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Cattle breeding is one of the province’s advantages in a competitive agriculture. Photo TS |
Eight central provinces, including Binh Dinh, have been funded to implement the Agriculture Competitiveness Project (ACP) for Vietnam. Phan Trong Ho, head of the province’s ACP management board, talks more about the issue.
Could you brief me on the ACP?
ACP is one of two sub-projects of the World Bank-funded agricultural diversification project 2 worth US$75 million.
The ACP aims to strengthen the competitiveness of smallholder farmers, with a focus on eight provinces in central Vietnam, in collaboration with the agri-business sector.
There are four components to the project, including enhancement of agricultural technology, support to productive partnerships, provision of critical infrastructure, and support for project management and institutional strengthening.
A non-refundable aid of US$8 million was provided for Binh Dinh, aiming to conduct technology R&D for a competitive agriculture, enhance sustainable farming practices, and monitor and control chemical residues.
Could you reveal the province’s advantages for a competitive agriculture?
The province’s woodwork industry has strongly developed, exporting products to many countries.
Cattle breeding and aquaculture have also showed its development in the province. These sectors are expected to play an important role in the competitive agriculture.
Who will benefit from the project?
Farmers and businesses which process and consume products will join the project and benefit from its results.
Other experts and local authorities will also participate in the project, strengthening the production and consumption.
Farmers must collaborate with businesses when joining the project.
How will the ACP be implemented?
This project is expected to improve smallholders’ access to markets through the provision of technology services, of critical public infrastructure for agriculture, and facilitating farmer organizations and linkages to agribusiness.
A steering board was, therefore, set up, aiming to effectively implement the project in collaboration with relevant bodies and local authorities.
Consultative groups will be formed, helping the collaboration between farmers and businesses. Also, they will closely coordinate with participants in building facilities for production.
Advanced technologies will be transferred to farmers and businesses to improve the quality of products and enhance their competitiveness.
I believe the project will attract farmers and businesses.
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