A hi-tech greenhouse system imported from Israel early this year has helped meet the demand for organic vegetables on Phu Quoc island, which must transport most of its needed produce from the mainland. The 4,200sq.m greenhouse, located in Cua Duong commune, includes a drip irrigation control system that allows for cultivation of up to 50 kinds of vegetables year-round.
Nguyen Minh Triet, Ecofarm director, said his company supplies 200-300kg of safe and clean vegetables for local residents a day, including water spinach, mustard leaf, spring onion and watercress.
Can Tho University’s Agriculture Faculty provides Ecofarm with high quality varieties of vegetables, and the university’s agricultural experts monitor the cultivation process.
Lam Van Cao, deputy head of Phu Quoc Island Farmer’ Association, said the prices of vegetables transported from the mainland to the island were four to five times higher than those sold on the mainland.
Ecofarm plans to expand its greenhouse area to 2-2.5 ha to have a daily vegetable output of 3-4 tonnes to meet local demand.
It also plans to export its vegetables to nearby countries and territories, including Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Two Ecofarm employees have been sent to Israel to learn how to grow clean vegetables in a greenhouse.