Expecting the 'golden' longan season in the highlands of Son La

Attending the Conference were Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment; Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center and leaders and experts from departments and offices under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

On the side of Son La province, there were Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Son La, Dien Bien, Hung Yen, Phu Tho provinces. Along with representatives of enterprises producing, processing, supplying seeds, agricultural materials and typical cooperatives in the country and in the province.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien and Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Cong attended and chaired the Conference on developing the value chain of Anh Vang 205 longan products. Photo: Duc Binh.

Opening up new avenues for farmers to increase their income

According to the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, the 205 Golden Light longan was selected from imported genetic resources, evaluated for adaptation in Son La since 2018, and officially announced for circulation in 2021. The variety has the ability to grow strongly, large fruit (14-15 g/fruit), round, thick peel, crispy and fragrant pulp, brix level over 22%, pulp ratio over 68%. Yield 60-70 kg/tree, equivalent to 19-22 tons/ha, much higher than many commonly cultivated varieties.

Along with the superior characteristics, research on grafting techniques, comprehensive intensive cultivation, pre-harvest and post-harvest treatment has also been applied, helping to increase productivity, limit fruit drop, improve appearance and extend the storage time from 15-20 days. This is a particularly important factor in the context of increasingly strict agricultural export demands in terms of quality and logistics.

In the period of 2023-2025, the National Agricultural Extension Center was assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to carry out the task of building and developing the Anh Vang 205 longan model according to VietGAP standards in Son La. The task focused on building 50 hectares of Anh Vang 205 longan production model, including 35 hectares of newly planted trees and 15 hectares of grafted and renovated trees; organizing training courses on technical processes; communication and market linkage.

The initial results are very positive, the plants grow and develop evenly, and are more resistant to pests and diseases than traditional longan varieties. This longan variety has a long harvest season from July 20 to September 10, with an average yield of 15 tons/ha; selling price is 50,000 - 60,000 VND/kg in the main season.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee, hopes for the formation of inter-regional value chains in agricultural production. Photo: Nguyen Nga.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee, said: Son La currently has about 19,800 hectares of longan, with an estimated output of 180,000 tons this year. Of which, Anh Vang 205 longan is a product that has been included in the province's crop structure, with superior quality, bringing in 30-50% higher income than conventional varieties.

Currently, Son La is focusing on developing fruit trees in depth, focusing on soil health, improving product quality, building brands, and targeting demanding markets. Son La also wants to promote regional linkages. Developing a single factory or product is not enough; it is necessary to form an inter-regional value chain, connecting Son La with neighboring provinces to create a large raw material area, avoiding spontaneous development and raw material surplus.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized: To produce Anh Vang 205 longan effectively, there must be a synchronous approach, closely linked to the market. Photo: Duc Binh.

Affirming the pivotal role of science and technology

According to Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, the Anh Vang 205 longan variety is a good variety, but effective production is not simple if the approach is not synchronous. It is important to simultaneously integrate technical solutions right from the model. The agricultural extension force needs to closely accompany farmers, have commitment and take responsibility so that people can approach the new variety in a systematic way. The models must become "field classes", attracting farmers and cooperatives to participate from the beginning, at the same time closely following market orientation and clearly defining the time of consumption.

Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien expressed his impression of Son La on the way to the Northwest highlands. From a mountainous province with many difficulties, Son La has made strong changes thanks to agriculture, affirming the bravery of people who dare to think, dare to do, dare to take responsibility.

However, there are still specific problems: agricultural products depend on the season, harvests are rushed, and prices are unstable. This requires better quality from varieties, cultivation processes, to preliminary processing, processing, and finding consumption markets.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien said that longan, with steady, tight, closed steps, linked to the market, can completely become a key export industry. Photo: Duc Binh.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, many longan gardens in Son La currently have a yield 1.3-1.5 times higher than before, bringing stable income to farmers. This is proof of the effectiveness of applying science and technology in production. Longan trees, with a firm, tight, closed step, linked to the market, can completely become a key export industry.

Deputy Minister Tien suggested that localities proactively propose mechanisms and invest in agricultural infrastructure from electricity, irrigation, transportation, warehouses, etc. to support people in consuming agricultural products, aiming for export.

“In a broader sense, the agricultural sector has a continuous and closely linked flow: from research - variety recognition - transfer of technical advances - cooperatives, enterprises applying - local authorities accompanying - ministries and branches supporting. I really appreciate the spirit of Son La and the Northwestern provinces: passion, dedication, daring to think and dare to do to bring Northwestern agriculture in particular, and Vietnamese agriculture in general, to a new level”, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized.

Source: https://sonnmt.sonla.gov.vn/tin-tuc-hoat-dong/ky-vong-mua-nhan-anh-vang-tren-vung-cao-son-la-935788