermelon per season to modern retail markets in Hanoi from the
Nghe An region. The farmers have also diversified into supplying other safe vegetables including
Chinese cabbage, tomatoes and carrots to retail markets in Hanoi.

The first VietGAP complaint manuals for vegetable crops have been produced by the project in
English and Vietnamese language. The Quynh Luong commune has achieved VietGAP accreditation
and now has a dedicated 15 ha area for producing safe vegetable crops.


An IPM program for watermelon production has been developed and implemented in consultation
with ASINCV staff and PPD staff in Vietnam. Improved postharvest handling methods have been
developed, and training implemented. There was a large increase in the percentage of farmers using
improved vegetable varieties. For cabbage, 100% of the crops are improved varieties whereas in
2007 the figure was only 50%. Leafy vegetables have also increased from 69% up 80% of new
varieties. Kohlrabi and Brassica vegetables are now planted with increasing percentage of new
Vegetable farming in Vietnam can bring an attractive income of around 20-30 Million VND per

year which represents 80-90% of the average farming family income. There is potential to
increase these returns to growers by maximizing yield and quality of the produce they grow. This
project aims to improve the income of smallholders by encouraging them to adopt clean and
sustainable production practices. This will involve providing high yielding; disease resistant
varieties of watermelon and cabbage, providing information and training in Good Agricultural
Practice. The introduction of new varieties and GAP will be implanted using a participatory
approach with farmer field days and workshops lead by leading Australian industry consultants.
The highlight from this reporting period is the production of high quality cabbages using GAP at
Quynh Luong Commune and Hung Duong Co-operative and the enthusiasm from Metro Cash and
Carry to sell these products in the Hanoi store. This is a very positive step for developing an
alternative supply chain for these farmers which could be more reliable and profitable than the
existing ones they use. The use of IPM and the agronomic record books has also been an
important first steps for the adoption of a QA system for the growers.

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varieties. There have also been major changes in fertilizer use from 2007-2009. In 2007 vegetable
growers used only single inorganic fertilizers, but by 2009 farmers used compost together with
applications of complete NPK fertilizers. There were also improvements in the method of fertilizer
application used between 2007 and 2009, with a clear trend to more GAP-complaint methods.

The yield and incomes from key groups of vegetables have increased significantly over the three
years of the project. Average prices for watermelon have doubled from 1800 VND/kg to 3500
VND/kg while cabbage prices to farmers increased by 20% to 2500 VND/kg. The improved practices
have also resulted in higher yields, adding to the positive effects on commodity prices. Cabbage yield
was 41 tonnes/ha in 2007, and increased to 50 tonnes/ha in 2009. Watermelon yields increased from
30 to 38 tonnes/ha.

Two Vietnamese scientists, who were nominated from ASINCV, visited Australia from the 12
th
– 18

th

August 2007. The scientists visited Australian growers and markets. They also worked with the
Australian partners to develop aspects of the GAP manual and particularly the quality assurance
aspects based on the NSW Department of Primary Industries FreshCare
®
program. Three scientists,
Mr. Doan Xuan Canh, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Quyen and Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang from ASINCV in
Vinh City visited Australia between the 10
th
and 28
th
February 2008. They visited farms, retailers and
marketers in Australia and attended the Australian Melon Conference in Ipswich, Queensland during
their visit.

Finally, in the words of the leader of the Quynh Luong Commune, the project has resulted in
significant improvement in the income of farmers, because of higher yields and prices, and also an
improvement in their health because of reduced exposure to pesticides.

4. Introduction & Background
Vegetable growing in Vietnam is an important source of income for the country and accounts for 9%
of the total cropping including rice.

There is potential to increase these returns to growers by maximizing yield and quality of the produce
they grow. However, there are several aspects of the vegetable industry in Vietnam which currently
limit expansion and development of the industry and financial returns to farmers, i.e.:

• High pesticide and nitrosamine residues in produce
• Postharvest temperature management and handling technology limits the quality presented to

consumers
• Agronomic practices used by growers can limit potential yields and hence farmer income
• Traditional marketing can limit farmer returns

The project will use a participatory approach to encourage the uptake of good agricultural practices
(GAP) by the collaborating Vietnamese Institutes and the stakeholders (farmers, extension staff and
commercial partners). The project will include several training initiatives. These include the
establishment of demonstration variety and GAP trials which will be the basis of farmer field days,
postharvest research investigating temperature management and packaging along the supply chain,
intensive training of Vietnamese horticulturalists in Australia and the delivery of a large workshop at
the end of the project to ensure the information is available to as wide an audience as possible.

Another important aim is to develop a new and reliable market for growers by establishing supply
chain links with Metro supermarkets. This will mean that the number of steps in the supply chain
will be reduced and the product will reach the final customers more quickly, resulting in a fresher
product with increased demand and sales. As a result, farmers will benefit through increased sales,
more reliable markets, better communication with product buyers and in turn better returns. Retailers

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benefit through reliable supplies of consistent clean product that meets their specifications and thus
improving their sales and returns.

