Agrofolio_recommendations_vietnam_pdf

Recommendations for improved
sustainable
priority
Neglected
Species NUS in Vietnam
Nguyen Lam, Nguyen The Phuong and Pham Thi Dung Funded by the European Commission's sixth framework programme: "Integrating and Strengthening the European Research Area, Specific Measures in Support of International Cooperation (INCO)". fp6-2002-inco-dev/ssa-1 – 026293 Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Front cover picture: Diospyros kaki
Source: www.nedertropen.nl/overige%20exoten.html


Contact in Vietnam:
Dr. Nguyen Lam
Department of Environmental Technology
Faculty of Land Resources and Environment
Trau Quy, Gia Lam Trau Quy, Gia Lam
Ha Naoi, Vietnam
phone.:+84-0-48768771, fax.:+84-0-8766642
email: [email protected], [email protected]
Edited by:
Dr. Angela Meyer and Mag. Stefan Glaser
Organisation for International Dialogue and Conflict Management
DI. Veronika Hager
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna,
Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding
Agrofolio project coordinator:
Dr. Markus Schmidt
University of Vienna, Faculty of Geosciences, Geography and Astronomy,
Institute of Risk Research
email: [email protected]
Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Table of contents
1. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NUS IN VIETNAM
1.1. General policy issues
1.2. General communication and awareness issues
1.3. Other general issues
2. LIST OF SELECTED PRIORITY NUS IN VIETNAM
3. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELECTED PRIORITY NUS
3.1. Priority NUS 1 (Colocasia antiquorum -Khoai mon; score:2.2)
3.1.1. Policy options 3.1.2. Research and Development options 3.1.3. Communication and awareness options 3.1.4. Other options 3.2. Priority NUS 2 (Cucurbita pepo L.– Bi ngo: Score: 2.8)
3.2.1. Policy options 3.2.2. Research and Development options 3.2.3. Communication and awareness options 3.2.4. Other options 3.3. Priority NUS 3 (Diospyros kaki Thumb-Hong Ha giang-score:2.0)
3.3.1. Policy options 3.3.2. Research and Development options 3.3.3. Communication and awareness options 3.3.4. Other options (Philip Cao Van and Chau, 2006). 3.4. Priority NUS 4 (Ilex kaushue S.Y.Hu- Che dang)
3.4.1. Policy options 3.4.2. Research and Development options 3.4.3. Communication and awareness options 3.4.4. Other options 3.5. Priority NUS 5 (Mangifera indica L.-Xoai: score: 3.5)
3.5.1. Policy options 3.5.2. Research and Development options 3.5.3. Communication and awareness options 3.5.4. Other options 3.6. Priority NUS 6 (Panax Vietnames Ha et Grushy-Sam Ngoc Linh)
3.6.1. Policy options 3.6.2. Research and Development options 3.6.3. Communication and awareness options 3.6.4. Other options 3.7. Priority NUS 7 (Sesamum indicum L.-Vung-score:2.7)
3.7.1. Policy options 3.7.2. Research and Development options 3.7.3. Other options 4. REFERENCES
APPENDIX
Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
1. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NUS IN
VIETNAM
1.1. General policy issues
Before the 1990's, Vietnam has suffered a food shortage due to the weakness of the
cooperative production system. After the "doi moi" policy in 1986, the government
made considerable efforts to increase the production of food in the country, rice being
the main staple food. Attempts to achieve food security were very successful, and
over the past 10 years, Vietnam has become the second largest rice exporter in the
world. Consequently, almost all policies are launched to promote the productivity and
quality of commonly used crops such as rice or maize to ensure food security. These
policies focus on supporting research (new techniques, genetic conservation, plant
breeding), technology transfer, infrastructure improvements, fertilizer supply, market
and exports. Table 1 presents the list of major crops/plants, to which the government
has a great attention in terms of investments and developments.
