High-tech application in planting black pepper

A farmer is harvesting pepper (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Peppercorn is one of the traditional plants of Ha Tien city in the southern province of Kien Giang. Nowadays, the crop has become one of its economic staples, featuring high-tech application as part of its unique trademark. 

Like many local households, Ong Vinh Kim in Thuan Yen commune, Ha Tien city, Kien Giang province, plants black pepper as a traditional vine.

Kim said his family has planted black pepper for years, and he has followed the tradition since 1984.

The natural conditions of Ha Tien are favourable for growing pepper. However, due to the impact of climate change, local growers have been facing difficulties leading to unstable output in the past few years.

As a solution, local authorities have instructed local growers to apply a new irrigation model that hopes to make the crop more resilient.

Ha Tien peppercorn was trademarked in 2017 with the participation of more than 50 local growers. The product is on shelves at local supermarkets, bringing stable incomes for local farmers.

Ly Thai Hung, head of Ha Tien city’s Economic Department, said the new model of planting has proved highly effective as it ensures the stable output of some 150 tonnes each year. The city has coordinated with local growers to build a trademark to ensure output, helping stabilise local farmers’ incomes.

Although Ha Tien pepper has already been trademarked, the local product still faces challenges in promotion. Meanwhile, local growers are looking forward to popularising their products in a bid to expand their market.