The project is focussed on outdoor farmers adopting methods to produce clean high quality
vegetables by:
o New varieties
o Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)
o Participatory training
o Postharvest research and training
o Developing supply chain links

5. Progress to Date
5.1 Implementation Highlights
The contract for the project was signed on the 10
th
March 2007 after a novation agreement was signed
between the University of Sydney and Applied Horticultural Research Ltd.

A planning meeting was held with all parties in Hanoi and Vinh City during the week of the 25
th
–
31
st
March 2007.

Baseline survey

The first baseline survey was carried out at:
• Hung Dong commune, Vinh city, with 30 farmer households.
• Quynh Luong commune, Quynh Luu district, with 30 farmer households.
• Hung Loi commune, Hung Nguyen district, with 30 farmer households

The survey found that farmers were skilled in traditional vegetable production methods. Many
vegetable crops were grown from local varieties which produced only low yields. Pesticide and
chemical safety was poor at the three surveyed sites for vegetable production. Improved postharvest
handling represented a good opportunity to increase vegetable quality and improve shelf life but
farmers were not interested because of their small scale. Quality Assurance management was not yet
being practiced at the surveyed sites at the start of the project.

Good Agriculture Practice on vegetable production was a new concept with the farmers surveyed.
The follow up survey near the end of the project will be useful to measure the impact of the project on

management practices, especially pesticide handling.

The pesticide residue survey found that 46% of vegetables samples contained pesticide residues in
excess of the allowable limits and it was hoped this figure could be improved by the end of the
project.


Marketing linkages
A powerful marketing linkage was created between Metro Cash and Carry in Hanoi and the two main
communes in Nghe An province. Prior to this project, Metro dealt only with collectors or traders. The
new linkages were possible because of the commune system which allows farmers to deal collectively
with larger retail entities, and efforts by Metro to reciprocate.

Metro Cash and Carry Vietnam were impressed by quality of cabbage when they visited Quynh
Luong in December 2007. They agreed to buy everything that the farmers could produce and wanted
to extend to more products using this system. Mr Cuong from ASINCV visited Quynh Luong

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Commune and negotiated a contract between Metro Cash and Carry and the growers for cabbage this
season. A marketing plan was then developed in collaboration with Metro.


Marketing and supply

The Vinh – Nghe An brand was developed and includes stick-on labels and posters. Stickers for fruit
were designed by a professional graphic design studio in Sydney and 5000 copies of the stickers were
printed and sent to Vietnam. Subsequently, labels have been printed in Vietnam. This development
was funded from the Australian component of the project budget.

The stickers were important to differentiate the GAP-produced produce and identify it as having been

grown under GAP guidelines and therefore free from excessive pesticide residues. The stickers were
supported by in-store posters, training on postharvest handling and marketing present by John Baker
to farmers and retail staff from Metro Hanoi.

Dr Jobling will visited Vietnam in January 2008 to assist with the first harvest of cabbages and Dr
Rogers and Mr Baker visited the following week for the second harvest and to assist with the in store
promotion at Metro Cash and Carry. QA were guidelines have been prepared they are based on the
quality specifications from Metro Cash and Carry. These were distributed to growers and used during
the initial cabbage harvest.

Crop supply scheduling tools were developed which can be used to assist farmers in developing
planting schedules to meet retail orders and also to monitor crop progress. Crop planting and supply
tools have been developed in the form of Excel ® spreadsheets. The tools were developed for
cabbage, watermelon, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes and carrots. The starting point is the quantity and
time each consignment is required by the retailer, e.g., 5 tonne of cabbage per week from January to
March. The program determines planting dates, numbers of seed or seedlings required, area required
each week to produce the required amounts of produce.

By the completion of the project, an understanding of how to successfully market, produce and
deliver high quality vegetable crops was demonstrated by the capability of farmers to regularly supply
50 – 100 tonnes of cabbage and watermelon to modern retail markets in Hanoi from the Nghe An
region. The farmers have also diversified into supplying other safe vegetables including Chinese
cabbage, tomatoes and carrots to retail markets in Hanoi.


Cabbage in plastic crates with “stickers” identifying the Nghe An brand

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Production sites

The two main sites for the project were the Quynh Luong Commune in Quynh Luu and the Hung
Dong Collective in Vinh City. A new watermelon production site was also found for watermelon
production in Nghe An as an alternative to Hung Dong where the soil is too heavy. The new site is at
Dien Phuong and has light sandy soils with well-developed infrastructure for vegetable growing.

The farmers have been able to successfully supply both cabbages and watermelons to Metro Cash and
Carry in Hanoi, from these sites following up the success of the previous cabbage crop. There were
some issues with root diseases, especially Fusarium sp. and this resulted in a lower than expected
delivery to Metro. The expected delivery was 100 tonnes, but only about 70% of this was delivered
due to poor yields from the Hung Dong Collective.