Table 1: Most commonly used plants, to which the government has a great attention for
investments and developments
Food crops
Vegetable
Fruit trees
Forest trees
Industry
Maize, rice, Tomato, Exotic trees: Coffee, sweet potato, cabbage, rubber tree, marigold, black chili, apricot, water melon, cinnamon, canarium sp., cane cajupus Midgley et al. (1996) provided evidence on exotic species in Vietnam as one of the Vietnamese government's policy concerns. Exotic species play an important role in the domestic and export economies of Vietnam (see the list of commonly exotic species in Vietnam in appendix). Coffee, an exotic plant in Vietnam, is rapidly becoming Vietnam's most successful cash crop and, in the year 2000, 100 000 ha of new coffee plantations have been planned in addition to the 150 000 ha already under cultivation. Vietnam is the world's eighth-largest coffee exporter with export earnings totaling an estimated US$400 million in 1994, approximately 10% of the country's total exports (Far Eastern Economic Review 1995a Midgley at al.1996). Rubber, native in South America, is one of Vietnam's major agricultural products with over 240 000 ha planted (Warfvinge 1993 Midgley at al.1996). Over 70 000 tons of rubber with a value of US$70 million were produced in 1994 (Far Eastern Economic Review 1995b Midgley at al.1996). Exports of cashew, a native of north eastern Brazil, totaled US$ 100 million in 1995, accounting for about 2% of Vietnam's total exports. The raw cashew production has increased to 100 000 tons in 1995 from 15 000 tons in 1987 and Vietnam is now third among the world's cashew exporters - behind India and Brazil. It is expected that the production will continue to rise as significant new plantations have been established in recent years (Far Eastern Economic Review 1996 Midgley at al.1996). Estimates for the production of sweet Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu potato, an exotic staple in many parts of Vietnam, vary. However in 1991, it was estimated that over 2 million tons have been produced (The Statesman's Yearbook 1991-92 cited by Midgley at al.1996). Minor crops such as NUS are less concerned by the government policies, although they have significant contributions to food security and local livelihood, especially for disadvantages groups or ethnic minority people. UNDP (2002) warned against genetic degradation due to commercial agriculture in Vietnam. Therefore, NUS are still very important for our present and future. Review and development of policies for NUS conservation and use are urgently needed. Most of the documents relating to underutilized plant species can be accessed in the libraries of MARD, the Vietnam Academy for Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), and the Institute of Medical Materials (Ministry of Health). According to Nguyen Van Dinh et al (2006), the policies issued by Government agencies included those emanating from the National Assembly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, and provincial people's committees (Table 1). Nguyen Van Dinh et al (2006) found that 120 policy-related documents were collected and reviewed, and that 76 of these were about promoting or inhibiting the advancement of underutilized plant species (UPS), at different levels. Table 2. List of policy documents related to underutilized plant species
Policy documents
The list of documents highly supportive to underutilized plant
National Assembly
Ordinance No, 15/2004/PL-UBTVQH11 on plant varieties Ordinance No, 18/1999/PL-UBTVQH10 on commodity quality Intellectual Property Law No, 50/2006/QH11 was approved by the 8th Session of 11th National Assembly on 29/11/2005 and came into force after 01/7/2006 Government
Decree No, 57/2005/Nð-CP dated 27/4/2005 by Government on x penalties for administrative violation in the field of crop varieties Decision No, 199/2001/QD-TTg dated 28/12/2001 by the Prime x Minister on tax exemption in agricultural land utilization Instruction No, 210/TTg dated 6/12/1966 by the Prime Minister on exploitation and development of medicinal plants and animals Ministries
Decision No, 68/2004/QD-BNN dated 24/11/2004 by the Minister, x MARD, on the addition of 10 crop species to the list of protected crop species, Decision No, 653/2000/QD-TDC dated 12/12/2000 by the Directorate x for Standards and Quality on ‘Guideline for content and procedure of basic standard development', Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Policy documents
