A programme themed “Dak Nong: Ripe Avocado Season”, the first of its kind, is underway in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong to promote the province’s speciality among consumers, fruit processors and exporters.
The launching ceremony of the programme “Dak Nong: Ripe Avocado Season”
The programme, which takes place from July 18 – 23, features a variety of events, including a rite to celebrate the avocado harvest season, an avocado trade fair, a business matching event to connect buyers and suppliers, a workshop on the sustainable development of avocado farming and a contest to find the best avocados.
The avocado harvest rite was held on the opening day with UNESCO representatives invited to join as guests. The host and visitors sang together while other family members played the gong and danced to welcome the guests.
Offerings included the province’s specialities that are in season, namely avocado, rice and corn. The head of the ritual prayed to invite deities and ancestors to the festival and ask for good health and bumpy crops.
The festival serves as a platform for avocado farmers, businesses and State agencies to meet, share experience and seek partnerships. It is also an opportunity for Dak Nong to introduce to the public the diversity of high-quality avocado varieties grown in the province in accordance with international standards and food safety requirements.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ton Thi Ngoc Hanh said Dak Nong’s plan to make avocado a local staple has received big support from other cities and provinces and some foreign countries.
She expected that this year’s “Dak Nong: Ripe Avocado Season” will mark a promising start for the sustainable growth of avocado in the province.
Dak Nong is one of the provinces with the biggest avocado farming areas and output in Viet Nam. It is currently home to nearly 2,600ha of avocado trees, accounting for some 20 percent of the local fruit cultivating area, with an average output of 10-15 tonnes per ha. Avocado farming is particularly concentrated in Dak Mil, Dak R’lap, Dak Song, and Dak Glong districts and Gia Nghia town.
With its terrain, climate and soil conditions different from those of other provinces, Dak Nong is able to plant many avocado varieties bearing fruit from January through to November. Local avocados are also preferred by domestic and foreign consumers thanks to their large size, appealing appearance and rich nutrition, the official noted.