High quality cabbage crops at Quynh Luong


Results of watermelon variety trials

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Successful watermelon crops produced during the project

VietGAP guidelines/manuals in English & Vietnamese

VietGAP manuals for cabbage and watermelon growing have been produced and comply with the
current VietGAP regulation issued by MARD (Resolution No. 379, issued on 28 January 2008 by
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). Low-resolution print versions on these manuals
were submitted to CARD for the purposes of evaluation. High-resolution print versions of the
manuals are also available. The manuals are produced for watermelons and cabbage production in
both English and Vietnamese language. Each manual is in three parts:

Part 1 – The Manual This contains all the crop specific information, requirements for safe vegetable
production: the principles of safe on farm production as well as a list of approved pesticides for
cabbage production in Vietnam. The sections are:

Introduction
How to use the VietGAP Manual: Cabbage
Cabbage best practice guide
• Agronomy
• Pest and disease management
• Harvesting and postharvest management
• Quality assurance
• Specifications for high quality cabbage
• Guidelines for on-farm food safety: an overview
• References Appendices
Appendix 1. Impact of insecticides on natural enemies found in brassica vegetables
Appendix 2. VietGAP: The General Regulation (Resolution No. 379, issued by MARD)
Appendix 3. List of approved chemicals for use in cabbage production in Vietnam

Part 2 Farmer Notebook This for the farmer to record details about each crop. It provides the basis
for traceability of the crop and what was done to the crop during growing, harvesting, packaging and
transport to market. It is designed to be photocopied and there is also a simple word version
available, which can be cheaply printed and used.

Part 3 Checklist This contains a checklist of the 65 requirements for VietGAP compliance.

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Impact of the project on farmer skills

At the start of the project the extent of safe vegetable production and farmer skills in the application

of pesticides, record keeping, modern agronomic techniques, marketing and postharvest skills were
low. By the completion of the project, farmer skills had improved significantly to the point where
they can now successfully grow and supply commercial quantities of high-quality vegetable crops
with pesticide residues below legal requirements for safe human consumption. Evidence for this
achievement was submitted to CARD with milestone 11 in the form of the final pesticide residue and
farmer survey reports.

The capability of farmers to regularly supply 50 – 100 tonnes of cabbage and watermelon to modern
retail markets in Hanoi from the Nghe An region is convincing evidence that project objectives have
been achieved.



New 15 ha of vegetable production area Quynh Luong



Training of farmers and staff at local level

The were a total of 14 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) conducted as part of the project and the total
number of farmers who participated in these schools was 405 (see training summary report attached
to milestone 10). These FFSs were mainly conducted at Quynh Luong and Hung Dong communes,
however there were also two FFSs conducted at the Dien Phuong commune in Nghe An province on
cabbage (September-October 2008) and watermelon production in June-July 2008. Dien Phuong
produced watermelons successfully for one season, but have since diversified into other crops such as
sweet corn and other vegetables. A total of 405 farmers were trained by the project. In addition, there
was considerable effort directed into TOT activities, which will result in ASINCV, MARD and
commune staff being able to continue with similar FFS and other training activities in the future

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Farmer Field School – theory session (Quynh Luong)


Farmer Field School – practical sessions (Quynh Luong)


TOT training activities

There were 30 TOT activities over the three years of the project, excluding the final workshop in
November. At these TOT workshops, there was a total attendance of 844 participants (training
summary attached to milestone 10). Many of the participants attended more than one of these TOT
workshops, and so the total number of people trained would have been less than 844, the total;
number trained would have easily exceeded the suggested total of 50+.

Concluding workshops were held in November 2009 in Hanoi, Quynh Luu and Vinh City and the
total number of delegates at the workshops was 156.





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Implementation of IPM and postharvest handling techniques.

Postharvest trials were conducted and reported by Mr Minh (FAVRI) in collaboration with Dr Jenny
Jobling, University of Sydney. Reports of the research and the training program developed in
postharvest have been submitted to CARD.

An IPM program for watermelon production has been developed and implemented by Tim Kimpton
(AHR) in consultation with ASINCV staff and PPD staff in Vietnam. Training was delivered (see
training summary) and a detailed program is attached to this milestone report. An IPM program for
cabbage was developed early in the project, through a study tour of ASINCV staff to Australia and
consultation with PPD staff in Vietnam. The cabbage IPM program is outlined in detail in the
cabbage VietGAP manual, already submitted to the CARD office.


Dr Jobling discusses cabbage quality with ASINCV staff in Metro Hanoi store



IPM results in high quality watermelon crops at Hung Dong


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Watermelons in cardboard cartons and “stickers” indentifying the Nghe An brand.



Cabbages packed in tradition cane baskets for transport to local markets



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Final survey results

(i) Changes in knowledge, skills attitudes and practices.

There was a significant increase in the number of farmer households growing vegetable in 2010
compared to the start of the project in 2007. E.g., out of the 56 households surveyed in 2007 and the
59 surveyed in 2010, 5 more grew cabbage (from 8 to 13), 17 more grew melons (from 15 to 32), 5
more grew tomatoes (from 7 to 12) and 23 more grew carrots (from 0 to 23).

There was a large increase in the percentage of farmers using improved vegetable varieties. For
cabbage, 100% of the crops are improved varieties whereas in 2007 the figure was only 50%. Leafy
vegetables have also increased from 69% up 80% of new varieties. Kohlrabi and Brassica vegetables
are now planted with increasing percentage of new varieties.

There were significant differences in fertilizer use from 2007 to 2009. In 2007 vegetable growers
used only single inorganic fertilizer, but by 2009 farmers used compost and applications of synthetic
NPK. There were also improvements in the method of fertilizer application used between 2007 and
2009, with a clear trend to more GAP-complaint methods.