Decision No, 2424/2000/QD-BKHCNMT dated 12/12/2000 by the Minister, Ministry of Science Technology and Environment, on ‘Temporary regulations for the announcement of appropriate standardizing of commodity' Decision No, 2425/2000/QD-BKHCNMT dated 12/12/2000 by the Minister, Ministry of Science, technology and environment on ‘Temporary regulation on commodity quality standard', Decision No, 143/2002/QD-BNN dated 06/12/2002 by the Minister, x MARD, on branch standards, Inter-ministerial Circular No, 06-TT/LB dated 12/2/1968 by the Ministry of Health and MARD on the implementation of Directive No,210-TTg/VG on growing medicinal plants in agricultural cooperatives under MARD management, Inter-ministerial Circular No, 26 dated 12/8/1968 by the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Forestry on the implementation of Directive No, 210-TTg/VG on exploitation and development of medicinal plants and animals, Inter-ministerial Circular No, 28/TTLB dated 27/12/1990 by the Red Cross and the Ministry of Health on encouraging the use of Vietnamese traditional medicine in health care, Inter-ministerial Circular No, 21-TTLB dated 26/8/1977 by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Training on (the introduction of) Vietnamese traditional medicine at all levels of schooling, Directive No, 01-BYT/CT dated 15/1/1969 on encouraging the growing Vietnamese traditional medicinal plants in the winter-spring seasons (1968-1969) Five-year plan on agricultural and rural development (2001-2205) by x Decision No, 19/2006/Qð-BNN dated 21/03/2006 by MARD on x testing, field trials, approval, release and naming of new crop varieties Decision No, 67/2006/Qð-BNN dated 24/11/2004 by MARD on x selection, recognition, management and utilization of mother stocks of industrial crops and perennial fruit trees, Decision No, 05/2006/Qð-BNN dated 20/01/2005 by MARD on x regulations regarding standards of product quality and agricultural commodities, Provincial people's committees
Decision No, 1190/QD-CT dated 22/7/2005 by Ha Nam People's x committee on provincial agricultural development to 2010 Decision No, 526/QD-UB dated 20/5/2003 by Ha Nam People's x committee on project approval for developing shifting models of cropping and animal husbandry patterns in low-lying fields Report on agricultural and rural economic transformation from 2001 to x 2004, development orientation to 2010 (No, 2014/BC-UB dated 26/4/2005 by Quang Ninh People's committee), Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Policy documents
Decision No, 257/QD-UB dated 31/01/2005 by Son La People's x committee on encouraging agricultural commodity production in the province (from 2005 to 2010), Subtotal
List of documents fairly incentive to the underutilized plant species
Government
Decision No, 149/1998/QD-TTg dated 21/8/1998 by the Prime Minister on forestry developing projection for the Northeastern wood zone to the year 2010, Decision No, 253/1998/QD-TTg dated 29/12/1998 by the Prime Minister on changing Tram Chim submerged zone of natural conservation in Dong Thap into Tram Chim national park and approval of Tram Chim construction investment project ( from1999 to 2003) Decision No, 80/2002/QD-TTg dated 24/6/2002 by the Prime Minister x on supportive polices on agricultural production consumption through contracts, Decree No, 13/2001/ND-CP dated 20/4/2001 by Government on the x Protection of new plant varieties, Ministries
Circular No, 2/NN-KNKL/TT dated 1/3/1997 by MARD providing x guidelines for Government Decree No, 7/CP dated 5/7/1996 on crop variety management, Decision No, 714/QD-BNN-TT dated 14/3/2006 by MARD on x approval of project proposal ‘Survey on current status of rice production, utilization and management nation-wide', Provincial People's committees
Political report dated 14/6/2005 of Quang Ninh Party Executive Board x in the 12th Provincial Party Congress, Subtotal
List of documents likely incentive to the underutilized plant species National Assembly
Ordinance No, 42/2002/PL-UBTVQH10 on self-defense in foreign commodity importation into Vietnam Ordinance No, 22/2004/PL-UBTVQH11 by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly against subsidization of imported commodities into Vietnam, Law No, 29/2004/QH11 dated 03/12/2004 of the Social Republic of Vietnam on forestry protection and development, Fishery Law No 17/2003/QH11 Government
Decision No, 26/2005/QD-TTg dated 1/6/2005 by the Prime Minister on supportive policies on aquaculture development, Decision No, 112/2004/QD-TTg dated 23/6/2004 by the Prime Minister on approval of the aquaculture development programme to 2010, Decision No, 131/2004/QD-TTg dated 16/7/2004 by the Prime Minister on programme approval of aquatic product protection and development Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Policy documents
to the year 2010 Directive No, 34/ 2004/CT-TTg dated 14/10/2004 by Prime Minister on coordination strengthening in management, sovereignty defense and national security of Vietnam's sea and continental shelf, Ordinacne No, 59/2005/ND-CP dated 24/5/2005 by Government on the production and business conditions of some aquatic professions, Decree No, 150/2003/ND-CP dated 8/12/2003 by Government particularly stipulates the implementation of ordinance on self-defence in foreign commodity importation into Vietnam, Decision No, 17/2006/QD-TTg dated 20/01/2006, on continuation of x Decision No, 225/1999/QD-TTg dated 10/12/1999 on programmes of plant varieties, animal breeds and forest varieties to 2010, Decision No, 225/1999/QD-TTg dated 10/1999 by the Prime Minister x on approval of 12 programmes for crop varieties, animal breeds and forestry varieties from 2000 to 2005, Ministries
