May 29, 2025 | 07:39 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Tuesday- 20:59, 29/10/2024

Reconstructing the Gia Lai pepper industry: Efforts for restoration

(VAN) After many years of hitting rock bottom, the price of pepper has started to rise again. The pepper plant is reaffirming its status as a key crop in many localities in Gia Lai province.
Pepper garden of the people in Chu Puh district. Photo: DL.

Pepper garden of the people in Chu Puh district. Photo: DL.

The return of pepper

When the pepper gardens in the "pepper kingdom" of Chu Se and Chu Puh all perished, farmers were left destitute and in debt. Local authorities, the agricultural sector, and banks assisted by guiding them in crop diversification to revive the land where the pepper had died.

As a result, fruit orchards began to emerge, and coffee gardens were rehabilitated. Fruit trees such as durian and Thai jackfruit were intercropped with coffee. Following this, as the passion fruit industry grew, families rushed to plant passion fruit. Now, the focus has shifted to exporting durian.

By early 2024, the price of pepper has shown signs of gradually increasing again. The Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) reported that from the beginning of the year to October 15, Vietnam exported nearly 210.000 tons of pepper, valued at 1.05 billion USD (a decrease of 1.9% in volume but an increase of 47% in value compared to the same period in 2023).

"Cautiously" restoring pepper gardens

Farmers in Ia Blang commune, Chu Se district, harvesting pepper. Photo: DL.

Farmers in Ia Blang commune, Chu Se district, harvesting pepper. Photo: DL.

When the price of pepper was restored and began to rise, farmers in Chu Se and Chu Puh started to revitalize their pepper gardens. Many households took advantage of the remaining poles to purchase seeds and interplant them in the coffee gardens that were being rehabilitated, following a diversified and organic approach to facilitate care and generate income from both crops on the same land area.

According to the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province currently has 8.798ha of pepper, with nearly 8.000ha in the business phase, approximately 765ha in basic construction, and more than 130ha newly planted and rehabilitated.

Mr. Hoang Phuoc Binh, Vice Chairman of the Chu Se Pepper Association, stated: "To ensure sustainable development of the pepper plant, the Association regularly advocates for farmers to be cautious when selecting seeds for new plantings; at the same time, they should thoroughly apply scientific intensive farming methods to avoid risks".

Additionally, the Chu Se Pepper Association is connecting with purchasing enterprises and fertilizer suppliers to work with farmers in developing demonstration models for organic and clean pepper production, allowing farmers to learn and apply these methods to enhance economic efficiency.

Author: Dang Lam

Translated by Phuong Linh

Ho Chi Minh City seeks to partner with France for a comprehensive digital future

Ho Chi Minh City seeks to partner with France for a comprehensive digital future

(VAN) On May 27, La French Tech Vietnam (the French startup and innovation community in Vietnam) held the French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025.

Beat plastic pollution: '5 No's' when visiting Con Dao

Beat plastic pollution: '5 No's' when visiting Con Dao

(VAN) No votive paper, no styrofoam, no plastic bags, no plastic bottles, and no single-use plastic trays are the key rules tourists should keep in mind when visiting Con Dao.

Beat plastic pollution: Vietnam takes the initiative and leads the way

Beat plastic pollution: Vietnam takes the initiative and leads the way

(VAN) In the fight against plastic pollution, Vietnam has been demonstrating a proactive, pioneering, and active role in addressing the greatest environmental challenge today.

Controlling disease risks in the wildlife trade chain applying WOAH guidelines

Controlling disease risks in the wildlife trade chain applying WOAH guidelines

(VAN) The WOAH guidelines provide a vital tool for risk chain analysis, covering the extraction, transportation, consumption, and handling of confiscated wildlife.

World Environment Day: A message on combating plastic pollution

World Environment Day: A message on combating plastic pollution

(VAN) World Environment Day 2025 is launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.

U.S. climate extremes slash crop yields threaten local agriculture

U.S. climate extremes slash crop yields threaten local agriculture

(VAN) As climate whiplash reshapes yields, experts say data-driven tools and targeted relief are critical to feed America.

VAN News - Shaanxi Daily: Journalism cooperation in the era of digital transformation

VAN News - Shaanxi Daily: Journalism cooperation in the era of digital transformation

(VAN) The alignment in goals and operational direction between the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper and Shaanxi Daily opens up promising prospects for journalism and media cooperation.

Read more