Comparing with survey results in 2007, the processing and storage of crops after harvest has
improved significantly. Vegetable producers now know how to apply modern processing,
preservation and packaging methods. They often harvested and sold directly to collectors;
supermarket or brought produce to local market for sale and arrive in far better condition that was
previously the case. This improved quality is reflected in higher prices being paid to farmers, and as a
result, higher farm incomes.


(ii) Changes in pesticide residue levels of representative sample of farmer crops.

The pesticide residue survey results, show that 100% of samples of vegetables from farmers' fields in
the project area have pesticide residues below the allowed limit. This is is stark contrast to the
situation in 2007 when 46% of vegetables samples tested contained pesticide residues in excess of the
allowable limits.

Categories of chemical groups used on vegetables such as leafy vegetables, Brassica vegetables,
cabbage, The number of pesticides and chemicals used has generally decreased while at the same
time there has been an increase in the use of bio-pesticides since 2007. The methods of pest and
disease control have also changed between 2007 and 2009. IPM is now being used much more than it
was before the project started. Due to the application of safe vegetable production under GAP, the
observance of withholding periods has improved, and is now pesticides are not usually applied in 7-
10 day period before harvesting.


Yields and farmer incomes

The yield and incomes from key groups of vegetables have increased significantly over the three
years of the project. Average prices for watermelon received by farmers in the project has doubled
from 1800 VND/kg to 3500 VND/kg while cabbage prices to farmers increased by 20% to 2500
VND/kg. The improved practices have also resulted in higher yields, adding to the positive effects on
commodity prices. Cabbage yield was 41 tonnes/ha in 2007, and increased to 50 tonnes/ha in 2009.
Watermelon yields increased from 30 to 38 tonnes/ha.






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International training and visits to Vietnam by Australian scientists

Two Vietnamese scientists, who were nominated from ASINCV, visited Australia from the 12
th
– 18
th

August 2007. The scientists visited Australian growers and markets. They also worked with the
Australian partners to develop aspects of the GAP manual and particularly the quality assurance
aspects based on the NSW Department of Primary Industries FreshCare
®
program. Three scientists,
Mr. Doan Xuan Canh, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Quyen and Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang from ASINCV in
Vinh City visited Australia between the 10
th
and 28
th
February 2008. They visited farms, retailers and
marketers in Australia and attended the Australian Melon Conference in Ipswich, Queensland during
their visit. The visits by Australians to Vietnam are summarised in the table below.

Visit Summary
Dates Who went Objective(s) of Trip Activities
24
th
March to 1
st

April 2007
Jenny Jobling
Gordon Rogers
John Baker

Initial project meeting
Establish scope and detailed work plans

Meet CARD staff in Hanoi
Meet ASINCV team in Vinh
Meet FAVRI staff in Hanoi
Meet Metro staff in Hanoi
Agree on work plan for project
Design initial survey
July 2007 Gordon Rogers Plan winter cabbage trials at ASINCV
(variety, density, nutrition)
Establish field sites at QL and HD.
Firm relations with metro and orders for year 1
Review status of prelim watermelon trials
Visit HD and QL communes
Plan cabbage agronomy trials
Plan baseline survey data
Plan pesticide residue data collection
Inspect watermelons trials at ASINCV
Finalise project team
Plan to write cabbage best practice guide
Inspect watermelon trials and feedback to ASINCV
Visit METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam Co., Ltd Hanoi
October 28
nd

October – 4
th

November 2007
Gordon Rogers Oversee planting of first cabbage crop in
Vietnam
Provide training to ASINCV, QL and HD on

cabbage agronomy
Visit Quynh Luong Commune and participate in FFS
Visit Hung Dong Collective and participate in FFS
Provide training at ASINCV on Cabbage agronomy
Oversee planting at QL
Oversee establishment of cabbage agronomy trials
Meet with Mr Thai in Hanoi
December 2007

1/12/07 – 9/12/07

Jenny Jobling
Prue Jobling
Plan postharvest studies with FAVRI
Attend GAP workshop in Hanoi ands plan GAP
manuals
Review state of cabbage crops in Vinh
Plan marketing and transport of cabbage crop to
Metro Hanoi
Attend GAP workshop in Hanoi (3-5 Dec 07)
Visit FAVRI and plan postharvest trials
Visit cabbage crops at HD and QL
Meet with Metro in Hanoi and plan supply of
cabbages for the season.
14
th
January –
22
nd
January

Jenny Jobling
John Baker
Train Metro Cash and Carry in handling
techniques
Oversee harvesting and ensure adequate quality

Presentation by JB at Metro Hanoi
Oversee first cabbage harvest in QL
Travel to Hanoi and view produce on arrival
Liaise with Mr Thai - Metro
27
th
March – 5
th

April
Gordon Rogers Review Crops and attend Fresh produce
Vietnam
Review cabbage crops
Present farmer field school
Attend Fresh produce Vietnam
1
st
June – 6
th
June
2008
John Baker
Mike Titley
Develop a marketing plan for watermelons

