Nong Lam University Cocoa Project
In 2002, Mr. Song at Ba Ria-Vung Tau province received 550 cocoa trees from Nong Lam University. He planted the cocoa trees together with pepper plants in his old black pepper farm. Shaded by poles for black pepper, cocoa developed very well and produced pods by the third year. He is now able to receive extra income from the cocoa, in addition to the income he receives from black pepper. Now his farm is considered a budwood garden that supplies approximately 300,000 budwoods to nurseries in the province under the SUCCESS Alliance Program managed by ACDI/VOCA. Recently, he started buying ripe pods from neighbors to produce fermented dry beans. “Our income has increased significantly since we engaged with cocoa”, states Mr. Song.
The Issue:
- Most farmers in Vietnam are relatively new to cocoa growing and need training in all aspects of the process. But, there were few cocoa specialists in Vietnam to assist them.
How the World Cocoa Foundation Helps:
Partners:
- Working with Nong Lam University, WCF established a research program in Vietnam to study cocoa production issues specific to Vietnam and the region.
- Experts at Nong Lam University provide advice to farmers and government agencies in Vietnam to help the cocoa industry achieve its potential.
- Farmers participate in the studies by testing new natural methods of pest control and new varieties of cocoa.
Results:
- Two Centers of Excellence were established at Nong Lam University and Dak Lak Province for training and research.
- Nong Lam cocoa experts trained 2,359 farmers and local officials in cocoa production techniques and established 8 demonstration farms to teach farmers how to grow cocoa.
- Nong Lam continues to conduct innovative research, such as a current project studying the use of black ants to control a common pest—a method that is low-cost and environmentally friendly.
Learn More:
April 2008 Progress to Date: Cocoa Project in Vietnam
Success Story: From Farmer to Processor in Four Years
Success Story: The Suong Family Business
Success Story: From Photography to Fermentaries