Ninh Thuan to link grape growing to sustainable practices

Ninh Thuan province plans to expand cultivation of grapes grown under Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGap). (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Thuan (VNS/VNA) - The south-central province of Ninh Thuan, the country’s largest grape producer, plans to expand cultivation of grapes grown under Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGap) and link tourism to sustainable development.

Grapes have long been a specialty of Ninh Thuan province. Besides sweet grapes, wine grapes are also planted in the central coastal locality. However, supply has yet to meet domestic demand, heard a seminar held as part of the Grape and Wine Festival in Ninh Thuan from April 26 to May 2.

Hundreds of local cooperatives have joined the supply chain of wine grapes. However, supply has not met local demand.

Ninh Thuan is capable of growing 8,000 hectares of grapes, but the current total area of grape cultivation is around 1,200 hectares, with only 5 percent being wine grapes. The province will expand the grape cultivation area to 2,000 ha in 2025 and 3,000 ha in 2030.

The province also plans to promote cultural values, famous landscapes and tourism products, and create a platform for tourism authorities and travel agents to meet investors.

Ninh Thuan has favourable conditions to develop tourism, which has been shown over the past five years through rising tourism revenue and the number of tourists, particularly during weekends and holidays.

The province will continue to create a favourable investment environment, offering special land rental prices, preferential taxes and streamlined investment procedures.

The province also plans to create a large field for planting grapes which is set to become a tourist attraction.

The large-scale grape field model is being expanded this year. Each locality has its own model, but farmers in all areas will receive help to increase their productivity and find outlets. 

During the recent Grape and Wine Festival, the wine grape is promoted with a view to boosting the production of grape and grape products in the province, including wine. The event drew 120,000 visitors, three times higher than the same time last year.

The province, the driest and hottest region in the country, is well known for its white sandy beaches and vast gardens of grapes, onions and hot peppers. 

Last year, Ninh Thuan welcomed 2.19 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent. Tourism turnover reached 1.05 trillion VND (45 million USD), a year-on-year increase of 18.9 percent.

The province has 145 accommodation facilities with a total of 3,100 rooms. — VNS/VNA