Review crops in the field and train farmers
(FFS) and QL and HD
Visit field and inspect crops with farmers
Provide training at HD and QL
Meeting with Metro in Hanoi
Develop detailed marketing plan with metro (see trip
report)
22
nd
September –
3
rd
October 2008
Gordon Rogers Review planning for coming cabbage season
Find new watermelon site
Deliver training on Cabbage agronomy
Visit QL and DP sites
FFS at QL and HD

10-17
th
December
2008
Gordon Rogers
John Baker
Plan crop supply schedules
Plan for supply of other vegetable crops,
especially from QL
Plan supply schedules
Review current cabbage and other plantings

March 2009 John Baker
Gordon Rogers
Jenny Jobling
Review supply of cabbage and other crops to
Metro Hanoi
Meetings in Hanoi with Cuong and Thai
May 2009 Tim Kimpton
Gordon Rogers
Investigate the cause of watermelon losses at DP
Develop plant protection program
Visit crop sites
Indentify cause of disease
Develop a control strategy and assist with
implementation
Follow up on controls, ID and control progress once
back in Australia
Communicate results
November 2009 Gordon Rogers
John Baker
Launch GAP manuals Launch GAP manuals in Hanoi, Vinh City and
Quynh Luong

14
5.2 Capacity Building
Skills of farmers and scientists have increased in the recognition and management of pests and
diseases, especially root diseases in watermelons and insects in cabbages. Capacity of farmers to
supply crops on time and in good condition have improved through training and assisted by the
development of computer-based crop supply tools, which simplify the process of supplying set
amounts of produce on a regular basis to meet supermarket requirements. The capacity of ASINCV

staff in the provision of Farmer Field Schools and vegetable cropping techniques has increased. The
skills in designing, conducting and reporting on vegetable crop agronomic trials has increased. Skills
have also been developed in the design and conduct of rural surveys. Lastly, skills have been
developed in research project management.
5.3 Publicity
There have been Vietnamese TV coverage of the project in two separate occasions First was during
the first watermelon crop in 2008 and the second was during the launch of the GAP manuals in Hanoi
in November 2009. In addition, there has been an article published in Asia Fruit Magazine, one in the
CARD newsletter. There has been advertising in the Metro Star with Nghe-An cabbages featuring on
the from page.



Television crew filming successful watermelon crop at Quynh Luong

5.4 Project Management
The project activities have been progressing as per the schedule in the project logframe. The
submission of milestone reports has been slow and this has affected cash flow to fund project
operations. Applied Horticultural Research has made payments to ASINCV in advance of receiving
payments from CARD to keep things moving and this has been successful.

5.5 Environment
Pesticide usage has been reduced due to increased practice of Integrated Pest Management
techniques. There was a large increase in the percentage of farmers using improved vegetable
Kerry Cooke

15
varieties. For cabbage, 100% of the crops are improved varieties whereas in 2007 the figure was only
50%.
5.6 Gender and Social Issues

This project will continue to address gender and social issues by trying to improve the income of local
farmers by facilitating a linkage between the growers and Metro Cash and Carry.

6. Implementation & Sustainability Issues
6.1 Issues and Constraints
There have been no significant issues, which have compromised project activities.
6.2 Options
Nil
6.3 Sustainability
No sustainability issues.

7. Next Critical Steps
The project is now completed, and a new ACIAR-funded project which will assist and study the
development of new supply of temperate vegetable from the NW highland region to Hanoi.

8. Conclusion
The project has resulted in a reduction in the level of pesticide residues in cabbage and watermelon in
crops grown in the Nghe An region, from 47% at the start of the project to 0% by the end, and this
has been achieved through the implementation of GAP with a commercial linkage to motivate
farmers to adopt the new practices.

As a result of the new practices, crop yields and farmer incomes from key groups of vegetables have
increased significantly over the three years of the project. Average prices received by farmers for
watermelon have doubled from 1800 VND/kg to 3500 VND/kg while cabbage prices to farmers
increased by 20% to 2500 VND/kg. The improved practices have also resulted in higher yields,
adding to the positive effects on commodity prices. Cabbage yield was 41 tonnes/ha in 2007, and
increased to 50 tonnes/ha in 2009. Watermelon yields increased from 30 to 38 tonnes/ha.

Finally, in the words of the leader of the Quynh Luong Commune, the project has resulted in
significant improvement in both the family incomes of farmers, because of higher yields and prices,

and also their health because of reduced exposure to pesticides.


16
Project Progress Against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities And Inputs
Project Title: Reducing pesticide residues, improving yield, quality and marketing of Cucurbit and Brassica vegetable crops in Northern Central Vietnam through improved varieties, GAP
principles and farmer focused training.
Vietnamese Implementing Institution: Agricultural Science Institute for Northern Central Vietnam (ASINCV)
PROPOSAL PROGRESS REPORT
Narrative Information Required Performance
Measures
Assumptions Information Required
Outputs across
objectives A
Establish baseline data on
grower skills and attitudes to
vegetable agronomy, postharvest
practices and pesticide use,
indicative pesticide residue
levels, establish market
requirements and identify
opportunities to improve
smallholder socioeconomic
benefits in the Nghe Ah
province.
Baseline data
established on
growing and
handling
practices,

pesticide use,
market
requirements and
opportunities for
Nghe Ah
smallholder
vegetable
farmers.
Surveys
conducted and
reported.
Baseline surveys and residue surveys were conducted according to the methodology
outlined in the project proposal document. Market requirements have been determined
and market opportunities explored
Activity A1
Collect information on
knowledge, skills attitudes and
practices of target farmers
including crops grown, access to
suitable varieties, yields, costs
and returns, IMP and use of
pesticides (type, frequency,
safety and observance of
withholding periods), post-
harvest quality assurance and
market practices.

