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A novel electronic traceability system has been unveiled to track the source and carbon footprints of dragon fruits in Binh Thuan. The technology was launched at an event for “Digital Transformation Towards Green Agriculture and Sustainable Development”. It was co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Local and international consumers or importers of dragon fruits from the province now can easily scan a QR code, allowing them to transparently trace the origins of the fruit and assess the extent of “green” or environmentally-friendly practices employed in its production. Apart from dragon fruit, a digitalised carbon traceability system has been successfully implemented for shrimp exports, a major export in Vietnam.
Amidst the backdrop of agricultural sustainability efforts, the tool is expected to be vital for local producers and enterprises in Vietnam. It empowers them to monitor and control the levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the supply chain. It also helps them avoid unnecessary restrictions to export to high-end markets, which are adopting carbon border adjustment mechanisms due to the increasing focus on environmental concerns.
During the event, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung said that digital transformation is an important responsibility. It is not only a compelling obligation but also holds great advantages for the entire production system, particularly farmers. It is a crucial instrument for producing top-tier agricultural goods at the lowest cost with maximum profitability.
In addition, he highlighted that the ministry has taken a significant step by establishing the Centre for Digital Transformation and Agricultural Statistics. The specialised unit is responsible for overseeing information technology, digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring information security within the ministry’s operations.
Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam, said that the agency is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in pioneering innovative solutions to support the green and sustainable transformation in the agriculture sector.
This tool plays a vital role for local governments, businesses, producers, and consumers, enabling them to function within a green economy where adherence to “green” identities and standards has become the new norm, he explained.
By leveraging technology to promote climate-smart practices among businesses and bolster the resilient livelihoods of local farmers, Vietnam is laying the foundation for a greener, more prosperous future for Vietnam’s agriculture.
Binh Thuan primarily produces fresh dragon fruit. Out of which 80-85% are for export and approximately 15-20% are for the domestic market. At the end of last year, the area of dragon fruit trees in the province was about 26,977 hectares, down 5,283 hectares compared to 2021. Production reached more than 600,000 tonnes. Dragon fruit from Binh Thuan has found its way into the markets of 17 different countries, including nations like India, China, and Malaysia.
Binh Thuan province is forming a dragon fruit production region with high technology in the districts of Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Thuan Bac. The Binh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has also asked the Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection to enhance the management and supervision of the use of planting region codes and codes of dragon fruit packing establishments that have been granted to organisations in the province. Furthermore, the Department will work with the Market Management Department to improve the inspection and control of the labelling at dragon fruit packaging facilities, adhering to established regulations.
