An increasing number of fresh produce growers in provinces across Vietnam are turning their attentions to banana cultivation due to soaring global demand for the fruit.
According to a report by Vietnam News, farmers across the country are keen to tap into what is proving to be a lucrative export market.
Farmers in the central Quang Tri province, where the unique chuoi moc variety is produced, exported over 400 tonnes of bananas this year at a value of US$243 per tonne, with a large percentage of shipments sent to China.
Similarly, the northern province of Lao Cai also has a growing banana business, while Thong Nhat District's Quang Trung Commune in the south-east province of Dong Nai sees bananas grown across more than 1,200ha of farmland.
Agricultural consultant Dr Nguyen Van Khai told Vietnam News that bananas played a crucial role in the country's export industry.
'Bananas were typically grown only on uncultivated land. The plants acted as natural fences to protect farmers' gardens, but now everything is different,' said Dr Khai. 'Bananas are quite simple to grow and proper cultivation will surely bring bumper crops.'
Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has developed a plan to grow fresh produce profitability, with targets including an increase in banana exports to 100,000 tonnes, at a value of US$35m, in 2010.
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