Baseline survey
conducted with
20 farmers.

Surveys
conducted and
reported.
A survey aimed at improving our understanding of the socioeconomic conditions at 3
sites (90 farmer householders) in the Nghe An province was conducted. The survey was
also used selecting project sites based on major criteria to choose 2 sites for
implementing next activities.

The first baseline survey was carried out at:
• Hung Dong commune, Vinh city, with 30 farmer households.
• Quynh Luong commune, Quynh Luu district, with 30 farmer households.
• Hung Loi commune, Hung Nguyen district, with 30 farmer households
The survey found that:

Vegetable crops at the surveyed sites are diverse. The farmers are skilled in traditional
vegetable production methods. Many vegetable crops are grown from local varieties
which produce only low yields. This should be improved by changing to new varieties.

17

Pesticide and chemical safety was poor at three surveyed sites for vegetable production.
Improved postharvest handling represents a good opportunity to increase vegetable
quality and improve shelf life but farmers were not interested because of their small
scale. Quality Assurance management was not yet being practiced at the surveyed sites.

Good Agriculture Practice on vegetable production is very new concept with the farmers
surveyed. If GAP can be applied at surveyed sites, then yield and quality of vegetable in
Nghe An province should increase in the future.

A second survey near the end of the project will be useful to measure the impact of the

project on management practices, especially pesticide handling.
Activity A2
Determine pesticide residue
levels of representative sample
of farmer crops.
Pesticide
residues
measured 50
vegetable crop
samples
Surveys
conducted and
reported.
A survey of 32 samples (taken in duplicate = 64) was conducted from

Sampling method: a total of 32 representative samples were collected from randomly
selected cabbage heads from 20/1/2008 to March 200 2008 when the crops were 3-5
days from harvest maturity using sampling methods specified by the Division of
Medicine, Weed & Environment, Institute of Plant Protection. The levels of 5 pesticide
groups were measured in the samples by the Plant Protection Department pesticide
residue laboratory in Hanoi. Samples were collected from farmers’ fields, local markets
and at the collector points.

Results: The results of the testing are presented table 2 shows the residues levels of 5 key
pesticide groups. The testing showed that 46% of vegetables samples contained pesticide
residues in excess of the allowable limits.

None of the farms which were participating in the project had any pesticides which
exceeded maximum residue limits.
Activity A3

Analyse key markets and market
requirements for local and larger
(supermarket) outlets including
the potential for supply to large
markets for vegetables produced
in Nghe An
Local market
requirement
analysed and
potential to
supply larger
markets
measured.
Market
analysed and
results
incorporated
into market
linkage
strategy
The market requirements for local and larger (supermarket) outlets was achieved by
project staff visiting the local markets in Vinh City and interviewing farmers from the
Hung Dong and Quynh Luong communes. The supermarket requirements were
determined by visits and discussions with Mr P H Thai (Metro Thang Long) and Mr John
Glover (International fresh produce manager Metro International).

The results of these investigation are incorporated into the product specifications for

18
watermelon and cabbage which have been incorporated into the GAP manuals

Activity A4
Identify opportunities for project
interventions to provide
economic, social and
environmental benefits to
smallholders.
Opportunities
identified
Opportunities
reported and
exploited
The key marketing opportunity has been to create a powerful linkage between Metro
Cash and Carry in Hanoi and the two communes we are working with on the project.

Prior to this project, Metro dealt only with collectors or traders. They did not deal with
individual farmers or communes. In addition, there has previously been no mechanism
for smallholder vegetable farmers to deal directly with supermarkets in Vietnam. The
new linkage is possible because of the commune system which allows farmers to deal
collectively with larger retail entities.
Outputs across
objectives B

Repeat of baseline surveys to
measure impact of the project

Surveys and
assessments
successfully
conducted and
project outputs

quantified
Report
produced and
levels of
project impact
quantified and
estimated for 5
years after
project
completion.
Baseline surveys were repeated in 2010 and are reported with this milestone.
Activity B1
Conduct a survey to measure
changes in knowledge, skills
attitudes and practices of target
farmers including crops grown,
access to suitable varieties,
yields, costs and returns, IMP
and use of pesticides (type,
frequency, safety and
observance of withholding
periods), post-harvest quality
assurance and market practices.

