Son La mangoes irradiated for export to Australia

The boxes of mangoes are irradiated for about 40 minutes to remove the harmful microorganisms.

The first batch of 3.5 tonnes of mangoes from the northern mountainous province of Son La underwent irradiation treatment on June 28 before being shipped to Australia.

The mangoes, weighing 450-650 grams each, were purchased by Agricare Vietnam Co., Ltd. at the price of VND22,000 (US$0.9) per kilogramme.

Mangoes are sold at VND16,000 (US$0.7) per kilogramme on the free market.

The Post-Import Plant Quarantine Centre under the Plant Protection Department worked with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to providing training for local farmers and help them set up dossiers on granting codes for two fruit cultivating areas in Van Lung village, Chieng Hac commune (Yen Chau district) and Noong Xom village, Hat Lot commune (Mai Son district).

The move is part of efforts to ensure local mangoes are qualified for shipment to the Australian market.

Son La is home to more than 4,000 hectares of mangoes, hundreds of which are grown in line with Vietnam Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP).