REPORT. Scoping study on commercial vegetable production in Son La and Dien Bien. FOR THE PROJECT ENTITLED HUMIDTROPICS, A CGIAR RESEARCH PROGRAM

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1 Fruits and Vegetables Research Institute - FAVRI REPORT FOR THE PROJECT ENTITLED HUMIDTROPICS, A CGIAR RESEARCH PROGRAM Work package 1: Scoping study on commercial vegetable production in Son La and Dien Bien. HANOI - 12/2013 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION Background Research objectives... 3 II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research contents Research sites Samples and sample selection Data collection Secondary data Primary data... 6 III. RESEARCH RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results of vegetable consumer group discussions in Hanoi and Son La city Some characteristics of group participants Vegetable consumption calendar Source of vegetables Main place to buy vegetables Criteria for vegetable selection of consumers Wholesale prices of some vegetables in Hanoi markets in Understanding of consumers about role and nutritional value of vegetables Assessment of consumers for vegetable products derived from the Northwest region (the North-west vegetables) Analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for vegetable consumers Results of vegetables business situation in Hanoi Characteristics of vegetables sellers Vegetable supply channels for retailers Vegetable Business Situation Criteria for vegetable selection by consumers Transportation vehicles and method of packaging Supply source of vegetables for retailers (supermarkets, stores, retailers) Business process of vegetable products derived from the North-west region SWOT analysis for vegetables sellers Situation of commercial vegetable production in Son La and Dien Bien Characteristics of participants in vegetable producer groups Conditions for development of vegetable production Supply sources of seeds and inputs Seasonal calendar Vegetable Distribution Situation Fluctuation in the prices of some types of vegetables in the study sites Women participation SWOT analysis for producer group in Son La and Dien Bien IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions Recommendations REFERENCES

3 I. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background Total population of Hanoi is 6.96 million people (not counting tourists, workers and students from other provinces), with level of income per capita/year reaching VND 46.9 million [5], so that Hanoi has a huge demand for vegetables. Demand for green vegetables in Hanoi is 2,600 tons/day, equivalent to 950,000 tons/year [2]. Currently, total vegetable cultivation area of Hanoi is 12,000 hectares, equivalent to planting 29,000 hectares/year. Types of vegetables produced in Hanoi are plentiful with over 40 types, concentrated mainly in winter-spring season, but Hanoi has only met demand for green vegetables being about 60% for its population, also about 40% of total vegetables from other localities taking on [2]. Especially in rainy season when the Red River Delta region experienced heavy rains and floods, vegetables supplies becomes more difficult. Mountainous regions in the northwest of Vietnam are capable of providing many temperate vegetables, especially during rainy season. The recent improvements in infrastructures such as roads have been made, they may help to transport products, guaranteeing for perishable products like tomatoes to the Hanoi market. Therefore, this study will examine in Son La and Dien Bien province to assess the potential of commercial vegetable production as well as main constraints in the expansion of the market for vegetable products that have been produced here Research objectives To assess the potential for expanding commercial vegetable production in Son La and Dien Bien provinces and to assess the possibility of integrating commercial vegetable production with other production systems such as annual crops, agroforestry and livestock. II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.1. Research contents Objects Contents mentioned 1. For consumers Monthly vegetable consumption calendar Origins of vegetables used Criteria for selection of vegetables by consumers Place that consumers purchase vegetables primarily Information about some vegetables originating from the North-West region in the market of Hanoi and Son La Preferences of consumers for vegetables originating from the North-West region 2. For vegetable retailers (supermarkets, stores, retailers at markets and street vendors) Types of vegetables for which the supply could be increased Consumers preferences about the quality of vegetable products sold Forms of packaging, transportation and packaging materials Challenges and opportunities to expand the sale of vegetables Things to do to sell vegetables originating from the North- 3

4 west region. 3. For group of producers Vegetable Production and Distribution Practices Resources for the development of vegetable production Opportunities and constraints to vegetable production and distribution Sharing information with them about Hanoi vegetable market and their new plans in production and distribution towards this target market Research sites Vietnam Map Hanoi Map Dien Bien Map Son La Map Chart 2.1. Geographical research sites : Focus group discussion for consumers and depth-interview for retailers : PRA for group of producers 4

5 2.3. Samples and sample selection Number of discussion groups of vegetable consumers and producers in each locality as follows: Groups of consumers Quantity Groups of producers Quantity 1. Hanoi city 1. Son La province 1.1. Urban Moc Chau district - Phuc Tan ward 03 - Dong Sang commune 01 - Phuong Mai ward 03 - Muong Sang commune Peri-urban Thuan Chau district - Trau Quy town 03 - Tong Lanh commune Son La province - Thom Mon commune 01 Son La city 2. Dien Bien province - To Hieu ward 03 Dien Bien district - Thanh Luong commune 01 - Thanh Xuong commune 01 Total 12 Total 6 Number of vegetable retailer samples in each locality as follows: Actors Hanoi Son La Total Urban Peri-urban Supermarkets Stores Retailers at markets Street vendors Total 29 Criteria for sample selection: For consumer groups: - We selected representative districts in urban and peri-urban areas of Hanoi. In Son La city, we only chose 01 ward due to small geographical area. - In 01 district, we selected 01 ward/town, where many people have to buy vegetables; - Based on leaders assessment in ward/town, we selected population groups representing the residential life of the ward/town where there are many people having to buy vegetables; - In each ward/town, we selected households with relatively high, medium and low average levels of income to invite them to participate in group discussions. Each group includes 7-10 participants. For producer groups: - We selected 02 communes that had produced commercial vegetable for market supply; - In the area of each commune selected, we selected 10 households, these households have experienced in vegetable production. 5

6 2.4. Data collection Secondary data Secondary data were collected through published materials from final reports of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Son La, Dien Bien, Extension Station, Agriculture and Rural Development Division and communes in research sites about situation of agricultural production in general and vegetables in particular, as well as socio-economic situation and other relevant information Primary data Primary data are data collected from consumer group discussions, depthinterviews with retailers at markets and stores, supermarkets in research sites. Besides, we also met and discussed with officials in charge of agriculture, commune and district extension staffs to learn about the situation of vegetable production, as well as opportunities and challenges in vegetable production in local. Besides, research team also conducted field visits to commercial vegetable production areas in the provinces chosen to acquire more data. III. RESEARCH RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1. Results of vegetable consumer group discussions in Hanoi and Son La city Some characteristics of group participants Table 3.1 Characteristics of participants in group discussions Hanoi Units Trau Quy Phuc Tan Phuong Mai town ward ward (n = 32) (n = 29) (n = 25) Son La To Hieu ward (n = 22) 1. Gender + Male % Female % Age years Average income/household/year + High Million VND + Medium Million VND + Small Million VND Average Million VND Source: Survey Results by FAVRI, 2013 Research results showed that consumers participating in focus group discussions in Hanoi are female with proportion of 100%. Particularly in To Hieu ward in Son La, the proportion of female accounted for only 68.19%. Average age of participants in depthinterviews is relatively high (above 55 years old), these are people who have retired, they are the ones who prepare daily meals for their family, their husbands or children only do that when they are sick or away from home, so all vegetable consumption informations are very clear. 6

7 Vegetable consumption calendar Through surveys of consumer groups in Hanoi and Son La, we found that households use a variety of vegetables. They use types of vegetables that are available in the market. Specifically, from results of discussions, we see that consumer groups in Hanoi city have used nearly 40 different vegetables, the ones in Son La city not only use vegetables as the plains but also use forest products and up to 47 types of indigenous vegetables. However, in the opinion of consumers, in all of 2 these research sites, they concern about the vegetable safety, so that they usually focus using more for some certain types of vegetables. So, we have showed about in-depth analysis results for 10 kinds of vegetables selected to regularly use by households. For peri-urban area of Hanoi (Trau Quy town, Gia Lam district) Discussion results of consumer groups in peri-urban area of Hanoi showed that 10 kinds of vegetables used mostly by consumers are: tomato, green mustard, kangkong, cabbage, ceylon spinach, green peas, courgettes, potato, pumpkin, sauforus and kohlrabi. Table 3.2. Vegetable consumption calendar of consumer groups in peri-urban area of Hanoi Name of vegetables % of consumers (1) (n = 32) Frequency of monthly use Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1. Tomato Green mustard Kangkong Cabbage Ceylon spinach Green peas Courgettes Potato Pumpkin Sauforus Kohlrabi Note (2) : Green: Use a large amount, Red: Use a medium amount, Yellow: Use little, White: Do not use. (1) % of consumers used: These are the types of vegetables that consumers often choose to use in their daily meals. This rate is calculated by dividing between the number of participants used and total participants in discussion groups. (2) Use a large amount: using over 2 times/week; Use a medium amount: using 2 times/week; Use little: using 1 time/week. Regarding the frequency of vegetables use is expressed as follows: From January to March: households use more tomatoes, green peas, potatoes and kohlrabi. It showed that they chose types of vegetables grown in winter-spring season in the Red River Delta region; From April to September: they use more kangkong, ceylon spinach and moderately use tomato, pumpkin and sauforus. As such, they primarily chose mainseason vegetables grown in summer and manufactured in this area. For tomato, it is difficult to produce it in summer in the Red River Delta region, however, because there 7

8 are many dishes using tomato during processing and using it becomes a habit, they still used though there are some other substitution products such as star fruits, tamarind, but they said that the meals were cooked with tomato tastier. In addition, households said that they liked and had demand for some vegetables including cabbage, kohlrabi, carrots, sweet peppers, especially when they hold parties, they worried about their safety so they did not dare to use. From October to December: households use more tomatoes, green mustard, cabbage, green peas, potatoes and kohlrabi. This is the period when the weather conditions are favorable for the production of vegetables (main-season) in the Red River Delta region. In the winter season, during the planting and caring for vegetables, producers use fewer types of pesticides to control pests. This is the reason why households in the suburban area of Hanoi use vegetables in that time more than they do in other months of the year because they feel more assured about the safety of vegetables. For urban area of Hanoi Table 3.3. Vegetable consumption calendar of consumer groups in urban area of Hanoi Name of vegetables % of consu mers (n=54) Frequency of monthly use Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1. Tomato Kangkong Cabbage Kohlrabi Ceylon spinach Sauforus Green peas Carrot Pumpkin Colza Note: Green: Use a large amount, Red: Use a medium amount, Yellow: Use little, White: Do not use. Types of vegetables chosen by many consumers in urban area of Hanoi are: tomato, kangkong and cabbage, kohlrabi and ceylon spinach, sauforus, green peas, carrot, pumpkin and colza. Frequency of using vegetables is expressed as follows: Products such as tomato, kangkong, carrot and pumpkin are used at a moderate level in most months of the year. Products such as cabbage, kohlrabi, green peas and colza are used less in months from April to September each year because in these months, there are fewer products provided to markets in urban area of Hanoi. Ceylon spinach is often used more from April to August. For Son La City 10 kinds of vegetables used mostly by many consumers in Son La City are tomato, green mustard, sauforus, chayote, kohlrabi, kangkong, bamboo shoots, loofah, cucumber, cabbage and green peas. Unlike consumer groups in Hanoi, they also use more products such as chayote and bamboo shoots. These products are available 8

9 throughout the year at markets in Son La City. Bamboo shoot products include fresh, dried and salted bamboo shoots. For chayote products, there are mainly chayote fruits. Frequency of monthly vegetable use by consumer groups in To Hieu Ward, Son La City is expressed as following: From January to March: using more tomatoes, cabbage; From April to September: using more sauforus, kangkong, bamboo shoots, loofah and cucumber; From October to December: using more tomatoes, green mustard, cabbage and kohlrabi. Table 3.4. Vegetable consumption calendar of consumer groups in Son La city Name of vegetables % of consumers (n=22) Frequency of monthly use Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1. Tomato Green mustard Sauforus Chayote Kohlrabi Kangkong Bamboo shoots Loofah Cucumber Cabbage Green peas Note: Green: Use a large amount, Red: Use a medium amount, Yellow: Use little, White: Do not use. Some findings from consumer group discussions in Hanoi and Son La city are collected. They are some types of vegetables that consumers in each of these sites do not use or use very little being unpopular. Table 3.5. Some vegetables that participants do not use or use very little Locality Vegetables not used Vegetables used very little Gia Lam district, Hanoi Onion Chrysanthemum, watercress, fresh mushrooms Phuc Tan ward, Hoan Green pepper, chrysanthemum, Stem of pumpkin vegetables Kiem district, Hanoi taro Phuong Mai ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi Carrot, chrysanthemum Stem of chayote, stem of pumpkin vegetables To Hieu ward, Son La Stem of chayote, taro, gourd All vegetables showed above are not selected in this region or other regions due to some reasons, participants said that they are imported products from China (onion, fresh mushrooms) or manufacturers use growth stimulant chemicals so much. For chrysanthemum, all consumer groups in peri-urban area of Hanoi and one consumer 9

10 group in urban area of Hanoi not used or used very little, they do not have any clear reason. Thus, from the results of the surveys, we found that: 10 types of vegetables used by many consumers in Hanoi and Son La are: - Group of leafy-vegetables including cabbage, kangkong, green mustard, sauforus, ceylon spinach, colza; - Group of fruit-vegetables including: tomato, pumpkin, courgettes, cucumber, loofah, green peas, carrot, kohlrabi and chayote; particular for consumer groups in To Hieu ward, Son La City, they also use special products of the Northwest region such as chayote and bamboo shoots. Reason given by many consumers are: it is easy to eat vegetables, they can eat in a long time and it is convenient to process some meals as boiled, stir-fry, soup, preserve vegetables in salts, salad, or for some vegetables, they can conduct processing along with other foods (for tomato, cucumber, pumpkin, kohlrabi). Vegetable consumption calendar: The above categories of vegetables chosen to use by consumers throughout the year. Particularly for kohlrabi, it is widely used from October to February each year. Frequency of vegetable use: Consumer groups in Hanoi and Son La City tend to use a lot of vegetables in main-season period. They are concerned about the safety of vegetables, so they do not want to use vegetables in off-season period. Reason for differences in frequency of vegetable use between periods are that vegetables produced in main-season period are damaged less by pests and diseases, therefore, producers will restrict the use of pesticides to protect them. However, some households still use off-season vegetables beacause sometimes they need to prepare a meal for a party, or want to change their daily meals. But participants in groups in Hanoi share some experiences such as in period from April to July: They use less cabbage, green peas and kohlrabi, for the ones in groups in Son La City, they rarely used 3 vegetables above in period from April to September because in this period, these products appear very little or there are no distinction between vegetables produced in the country and vegetables imported from China. For tomato, there is the same situation happened, participants also have reasons above, due to popular vegetables and having to use more with other food, they still use and have concerns for that. From research results in by staffs of the Fruits and Vegetables Research Institute, they indicated that: tomato, cabbage, kangkong, yard longbean, green peas, courgettes, pakchoy, cucumber, small spring onion, Chinese cabbages are distributed mostly at markets in Hanoi; Among these vegetables, average distribution quantity of cabbage in Hanoi was from tons/month; it achieved the highest level in November being 45 tons/month and the lowest level in June being only 13 tons/month. Average distribution quantity of tomato in Hanoi was from 7-36 tons/month; it achieved the highest level in November, reaching 36 tons/month and the lowest level in June, only 7 tons/month [1]; According to research results of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development in 2009, types of vegetables used regularly by consumers in Hanoi include kangkong, cabbage, tomato, daikon and potato [6]. Thus, compared with previous research results, for consumers in Hanoi, their tendency of choosing vegetables for their daily meals changed less than it was in previous year. This 10

11 is a recommendation to producers assured in building structure for types of vegetables in near future Source of vegetables In period from January to March and from October to December each year, most vegetable species are provided from Son La, Ha Noi and some neighboring provinces of Hanoi such as Hung Yen, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Vinh Phuc and Bac Ninh. In period from April to September each year, products such as cabbage, tomato, potato and carrots are imported mainly from China. Besides, they are supplied from some provinces in the country such as Lam Dong (cabbage, tomato, potato and carrots), Son La (cabbage, tomato) and Lao Cai (cabbage, mustard) and a small part of them is supplied from some provinces in the Red River Delta because they has been produced during offseason period with heat tolerant varieties and processes improved. However, at the present time, there is no study that indicate clearly the proportion of each commodity source. According to research results in by staffs of the Fruits and Vegetables Research Institute, in months in off-season period, supply quantity of tomato to markets in Hanoi derived from Hanoi, Lam Dong accounted for 10-50% and that of cabbage accounted for 31-50% while quantity of tomato originated from China accounted for between 30-50% and that of cabbage accounted for over 50% [1]. Thus, in addition to 10 kinds of vegetables used more by consumers, remaining vegetables were used very little, however, when putting them to markets in Hanoi, it created a good signal (Hmong mustard, green peas, pakchoy, chayote) and they are also potential kinds of vegetables produced in the Northwest region. At present, information about these products introduced to consumers is incomplete. This mentioned solutions to provide informations and promote them to consumers. Table 3.6. Supply sources of vegetables for markets in Hanoi and Son La Months October to January to March April to September December Supply source of vegetables for Hanoi market 1. Cabbage Hanoi ** Lao Cai* Lam Dong**, China*** Hanoi**, Hung Yen** Quang Ninh*, Bac Ninh*, Hung - 2. Pumpkin The South * Yen*, Hanoi** 3. Tomato Hanoi **, Hung Yen*** Bac Ninh*, Lam Dong***, China*** Hung Yen** 4. Potato Hung Yen*, Hanoi*** Lam Dong**, China*** Hai Duong*, Hung Yen*, Bac Giang*, Hanoi**, Bac Ninh** 5. Other vegetables Provinces in the Red River Delta Supply source of vegetables for Son La market Bac Giang*, Son La**, Son La** 1. Cabbage Hanoi** 2. Tomato Hanoi*, Bac Giang*, Lam Dong*, Hung Yen*, Hai Bac Ninh* Phong*, Son La**, China** Son La** 3. Kohlrabi Son La**, Hanoi** Son La**, Hanoi* 4. Other vegetables Son La % of consumers knowing supply source of vegetables:*: <10% ; **: 10-25% ; ***: > 25-35% 11

12 Thus, we see that there is the addition in vegetable resources between provinces according to each season depending on strength of each province Main place to buy vegetables Chart 3.1 shows that households mainly buy vegetables from retailers in traditional markets, it accounts the highest proportion, reaching 100% of consumers in Son La City because at present, there is not any store, supermarket of vegetables in this city. For consumer groups in peri-urban area of Hanoi, households buying vegetables at wet markets accounted for 93.75% and 88.89% for consumer groups in urban area with reasons: - Wet markets near their house, friendly sellers, convenient for grocery shopping, - Vegetables sold at markets are fresher than they sold in stores and supermarkets, - There are many types of vegetables to choose, - They can buy vegetables and other food very quickly, - Reasonable price, suitable for their income level. Chart 3.1. Main place to buy vegetables by consumers In addition, some consumers also said that the reason for purchasing vegetables in stores and supermarkets less than at wet markets is by far, it is not convenient to buy vegetables daily (remoting, passing many streets, crowded vehicles); in stores and supermarkets, vegetables are not fresh, vegetable species are not diverse, price is higher than the one at wet markets and there are many people who do not really believe in the quality of vegetables sold in supermarkets. Some consumers who buy vegetables from street vendors said that they are very friendly, price of vegetables sold is cheaper than the one in supermarkets and markets, fresher vegetables, more favorable. The advantage of directly purchasing from producers is knowing the origin of vegetables and having more reasonable price. Thus, in order to help consumers access to vegetable products from the North-west region to Hanoi markets, it is necessary to establish stores, sales locations near to traditional markets or densely populated areas. 12

13 Criteria for vegetable selection of consumers The results of consumer group discussions shows that criteria for vegetable selection is knowing the origin of vegetables, followed by the freshness of vegetables and purchasing from acquaintances; vegetables without pesticide residue, vegetables are not contaminated by bacteria and safe vegetables certified or organic vegetables as possible. About the size of products is not key criteria. For consumer groups in Hanoi, they often choose criteria: origin of vegetables, freshness and knowing sellers. Particularly for consumer groups in peri-urban area, they said that criteria about vegetables with no pesticide residues is concerned so much due to their proximity to production areas, so they know very clearly about the use of pesticides and medicals in process of growing vegetables by farmers and that is why they are worried and concerned about this criteria. Unlike consumer groups in Hanoi, the ones in Son La City not only attend to criteria such as origin of vegetables, freshness and knowing sellers, but also they are interested in color and these products certified as safe, but they do not regard to the issue of pesticide residues in vegetables. Because they said that climatic conditions are favorable for vegetable production, so producers will have to use less pesticides during planting vegetables. Table 3.7. Comments of consumers about criteria for vegetable selection Units: % Hanoi city Son La city (n=3 Criteria groups) Urban (n=6 groups) Peri-urban (n=3 groups) 1. Safety - No contamination with bacteria No contamination with pesticide residues - Product is certified as safe Product is certified as organic Origin of vegetables Freshness , Attractive color Big size Knowing sellers Wholesale prices of some vegetables in Hanoi markets in 2013 In 2013, prices of vegetables fluctuate regularly in months. Prices of vegetables tend to increasing and will be stable from April to September. For lettuce, there are big fluctuations in its price because it is rainy in long time in the delta area, vegetable sources are limited at markets in Hanoi. 13

14 Chart 3.2. Fluctuations in wholesale price of some vegetables at markets in Hanoi in Source: Fresh Studio Market Price Database (in the framework of offseason vegetable Project by ACIAR) Understanding of consumers about role and nutritional value of vegetables Table 3.8. Understanding of consumers about role and nutritional value of vegetables. Units: % Hanoi city Criteria Urban Peri-urban (n=54) (n=32) Unaware about nutritional value Son La city (n=22) Listed some general effects Knowing very well about effects of each vegetable type Total Although vegetables are used every day, the trend to use more than previous years and the participants commenting are people who regularly undertake choosing, preparing and cooking meals in their family but there are many people of them that are not aware of the nutritional value and role of vegetables. At the same time, consumers are less interested in the effects of each type of vegetables. Percentage of consumers that knowing very clearly about effects of each type of vegetables is small, the highest percentage in that is only 7.41% of the total participants in group discussions in Hanoi city. For example, when asked about the importance of vegetables for their nutritional problems, they said that the vegetable provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, iron, calcium, this is one type of foods that is not indispensable to the daily diets of the household. However, when asked about the effect of each type of vegetables, only some consumers said that vitamin A was found in some vegetables such as carrot, pepper, tomato, vitamin C was found in kangkong, daikon; calcium was found in amaranth. However, the demand for safe vegetables is concerned, it showed that: 100% of participants interviewed have demand for safe vegetables and they predicted that this 14

15 demand will increase in future with special vegetable categories such as cabbage, kohlrabi, kangkong, beans, ceylon spinach, green mustard, sauforus, tomato and they said that demand for these types of vegetables will increase not only in main-season period but also in off-season period. The desire of consumers in future is accessing to sources of fresh vegetables, having enough informations about origin of vegetables and knowing sellers very clearly Assessment of consumers for vegetable products derived from the North-west region (the North-west vegetables) For the North-west vegetables: When asked about the North-west vegetables, consumers said that they have ever used some of them such as chayote, Hmong mustard, taro, pumpkin, celery cabbage, bamboo shoots,... These are kinds of indigenous vegetables in the North-west region. Among consumers using them in daily meals, 100% of them are keen to continue to use these products with reasons that they are good vegetables, having quality better, more fresh, green, their tastes like vegetables growed by themselve, boiled fastly, safer, having clear flavors, not used recreational drug and they are specialty vegetables. For households that have not ever used the North-west vegetables, they want to try these products. They are also willing to pay price higher than the one of vegetable products from Lam Dong being 20-50% (off-season vegetables such as tomato, cabbage, carrots..); Compare quality of the North-west vegetables and vegetables from other regions Table 3.9. Assessment of consumer groups on the quality of the North-west vegetables and vegetables from other regions. Units: % Criteria Urban (n=6 groups) Peri-urban (n=3 groups) Average Compared with vegetables from the Red River Delta Safer More delicous Less safe Less fresh Compared with vegetables from Lam Dong Safer More delicous Fresher Less delicous Less fresh Compared with vegetables from China Safer More delicous Fresher Less delicous Less fresh

16 Survey results showed that the proportion of groups having high ssessments about quality of the North-west vegetables with reasons such as they are safer, more delicious and fresher than vegetables from Red River Delta and Lam Dong, certaintly for vegetables imported from China Analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for vegetable consumers Consumers in Hanoi tend to use more vegetables. However, accessing to vegetables sourced from the North-west is limited. They only know and use them after traveling to the Northwest or as donations, they do not use them everyday. SWOT analysis will clarify more about opportunities and constraints to vegetable consumers in Hanoi. Table SWOT analysis for vegetable consumers Strengths (S) S1: Consumers awareness towards role of vegetable are improving; S2: Volume of vegetable consumed has a tendency of increase in daily meal. Opportunities (O) O1: Vegetable distribution channel is gradually diversified: market, supermarket, shop, mobile stall, home-delivery; O2: Vegetable is supplied from number of different areas; O3: Increasing demand in North-West vegetable; O4: Tendency of using domestic vegetable; O5: Consumers take lots interests in food safety issue. Source: Survey results by FAVRI in Weaknesses (W) W1: Consumers understanding about effects of each specific type of vegetable is limited; W2: Consumer cannot recognize the products origin;; W3: Consumers do not eat diversified vegetables due to the habit of using some traditional ones, the worry of vegetable products safety;; W4: Preference of buying vegetable nearby houses; W5: Consumers are mainly women and old people. Threats (T) T1: Consumers trust in vegetable quality; T2: It is difficult to evaluate the differences in quality among vegetables from different areas and among normal vegetable and safe products; T3: Increasing price of indigenous vegetable. 16

17 3.2. Results of vegetables business situation in Hanoi Characteristics of vegetables sellers Table Some general characteristics of vegetable sellers in different channels Hanoi Son La Supermarkets Stores Markets Street Markets Units vendors 1. Age years Gender + Male % Female % Years in vegetable years business Average age of people in charge of business in supermarkets and stores is lower than that of retailers at markets, as well as that of street vendors. This is the age that they can capture timely and meet the increasing demand of consumers for vegetable products; research results also indicated that most people in charge of business in supermarkets or retailers at markets, street vendors are women. This suggests an important role of women in distributing products to consumers Vegetable supply channels for retailers Producers Wholesalers Producers Collectors Retailers at markets and street vendors Retailers at markets Consumers Consumers Chart 3.6. Vegetable supply channel for retailers at markets and street vendors in Hanoi Chart 3.7. Vegetable supply channel for retailers at markets in Son La Subjects providing vegetables to retailers and street vendors in Hanoi are mostly producers and wholesalers while retailers in Son La primarily take vegetables from producers or collectors. Research results showed that number of street vendors tend increasingly, they are people who live in rural areas or in the neighboring provinces of Ha Noi City. According to research results by Nguyen Thi Tan Loc and collaborators (2010), 33% of the Hanoi vegetable needs are met by street vendors. Thus, street vendors play an increasingly important role in the distribution of vegetable products to consumers in Hanoi in recent years. 17

18 Unlike retailers at markets and street vendors, objects who supply vegetables to supermarkets and stores in Hanoi are mainly farmer groups or cooperatives. These are agencies meeting the requirements of supermarkets and stores on the certification, quantity of deliveries and legal procedures. Among these suppliers, there is vegetable producer groups from Tu Nhien village, Dong Sang commune; Ta Niet village, Chieng Hac commune and An Thai village, Muong Sang commune. All of 3 communes belong to Moc Chau district, Son La, they often provide vegetables for stores and supermarkets in Hanoi. The vegetable categories provided are very rich (15 types) and large quantities focusing on some categories such as tomato, Hmong mustard, pakchoy, chayote, courgettes and beans [4]. Producer groups Cooperatives Supermarkets, stores Consumers Chart 3.8. Vegetable supply channel for supermarkets and stores in Hanoi Vegetable Business Situation Distribution quantity of vegetables by sellers Table Seasonal distribution quantity of vegetables by sellers Units: kg/day/point of sales Hanoi Son La Supermarkets and Markets stores (n=4) (n=5) Markets, street vendors (n=20) Average - Rainy season (May October) + Minimum quantity Maximum quantity Average Dry season (November April) + Minimum quantity Maximum quantity Average Vegetable quantities distributed by retailers at markets and street vendors are relatively stable in months of the year while there is a considerable difference in sales of 18

19 supermarkets and stores between seasons: average sales volume in dry season reaching kg/day, it is higher than in rainy season, only 537.5kg/day because some supermarkets and stores were deficient for supply source of vegetables in rainy season. They only have sources of leaf- and fruit-vegetables produced in the Red River Delta, lack of temperate vegetables. They are not assured when purchasing these vegetables from suppliers around Hanoi. This is also an opportunity for increasing vegetable quantity distributed to supermarkets and stores by suppliers of the Northwest region to meet the needs of consumers in Hanoi. Main types of vegetables for business Through surveying some points of sales, we see that vegetables are often sold with big quantities, about 5% or more of total quantity, they are indentified specifically in following table: Table Main types of vegetables for business Contents Rainy season (May - October) Dry season (November April) 1. Hanoi Supermarkets and stores Retailers at markets and street vendors 2. Son La Retailers at markets Kangkong, ceylon spinach, amaranth, courgettes, green mustard, colza, sauforus, loofah, pumpkin, green peas, chayote, cucumber, pakchoy, tomato, cabbage, Hmong mustard, green pepper. Kangkong, ceylon spinach, amaranth, courgettes, green mustard, pakchoy, sauforus, loofah, pumpkin, green peas, carrot, cucumber, egg-plant, tomato, cabbage. Kangkong, green mustard, colza, sauforus, ceylon spinach, jute, celery cabbage, Hmong mustard, green peas, loofah, tomato. Tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, green pepper, green mustard, colza, lettuce, pakchoy, watercress, chrysanthemum, green peas, kohlrabi, taro potato. Tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, green pepper, green mustard, colza, pakchoy, watercress, celery cabbage, kangkong, chrysanthemum, cress, green peas, onion, kohlrabi, cucumber, potato. Tomato, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, watercress, celery cabbage, Chinese lettuce, daikon, Hmong mustard, colza, egg-plant, courgettes, green pepper, green peas, chayote, cauliflower, carrot, kohlrabi, cucumber, potato. Thus, in most of channels, centralized sales of main-season and off-season vegetables are not actually more. This is really a good chance for vegetable production areas in the North-west to develop production to be additional for shortages of this source and limited importing vegetables from China. In all of vegetables sold, there are some types assessed tend to increase in the recent 3 years: 19

20 Table Some vegetables tending to increase sales in recent 3 years Location Hanoi Son La Tomato, cabbage, courgettes, green pepper, green mustard, colza, Supermarkets and sauforus, beans, kangkong, ceylon stores spinach, jute, lettuce, cauliflower, kohlrabi, carrot. NA Retailers at markets and street vendors Tomato, courgettes, cauliflower, green mustard, beans, loofah, kangkong, sauforus, ceylon spinach, jute, lettuce, chrysanthemum, cress, celery cabbage. Courgettes, chayote, pumpkin, pakchoy, Chinese lettuce. Besides the categories of vegetables tending to increase in recent 3 years, there are also some types of rare vegetables in seasons shown in table below: 1. Hanoi Supermarkets and stores Markets, street vendors 2. Son La Markets Table Types of rare vegetables in seasons Rainy season (May-October) Dry season (November April) Green peas, lettuce, stem of pumpkin vegetables, cabbage, egg-plant, chrysanthemum, kohlrabi, tomato, cauliflower. Cabbage, tomato, kohlrabi, cauliflower, green peas, chrysanthemum, stem of pumpkin vegetables, lettuce, amaranth. Ceylon spinach, sauforus, amaranth, loofah, shallot, pumpkin, jute. Amaranth, kangkong, sauforus, ceylon spinach, stem of pumpkin vegetables, loofah. Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Chinese Kangkong, green peas, amaranth, ceylon lettuce, cress, chrysanthemum. spinach, sauforus Criteria for vegetable selection by consumers Sellers assessment on the vegetable selection criteria of consumers 20

21 Source: Survey Results by FAVRI, Chart 3.9. Criteria for vegetable selection by consumers From research results, we see that sellers assessments of various sale channels on vegetable selection criteria of consumers are significantly different. For example, consumers that purchasing in supermarkets have more concerns about issues such as origin of the products, the safety of vegetables (concentration of heavy metals, pesticide residues), while others purchasing vegetables from retailers at markets in Hanoi choose criteria of freshness, no damage from pests and diseases and attractive color for vegetables. In Son La, consumers concerned more about the freshness and no damage from pests and diseases for vegetables. Thus, the freshness, attractive color and other criteria related to product safety are important factors in vegetable selection of consumers. This suggests that, the preservation, packaging and selling for vegetables that ensuring the quality are attended by sellers nowadays. To better understand about the process of transporting vegetables from production areas to supermarkets, stores and retailers at markets, street vendors, we see following table: Transportation vehicles and method of packaging Table Vehicles to transport vegetables to provide for sellers Units: % Trucks Trucks with fridges Motorbikes Bicycles Supermarkets, stores Retailers and street vendors in Hanoi Retailers and street vendors in Son La

22 Vehicles to transport vegetables from production areas to supermarkets and stores mainly are trucks while the ones to transport vegetables for retailers at markets and street vendors are mostly motorbikes. Method of packaging and shipping There are 100% of ideas representative for supermarkets and stores, 10% of ideas for retailers at markets and street vendors in Hanoi and 20% of ideas representative for retailers in Son La. These comments showed that mode of packaging used for vegetables influenced their quality when they entried. This shows that most of retailers entry vegetables products from regions near places that they sell, so the transportation does not affect the form and quality of vegetables so much. In contrast, vegetables supplied to supermarkets and stores usually are shipped from distant production areas (Lam Dong, Son La, Lao Cai,...), so methods of packaging, the shipping time significantly influence to the quality of vegetables. Therefore, group of representatives for supermarkets and stores said that vegetables should be simply processed before packing, when shipping, suppliers should using appropriate packages for each category to limited crushing ratio. Research results for chayote products shipped from Moc Chau district, Son La province (about 200km from Hanoi) providing for the Hanoi market showed that chayote products are usually packed in plastic bags by households with an average weight being 25kg/bag when shipping. This has affected the quality of chayote because plastic bags is not breathable, easy to cause rotting or damaged/ crushed for products. Thus, to ensure the quality of vegetables during packaging and transportation, it is necessary to have supports and advices from research institutions for producers, transporters about methods of packaging, packaging materials, appropriate arrangements to limit crushed or damaged vegetables during shipping. Method and time of harvesting Among objects that are interviewed, there is 100% of opinions of representatives for supermarkets and stores, 50% of retailers in Hanoi and 60% of retailers in Son La. They said that method and time of harvesting had affected the quality of vegetables. Therefore, they recommend that producers need to harvest vegetables in the morning or late afternoon. As for research team, we shared that method of harvesting is also very important because it affects not only the quality of vegetables but also the quality of plants when they are harvested with many times Supply source of vegetables for retailers (supermarkets, stores, retailers) From study results, we see that provinces in the Red River Delta, these are the neighboring provinces of Ha Noi (60km radius) supply variety of vegetable species in months in the dry season, lack of some products such as tomato, cabbage, Chinese cabbage in the rainy season. Lao Cai, Son La (away for Hanoi from km by road) supply some types of vegetables like Hmong mustard, mustard, chayote, tomato and beans in the rainy season; 22

23 Lam Dong (away for Hanoi about 1500km by road): supply vegetables throughout the year for markets in Hanoi such as cabbage, tomato (large or small size), Chinese cabbage, green pepper, carrot, lettuce, onion, potato,... Vegetables are imported from China in months in the rainy season such as tomato, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, carrot, onion, potato, garlic and shallots. Thus, to meet demand for vegetables growing diversity by consumers in Hanoi, in addition to products supplied vegetables from the neighborhood provinces of Hanoi, sellers must also find some sources from provinces having potential to produce offseason vegetables such as Lam Dong, Son La and Lao Cai. However, in process of business, supermarkets and stores are difficult to search suppliers that meet the requirements of vegetable species, legal certifications, safety vegetables and especially they do not feel secure about the safety of vegetables Business process of vegetable products derived from the North-west region About vegetables categories from the North-west region 100% of opinions from people in charge of business vegetables in supermarkets and stores said that they had sold vegetables from the North-west region such as Hmong mustard, cabbage, kohlrabi, tomato, celery cabbage, green peas, lettuce and taro; 25% of opinions from retailers at markets said that they had sold some vegetables such as chayote, Chinese lettuce, green peas originated from the North-west region; Thus, vegetables sourced from the Northwest region are mostly sold in some supermarkets and stores in Hanoi. However, types and quantity of vegetables sold are limited. Chart Opinions for business of the North-west vegetables About assessing the quality and price of the North-west vegetables Chart Assessment on the quality of the North-west vegetables from retailers Chart Assessment on the price of the North-west vegetables from retailers 23

24 When asked about differences between the quality and price of vegetables produced from the north-west region and those of vegetables from other regions, there are 100% of opinions from people responsible for vegetable industry in supermarkets and stores said that vegetables from the North-west region have better quality and higher price compared to those from other regions while only 60% of retailers at markets and street vendors in Hanoi said that the quality and price of vegetables from the North-west region are higher than those from other regions. This shows that vegetables produced from the North-west region have been provided to the Hanoi market and affirming their quality. This is an opportunity for sellers in increasing quantity of vegetables sourced from the North-west region to provide consumers in Hanoi as well as an opportunity to expand production for the North-West region. To assess opportunities and constraints for sellers in Hanoi, this study analyze SWOT for them very deeply and it is shown in the following section SWOT analysis for vegetables sellers Vegetable sellers in Hanoi are tending to diversify species as well as supply sources. However, accessing to sources of vegetables from the North-west region faces some difficulties as distance from Hanoi, not yet capture the potential of commercial vegetables production areas,.... SWOT analysis will clarify more about the opportunities and constraints for vegetable sellers in Hanoi. 24

25 Table SWOT analysis for vegetable sellers Strengths (S) S1: Experienced in vegetable selling; S2: Have number of regular customers; S3: Timely grasp tendency and customers consumption habit; S4: Some sellers directly do business with final consumers therefore they understand market demand; S5: Understand quality of vegetable from different production areas. Some shops/stalls and supermarkets have sold products produced in NorthWest area; Opportunities (O) O1: Increasing consumption demand in vegetable; O2: Improvement in vegetable supply source; O3: Diversified kinds and origins of vegetables; O4: Hanoi city has supported in selling register condition for sellers. Weakness (W) W1: Understanding of market retailers and street vendors about vegetable origin are limited; W2: Information related to regulations of vegetable safety and hygiene are modest; W3: Cannot thoroughly control vegetable quality that be sold daily; W4: Difficulty in vegetable transportation to selling point cause sellers are mainly women; W5: Difficulty in access to safe vegetable origin, especially market retailers and street vendors. Threats (T) T1: Consumers trust in vegetable quality;; T2: Limitation in kinds of safe vegetable to supply market demand; T3: Shortage of vegetable in cross-season; T4: Unstable price; T5: Increase in number of sellers; T6: Increase in transportation fee Situation of commercial vegetable production in Son La and Dien Bien Characteristics of participants in vegetable producer groups Table Characteristics of producers participating in group discussions Indicators Units Moc Chau Son La Thuan Chau Average Dien Bien Dien Bien (n=20) (n=20) (n=18) Average 1. Average age years Members of the family Person/household Agricultural land Hectare/household In that, Area of land for vegetable production Hectare/household Proportion of women % Average income/month/household 1000 VND 1, , , , , From research results, we see that average age of producers participating in group discussions in Son La and Dien Bien reached years. Average area of agricultural land per household reached 0.66 hectares and average area of land for vegetable production per household reached 0.17 hectares (average area of land for vegetable 25

26 production of households in Thuan Chau is the smallest, only 50m2). These are important resources in the process of developing commercial vegetable production in the study area. Through group discussions, we also see that households participating in commercial vegetable production in Moc Chau district, Son La province and Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province are mainly Kinh ethnic while those in Thuan Chau district, Son La province are mainly Thai ethnic. The survey also showed that the group of vegetable producers in Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district, Son La has improved income levels of their family from % compared to the prior underdeveloped vegetables. While the group of vegetable producers (Thai ethnic) in Thuan Chau creates the income rate from vegetables about 40% of total income of the household. Rate of income from 30-50% of total income of the household is discussion result by the groups of vegetable producers in Dien Bien district. Percentage of women participating in producer group discussions in Son La and Dien Bien is relatively high, reaching 68.42% Conditions for development of vegetable production Comments on conditions for the cultivation of vegetables: Land: Total area of land as well as area of land for vegetable production also belong to households. Types of soil for vegetable production are mainly ancient alluvial soil, suitable for growing vegetables. Water source: water for irrigation of vegetables is mainly from streams, canals, ditches and wells. These sources are considered to ensure quality, less contaminated. However, in the study areas, lack of water for irrigation of vegetables happened in February, March and April. For producer groups in Thuan Chau district, lack of water for irrigation of vegetables happened and lasted to May, June and July. This is the big constraint for process of production and trade of vegetable products in Son La and Dien Bien. Capital for vegetable production: In all of discussion groups, only for vegetable producer group of Thai ethnic in Thuan Chau district, they always face the lack of capital to buy seeds and plant protection chemicals in production process of vegetable commodities, and households in Moc Chau and Dien Bien are not difficult. Farming practices: Results of focus group discussions showed that: Vegetable producer groups in Moc Chau district, Son La province usually grow vegetables in land of home garden. So it is convenient for caring, protecting and harvesting products. Producers participating in group discussions were trained in vegetable production techniques towards VietGAP, so they are profitable in process of planting and caring for vegetables. Vegetable species produced are very diversity. For producer groups in Thuan Chau district, Son La province: Vegetable cultivation is mainly based on experience. Vegetables are grown on an area of rice fields after harvesting. During fertilization for vegetables, they often use ash or wastes of breeding pigs, buffaloes and chickens. In addition, some households buy NPK fertilizers additionally to use for vegetables, they use less pesticides, fungicides during planting and caring vegetables. They usually grow leafy-vegetables, these are categories having short time of growth, so it is fast to harvest for rice cultivation in the next season. For vegetable producer groups in Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province: Like groups in Thuan Chau district, Son La province, they mainly grow vegetables on area of rice fields. However, because these are groups of Kinh ethnic, their techniques of 26

27 growing and caring vegetables are relatively good. Currently, some households began moving the area of land to cultivate paddy into growing vegetables throughout the year. Among producers participating in group discussions, there are some farmers that have been trained in accordance with production techniques of the Dien Bien Science and Technology Department. Like producer groups in Thuan Chau, they also like to grow vegetables having short-time of growth for the cultivation of rice in next months. Production conditions of vegetable producer groups are summarized in following table: Table Resources for commercial vegetable production development Land Resources Water source Transportation system Labor Capital Production experience Son La Dien Bien Thuan Chau district Moc Chau district Dien Bien district Soil for vegetable production in riverine areas of Muoi stream, mainly alluvial soils. Vegetables are grown on the area of cultivating paddy, they are conducted in winter. Water is supplied from Muoi stream, water quality ensured; Water shortages happen in months: March, April, May, June, July. Field near asphalt, able to transport by trucks, motorbikes. Labors for vegetable production: both men and women Lack of capital to buy seeds, pesticides for vegetables Conducting production according to experience. Soil for vegetables production mainly alluvial soil. Vegetables are grown mainly on garden land; Water comes from streams, wells, pumping water from canals; Water shortages happen in months: March and April each year. Field near motorways, convenient for transportation. Labors for vegetable production: both men and women Lack of capital for investment in the grid Under direction of safe vegetables Soil for vegetable production is mainly alluvial soil; Vegetables are grown mainly in winter, in the rice fields. Water is supplied from Pe Luong lake, through system of canals; water quality is relatively good and less pollution; Water shortages happen in months: February, March and April each year. Field near the road, able to transport by trucks, motorbikes. Labors for vegetable production: both men and women Not have to conduct loans, enough capital for production. Producing following process of normal vegetables. 27

28 Supply sources of seeds and inputs Supply source of seeds: It is shown as follows: First, seeds of vegetables are offered through retailers in traditional markets. These people just sell dry goods as onion, garlic, peanuts, ginger,... and sell vegetable seeds. Seeds are carefully packaged in plastic bags, outer packing in picture of vegetable species, manuals in foreign languages. Thus, seed buyers hardly control the shelf as well as seed quality. Second, vegetable seedlings are planted and sold in retail markets by some farmers. However, some species of seedlings and vegetables is limited. The seedlings are mainly sold at district markets. Third, vegetable seeds are provided to producers through stores and agents in respective districts. Categories of vegetable seeds mostly originated from China, they were imported by domestic companies. Fourth, producers have self-produced vegetable seeds. This image shows seeds of Hmong mustard, one of the most commonly grown vegetable in the North-west region. Thus, supply sources of vegetable seeds for producers are varied. Each of these supply sources has advantages and disadvantages, they are: Imported seeds: Types of vegetable seeds are very diverse, so producers will have many choices when purchasing vegetable seeds. However, the issues of controlling the term for using, using method and the quality of seeds are difficult for them. Seeds purchased in the country: - They are distributed by companies in the country: Their types are not diverse, so producers have very little choice when purchasing them. In many case, they are not fully available to meet demands for vegetables about both quantity and quality to buyers. - Seedlings are produced and sold by some households: their types are not diverse, they are available with the significant quantity, so they can not be provided for producer groups with the scale of commodity production. Most opinions of producer groups indicate that the price of seeds is high nowadays. 28

29 - Seeds self-produced: In conditions when there are many problems for supply sources of seeds in the market such as seed quality, quantity and varieties not to meet demands of producers, source of seeds self-produced plays an important role in vegetable cultivation. The types of vegetable seeds self-produced are mainly H mong mustard, chayote, loofah, gourd, cucumber, courgettes, pumpkin, kangkong, sauforus, beans,... while there are some types of vegetable seeds not self-produced by households such as tomato, cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower,... The types of vegetable seeds self-produced have some advantages because households can save more money to buy seeds, they are tolerant to extreme weather conditions (frost, cold, ). However, they also have some disadvantages such as their low yield, the uneven quality of products, using seeds with the large quantity,... Types of vegetable seeds that they have purchased or self-produced are shown in the following table: Table Types of vegetables grown according to supply sources District Purchasing Self-producing Moc Chau Thuan Chau Dien Bien French bean, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, cucumber, small mustard, celery cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomato, kohlrabi, courgettes, lettuce, Chinese lettuce. Cabbage, beet, kohlrabi, green mustard, Chinese cabbage, celery cabbage, potato, carrots, tomato, cucumber, cauliflower, pakchoy, Chinese lettuce. Celery cabbage, Chinese lettuce, green mustard, bitter melon, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, green peas. H mong mustard, lettuce, ceylon spinach, kangkong, sauforus, loofah, pumpkin, chayote. Pumpkin, courgettes, peppers, H mong mustard, lettuce, onion, garlic, kangkong, sauforus, French bean, tomato, amaranth, ceylon spinach, bitter melon. Ceylon spinach, sauforus, jute, colza, loofah, yard longbean, onion, garlic, pumpkin. Supply source of fertilizers, pesticides: Research results showed that types of fertilizers and pesticides used for vegetables are offered by stores, large agents located in the district center close to the production areas of commodity vegetables. Particularly for Moc Chau district, Son La province, in each commune, there are collection points and they also undertake the sales of inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, so it is easy to purchase inputs and poor households can apply forms of postpaid when purchasing Seasonal calendar From observing the table below, we see that some types of vegeables have time of harvesting from May to October each year in the study areas such as tomato, cabbage, kohlrabi, green peas, H mong mustard. This is period when there are shortages on these products at markets in Hanoi. 29

30 Table Seasonal calendar of some major vegetable crops in the study areas Vegetables Tomato Janua ry Febru ary Marc h April May June July Augu st Septe mber Octob er Nov em ber Decem ber Cabbage Kohlrabi Pumpkin Green peas Hmong mustard* Chayote* Celery cabbage Cauliflower Chinese cabbage *: Can be grown throughout the year; Green: Time to planting; Yellow: Time to harvest products. Crop rotation formula For each of different study sites, the crop rotation formula is also different. For example, the households in Moc Chau district, Son La province often grow cabbage, tomato, beans, courgettes, kohlrabi,... while the households in Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province grow celery cabbage, Chinese lettuce, small mustard, cauliflower, ceylon spinach, amaranth,... Through the actual survey, the research team recorded some crop rotation formulas as follows: For Moc Chau district, Son La province Land for growing vegetables: From group discussion results, we found that the area of land used for vegetable is mainly on the garden land (this is the area of farmland, grill, garden, they are one piece together and next to their house, so we call the garden land). 30

31 Table Crop rotation formula of vegetables in Moc Chau Formula 1 Ceylon spinach Beans Tomato H mong mustard Formula 2 Amaranth French bean Tomato Celery cabbage Formula 3 Cabbage Tomato H mong mustard Celery cabbage Formula 4 Cabbage Tomato H mong mustard Celery cabbage Formula 5 Cucumber Courgettes Physalis angulata Formula 6 Green bean Tomato Cabbage Formula 7 Kohlrabi Tomato Physalis H mong mustard angulata Formula 8 H mong Tomato Cabbage Physalis angulata mustard Formula 9 Chayote Source: Survey results by FAVRI in 2013 These are some main crop rotation formulas. In fact, on a large plot, producers also divide it into many small pieces and apply many different rotational formulas, so it is difficult to list all of their crop rotation formulas in a year. But we can confirm that their crops are very diverse and they can be sowed at different times during the year (following seasonal calendar) and started from 2012 in Moc Chau, there is the initiative in taking cabbage to plant early and harvest in June. They obtain the high value. For Thuan Chau district, Son La province Unlike vegetable producer groups in Moc Chau district, they not only grow vegetables on the garden land (with the area be smaller than in Moc Chau), but also they grow vegetables on the land area for cultivating paddy. For example, for producer groups in Tong Lanh commune, Thuan Chau district, after finishing the first period (from the last of March to July) and the second period of transplanting paddy (from August to the beginning of November), they continue to grow vegetables from the mid-november to mid-march each year. Types of vegetables grown primarily are cabbage, daikon, kohlrabi, green mustard, H mong mustard, celery cabbage, Chinese lettuce, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, welsh onion, garlic, cauliflower, sauforus, green bean, carrots,... There is also the area where in 01 years they only transplant paddy in 01 period, after this period, they conduct to cultivate vegetables (in the case of the producer group in Thom Mon commune). Types of vegetables cultivated are mainly leafy-vegetables. For Dien Bien district For the land for growing vegetables: this is formerly the land for cultivating paddy, however, due to lack of water for this, producers have converted this area to grow vegetables throughout the year. Their crop rotation formulas are mainly as the table below: 31

32 Table Crop rotation formula of vegetables in Dien Bien district Formula 1 Kangkong Formula 2 Sauforus Formula 3 Ceylon spinach Chinese lettuce Formula 4 Bitter melon Cucumber Tomato Formula 5 Celery Ceylon Spicy Chinese lettuce cabbage spinach vegetables Formula 6 Gourd Gourd Formula 7 Cucumber Yard longbean Tomato Formula 8 Yard longbean Cucumber Cauliflower Formula 9 Green bean Source: Survey results by FAVRI in 2013 During the survey, producer groups in Thanh Luong commune, Dien Bien district said that it is very difficult for them to grow vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages on their land due to inappropriate water source for irrigation (cold water from the stream slots), many pests. For the land to cultivate paddy: after 2 periods for paddy cultivation, they will grow corn or vegetables (potato and cucumber). Main crop rotation formula is as followings: Paddy in period 01 (from January to May) Paddy in period 02 (from June to September) Potato. Paddy in period 01 - Paddy in period 02 Cucumber. Paddy in period 01 - Paddy in period 02 Corn. From results of discussions, we see that for households, to limit pests and diseases, in addition to some measures such as using disease resistant types of seeds, conducting field sanitation, the efficiency measure is appropriate crop rotation. According to their opinion, the most effective measure is rotating crops grown on land with crops grown in aquatic environment, but for vegetables grown throughout the year, they can not do that, the affordable solution is rotating among different crops. Besides, there are also some households in Moc Chau district that have grown some kinds of mustard such as H mong mustard, one kind of mustard grown to take oil after harvesting corn. This helps to increase more income and create landscapes to attract tourists Vegetable Distribution Situation For different producer groups, selling their products to agents also have significant differences. For example, producer groups in Moc Chau district sells products primarily to collectors, while producer groups in Thuan Chau and Dien Bien district mainly sell to retailers at markets in these districts. That means when there are a large volume of products, they try to sell more advantageous to concentrate the production time, even when households have only a small volume of products, they try to sell them with the highest prices. In all of discussion groups, the producer group in Tu Nhien village, Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district has produced some vegetables for supermarkets and stores in the area of Hanoi. Leader of this group also collects products from some other groups within the scope of the Project. And there are transportation vehicles, so they are proactive in their delivery and each trip averaged 2 tons and 32

33 maximum 5 trips per week. Producer group in An Thai village, Muong Sang commune, Moc Chau district has also some vegetable products to supply for retail stores in Hanoi but these are small volumes due to limited means of transport: sending by passenger car with average only 250kg/time and come to Hanoi, buyers must go to station to receive goods, so price and crushing ratio are very high, for example, tomato > 20% (if harvesting with maturity >80%). Remaining producer groups mostly sell vegetables to collectors, wholesalers, retailers in the area of district. Chart Vegetable Distribution of producers Fluctuation in the prices of some types of vegetables in the study sites Fluctuation in the price of some types of vegetables Discussion results showed that in the area of Moc Chau and Thuan Chau district, prices of vegetables decreased from October to December. Price of tomato in Moc Chau district tends to increasing from September to November due to quality of tomato improved, chosen by many consumers. According to producers, there are such quality tomatoes because they buy seeds with quality guaranteed, grafted seedlings. Besides, producer groups in Moc Chau district have established a new distribution channel to provide vegetable products for supermarkets and stores in Hanoi, so retail prices of tomato products tend to increasing in this period. 33