Baseline survey
conducted with
20 farmers.
Surveys
conducted and
reported at

final
conference
There was a significant increase in the number of farmer households growing vegetable
in 2010 compared to 2007 at the start of the project. For example out of the 56
households surveyed in 2007 and the 59 surveyed in 2010, 5 more grew cabbage (from 8
to 13), 17 more grew melons (from 15 to 32), 5 more grew tomatoes (from 7 to 12) and
23 more grew carrots (from 0 to 23). There was a large increase in the percentage of
farmers using improved vegetable varieties. For cabbage, 100% of the crops are
improved varieties whereas in 2007 the figure was only 50%. Leafy vegetables have also
increased from 69% up 80% of new varieties. Kohlrabi and Brassica vegetables are now
planted with increasing percentage of new varieties.
Activity B2
Measure changes in pesticide
residue levels of representative
sample of farmer crops

Pesticide
residues
measured 50
vegetable crop
samples
Surveys
conducted and
reported at
final
conference
The pesticide residue survey results attached to milestone report 11 show 100% of
samples of vegetables from farmers' fields in the project area have pesticide residues
below the allowed limit.

This is in stark contrast to the situation in 2007 when 46% of vegetables samples tested

19
contained pesticide residues in excess of the allowable limits.
Activity B3
Assess participation in identified
supply chains

Local market
requirement
analysed and
potential to
supply larger
markets
measured.

Market
participation
quantified and
reported at
final
conference
Vegetable producers now know how to apply modern processing, preservation and
packaging methods. They often harvested and sold directly to collectors; supermarket or
brought produce to local market for sale and arrive in far better condition that was
previously the case. This improved quality is reflected in higher prices being paid to
farmers, and as a result, higher farm incomes.
Activity B4
Adoption of project
interventions to provide

economic, social and
environmental benefits to
smallholders.
Opportunities
identified
Opportunities
reported at
final
conference and
exploited
The yield and incomes from key groups of vegetables have increased significantly over
the three years of the project. Average prices for watermelon have doubled from 1800
VND/kg to 3500 VND/kg while cabbage prices to farmers increased by 20% to 2500
VND/kg.
The improved practices have also resulted in higher yields, adding to the positive effects
on commodity prices. Cabbage yield was 41 tonnes/ha in 2007, and increased to 50
tonnes/ha in 2009. Watermelon yields increased from 30 to 38 tonnes/ha.
OBJECTIVE 1
Increase farmer income through higher yields and better quality of marketed vegetables
Output 1.1
Good Agricultural Practice
(GAP) manuals in English and
Vietnamese for cucurbits and
brassica crops to EurepGAP
standard.
Farmers use
GAP principles
to produce new
crops resulting in
improved

incomes and
market
opportunities
GAP manuals
and training
materials
prepared for
Brassicaceae
and Cucurbit
crop groups.
The completed VietGAP compliant manuals in Vietnamese and English for both
watermelon and cabbage were attached to milestone report No. 5. Sections of the
VietGAP manual include:
Part 1 – The Manual
Introduction
How to use the VietGAP Manual: Cabbage
Cabbage best practice guide
• Agronomy
• Pest and disease management
• Harvesting and postharvest management
• Quality assurance
• Specifications for high quality cabbage
• Guidelines for on-farm food safety: an overview
• References Appendices
Appendix 1. Impact of insecticides on natural enemies found in brassica vegetables
Appendix 2. VietGAP: The General Regulation (Resolution No. 379, issued by MARD)
Appendix 3. List of approved chemicals for use in cabbage production in Vietnam

20
Part 2 Farmer Notebook

Part 3 VietGAP Checklist
Activity 1.1.1
Initial planning meetings held at
RIFAV and ASINCV
Initial meetings
held at RIFAV
and ASINCV
Initial
meetings held,
research plans
prepared and
distributed to
collaborators.
Planning meeting wa held at ASINCV (March 2007) and FAVRI (July 2007) where
activities for project were planned.
Activity 1.1.2
Prepare Good Agricultural
Practice (GAP) manual for the
crop groups: Brassicaceae
(cruciferae) e.g. cabbage, pak
choi, kohl rabi; and cucurbits,
e.g. cucumber and watermelon)
to EurepGAP standard.
GAP manuals
and training
materials
prepared for
Brassicaceae and
Cucurbit crop
groups.

Manual
approved by
all
collaborators.
GAP manuals compliant with the VietGAP standard were prepared and attached to
milestone report No. 5 and contained the sections described under output 1.1 above.
Activity 1.1.3
Set up agronomy and variety
evaluation trials (density,
nutrition) in Nghe An province
for heat tolerant vegetables
Set up planting
density and
nutrition trials on
collaborating
growers
properties in
Nghe An
province
2 density and 2
nutrition trials
established
Cabbage agronomy trials were conducted in October – December 2007. Watermelon
agronomy trials were conducted June – August 2008 and then again in June – August
2009.
Output 1.2
Postharvest research to collect
data for updating CD Practical
concepts in Postharvest Biology
and Technology. Also update to

include information on brassicas
and cucurbits as in GAP manual.
This will be a resource for
research and extension staff.
Postharvest trials
on targeted
vegetables
conducted and
postharvest
handling
techniques
(Harvest, field
handling,
packaging,
transportation,
postharvest
50+ Extension
staff and
researchers
provided with
new CD and
have
participated in
the final
workshop
presenting the
postharvest
results from
The postharvest CD was not updated but the resources for this activity were re-directed
into developing the postharvest and QA sections of the GAP manuals.

Postharvest extension training materials developed and attached to milestone report 5.


