Central Highlands has huge swiftlet farming potential: In connection with experience tourism

Mr. Hoang Thanh Tung, the Director of the Pho Yen Cooperative, Thang Loi 3 (Ia Sol commune, Phu Thien district), reported that the Pho Yen Cooperative has completed the construction of seventeen swiftlet dwellings with seventeen members after nearly two years of development. Despite having only recently commenced operations, these swiftlet houses produce an estimated monthly yield of 20 kilograms of unprocessed bird's nests. In addition to earning hundreds of millions of VND per month, the members' earnings are equivalent to the market price of 18 million VND per kilogram.

As an example of a conventional collective economic model, the Pho Yen Cooperative was founded on the construction of swiftlet houses and progressed to the intensive processing of bird's nest products. The objective is to impart management processes and technological advancements to the cooperative's members.

The Pho Yen Cooperative was built utilizing contemporary architectural principles and efficient technical maintenance procedures. In order to mitigate investment expenses for its members, the cooperative shall establish a unified technical service team within this framework. For instance, a standard swiftlet house requires approximately 2 million VND per month for maintenance, whereas a swiftlet house within the cooperative only costs approximately 500,000 VND. In order to prevent disturbance to the bird's natural habitat, the cooperative consistently maintains reserve apparatus for repair and maintenance tasks as a result of collective investment.

"Once the procedures are standardized, obtaining certifications for food safety and environmental hygiene will be a breeze for the cooperative." "This will facilitate exports and facilitate connections with commercial trade," Mr. Tùng elaborated.

Mr. Tran Viet Khanh, a member of the Pho Yen Cooperative and proprietor of the 3E swiftlet house, stated that the organization had decided to invest more than 1 billion VND in swiftlet cultivation because it recognized the local potential and benefits. Participating in the Phỡ Yến Cooperative is expected to offer a greater likelihood of success in comparison to individual investment, owing to the fact that every facet of swiftlet cultivation is founded upon scientific analysis. "Additionally, our family will gain more experience in caring for swiftlets through our membership in the cooperative," Mr. Khanh explained.

Raw bird's nests and premium bird's nest products are two of the Phỡ Yến Cooperative's products that are competing in the initial phase of the 2023 OCOP product classification in the Phu Thien district, according to Mr. Tung. Immediate objectives of the cooperative include implementing a system compliant with ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP CODE:2003 and meeting export requirements, particularly those pertaining to China.

According to Mr. Hoang Thanh Tung, the cooperative (HTX) intends to construct around five swiftlet villages in Phu Thien in the near future. The smallest village will comprise approximately 23 dwellings, whereas the largest will contain 54 dwellings. At this time, all requisite documentation and land arrangements have been finalized.

Mr. Hoang Thanh Tung, the Director of the Pho Yen Cooperative, stated that annually in Phu Thien, there is a rain-invoking festival at the Plei Oi Cultural and Historical Monument, renowned for the legend of the Fire King, in reference to the model of urban swiftlet farming combined with tourism.

Plei Oi will attract a greater number of travelers at this location, and urban swiftlet cultivation will act as a hub for visitors to come and view a variety of swiftlet-based products. In order to entice visitors, urban swiftlet farming zones are embellished with aesthetically pleasing features such as resorts, resorts surrounded by verdant vegetation, ponds, miniature landscapes, and processing facilities for bird nesting.

In addition to staying and immersing themselves in the natural environment, tourists have the opportunity to purchase premium bird's nest products. Moreover, travelers can gain insight into the breeding and processing techniques utilized in swiftlet conservation and exchange technical knowledge.

In addition, instructional videos detailing the technical procedures of swiftlet farming will be produced by the Pho Yen Cooperative in an effort to persuade travelers who are interested in investing strategically in this sector.

"This activity is advantageous for Phu Thien's tourism industry and promotes the Phu Thien bird's nest product brand." Mr. Tung explained, "It not only provides consumers with high-quality goods but also broadens the range of tourism activities in the district, which is advantageous for all involved."

Vice Chairman of the Phu Thien District People's Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan stated that a sustainable plan and direction for the development of swiftlet cultivation have been established in the region. In order to accomplish this, it is crucial to establish a brand for Phu Thien bird's nest products. Furthermore, the strategic development of the swiftlet farming area will facilitate the emergence of experiential tourism prospects in the vicinity. Guests can gain knowledge regarding the reproduction and care procedures of swiftlets, peruse an assortment of products associated with swiftlets, and comprehend the potential health advantages that swiftlet products may offer to human beings.