21
treatment,
recommendation
on storage
conditions etc.)
developed and
disseminated to
extension staff
and all players
directly or
indirectly
involved in the
project.
Extension staff
and researchers
have improved
resources on
postharvest
handling of new
crops
the trials
Activity 1.2.1
Conduct postharvest trials on
targeted vegetables to develop
their postharvest techniques.

Postharvest
research
conducted,
results analysed
and reported.
Postharvest
technology for
each targeted
vegetable
developed and
made available
through CD,
posters,
leaflets etc.
Postharvest trials were conducted and reported. Reports attached to milestone report 5.
Activity 1.2.2
Update Postharvest training
learning materials to include
vegetable crops
Learning
materials
updated.
Not enough
information
available to
update
learning
materials.
Postharvest trials conducted (treatments and supply chain temperature monitoring)

conducted and reported and were attached to milestone report 5.
Output 1.3
Two training workshops held in Farmers learn 50+ people Watermelons:

22
each region on GAP,
conjunction with best practice
field trials
how to grow new
crops with lower
pesticide
residues and
researchers and
extension staff
learn how to
manage variety
and agronomic
trials
including
some farmers,
extension staff
and research
staff trained in
growing new
varieties of
vegetables
Workshop 1: Dr Rogers conducted workshops in Vinh City and at Hung Dong Collective
between 15-22
nd
July 2007 on how to produce watermelons under GAP principles and to

review year 1 watermelon trial results.

Workshop 2: John Baker and Mike Titley visited between 1-6
th
June and conducted GAP
production workshop in Vinh City (Hung Din Collective) and in Quynh Luong. They
also presented to Mr Thai and other fresh produce staff at Metro Thang Long. Hanoi.

Cabbage:
Workshop 1: Dr Rogers presented workshops at Vinh City and Quynh Luong between
28
th
October and 4
th
November 2007 on safe cabbage production techniques and to
oversee planting operations. Dr Jobling conducted postharvest workshops on the 6
th
and
8
th
December 2007. Follow up workshops on GAP-compliant cabbage: harvesting,
postharvest, marketing and transport were conducted at Vinh City on 22
nd
January 2008.
The workshop was repeated at Quynh Luong on 23
rd
January 2009. John Baker also
made presentations to Metro staff on handling and promotion on 21
st
January 2008.

Workshop 2: Dr Rogers visited between 22
nd
September and 3
rd
October 2008 and
presented workshops at Vinh City and Quynh Luong Commune on safe cabbage
production, and reviewed plans for the coming season. He also visited Metro Hanoi to
review supply requirements. John Baker and Gordon Rogers visited 10
th
– 17
th
December
2008 to conduct workshops on harvesting, supply and marketing and to fine-tune supply
for the coming season.

A training course on GAP for vegetables was conducted by John Baker and Gordon
Rogers at ASINCV in Vinh during March 2009. The course focussed harvesting and
transport of watermelons for the coming summer 2009 season.

A training course on IPM for vegetables was conducted by Tim Kimpton at ASINCV in
May 2009 focussing developing and implementing IPM and IDM (Integrated Disease
Management) for both watermelon and cabbage production. This was attended by
ASINCV staff, Quynh Luong and Hung Dong commune staff.
Activity 1.3.1
Harvest field trials which will be
a focus for participatory GAP
training of extension staff in
Data collected on
influence of

nutrition and
Trial reports
written.
There were two sets of watermelon field trials. The first was harvested in July/August
2007 and was a preliminary trial to test the idea that watermelons could be grown
successfully at that time of the year in Vinh. This was reported in milestone 2. The

23
Nghe An province density trials for
selected
vegetable crops.
second watermelon trial was harvested the following season and the report is attached to
this milestone.

The main cabbage trials were harvested in January 2008 and the report is also attached to
this milestone.

There have been numerous other variety demonstration trials which were set up at Quynh
Luong and Hung Dong and were not formally reported but used as by farmers to assist in
variety selection.
Output 1.4
Farmer Field Schools run in each
region by staff in Vietnam
New learning
materials
developed and
Farmer Field
Schools
conducted
30 Farmer

Field Schools
use the
information
provided in
their training
The full list of TOT and FFS training activities is attached to this milestone report.

Activity 1.4.1
Provide new materials for
Farmer Field Schools in Nghe
An province
Appropriate new
information on
the new varieties
is provided to the
extension staff
that run the
Farmer Field
Schools
Postharvest
and GAP
training
materials
provided to
TOTs
The main overarching output documents produced by the project were the high quality
VietGAP manuals and associated VietGAP checklists and farmer recording sheets. The
lists of approved pesticides, safe vegetable practices, agronomic, postharvest and crop
specifications are contained in these documents. In addition, the main risk points in safe
vegetable crop production in Vietnam have been highlighted in these VietGAP

documents.

Watermelon variety demonstration trials were set up at Quynh Luong Commune and
farmers were invited to review these trials during FFS. There were designed to assist in
the selection of appropriate varieties.

Watermelon variety trials are also complete and the report was submitted with milestone
5.

Cabbage variety trials complete and report submitted with milestone 5. The results were
be used to develop training materials to support FFS and GAP manuals.

Further material was developed on managing watermelon diseases and this was
communicated to ASINCV staff and farmers. (Report attached to milestone 9).