Directive No, 27-BYT/CT dated 7/9/1972 on strengthening Vietnamese traditional medicine development and utilization in communes, Circular No, 27-BYT/TT dated 30/VII-76 on implementation of the directive on Vietnamese traditional medicine utilization and acupuncture in districts and communes Subtotal
Total 4,1-4,3 (supportive)
List of documents inhibiting the underutilized plant species
National Assembly
Law on agricultural land utilization tax dated 10/7/1993 Government
Decree No, 02/CP dated 15/1/1994 by Government on allotting land to organizations, households and individuals who consistently and permanently utilize it for forestry purposes, Decree No, 163/1999/ND-CP dated 16/11/1999 by Government on allotting and renting land to organizations, households and individuals who consistently and permanently utilize it for forestry purposes, Decree No, 85/1999/ND-CP dated 28/8/1999 by Government on x regulation amendment for allotting agricultural land to households and individuals who stably and permanently utilize it for agricultural production and amendment for allotting land to households and individuals utilizing it for salt making, Decree No, 73/CP dated 25/10/1993 by Government on land classification and tax on agricultural land utilization Decree No, 84-CP dated 8/8/1994 by Government on the implementation of amended ordinance to households utilizing agricultural land over area limitation, Decision No, 182/1999/QD-TTg dated 3/9/1999 by the Prime Minister x on project approval for vegetable, fruit tree and ornamental plant development from 1999 to 2010, Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Policy documents
Decision No, 120/1999/QD-TTg dated 7/5/1999 by the Prime Minister x on approval of project on cashew nut development to 2010, Directive No, 24/2005/CT-TTg dated 28/6/2005 by the Prime Minister x on the implementation of the 5th Resolution by the 9th Central Communist Party on agricultural and rural industrialization and modernization, Resolution No, 03/2000/NQ-CP dated 2/2/1999 by Government on Decision No, 17/2002/ QD-TTg by the Prime Minister on development x orientation of cotton from 2001-2010, Ministries
Decision No, 54/2001 dated 7/4/2003 by the Minister, MARD, on the x list of crops that need to announce quality standards, Decision No, 69/2004/QD-BNN dated 03/12/2004 by the Minister, x MARD, on the list of rare crops prohibited for export, Decision No, 52/2003/QD-BNN dated 2/4/2003 by the Minister, x MARD, on testing, field trials, approval, release and naming of new crop varieties, Decision No, 1213/2002/QD-BNN-KHCN dated 8/4/2002 by the x Minister, MARD, on the list of protected crops, Decision No, 59/2004/QD-BNN dated 04/11/2004 by the Minister, x MARD, on the list of crops that need approval of quality standards, Decision No, 60/2004/QD-BNN dated 03/11/2004 by the Minister, x MARD, requiring the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a set of
criteria/standards to be met with regard to quality etc, of seed/seedlings,
Joint Circular No, 62/2000/TTLT-BNN-TCDC dated 6/6/2000 by MARD and the General Directorate of Land Administration on guidelines for land allotment and rent and on issuing license for forestry land utilization, Subtotal
List of documents neutral to inhibiting to the underutilized plant
Ministries
Decision No, 56/2001/QD/BNN-BVTV dated 23/5/2001 by the x Minister, MARD, on the list of items under plant quarantine, Decision No, 34/2001/QD-BNN-VP dated 30/3/2003 by the Minister, MARD, regarding regulations on THE business conditions of plant production and animal husbandry, Subtotal
List of documents neutral to the underutilized plant species
Government
Decision No, 150/2005/QD-TTg dated 20/06/2005 by the Prime x Minister on planning approval of agricultural, forestry and fishery pattern-shifting nation-wide to 2010 and vision 2020, Decree No, 74/1993/ND-CP dated 25/10/1993 by Government on implementation of the law on agricultural land tax Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Policy documents
Decree No, 56/2005/ND-CP dated 26/4/2005 by Government on x agricultural and fishery extension Decree No, 06/2005/NQ-CP dated 06/5/2005 by Government on
regularly governmental in April, 2005,
Ministries
Decision No, 30/2002/QD-BNN-TCCB dated 26/4/2002 by the Minister, MARD, on the establishment of the Central Agricultural Extension Center Decision No 118/2003/QD-BNN dated 03/11/2003 by Minister of MARD on function, mandate and structure of Agricultural ExtensionCenter Joint Circular No, 69/2000/TTLT/BNN-TCTK dated 23/6/2000 by MARD and the General Directorate of Statistics on guidelines on farm economy criteria, Circular No, 82/2000/TT-BTC dated 14/8/2000 on financial guidelines of farm economy development, Directive No, 66/2000/CT-BNN-KH dated 14/6/2000 by the Minister, x MARD, on planning of rural, agricultural, forestry and irrigation development from 2001 to 2005, Subtotal
Total Neutral or inhibiting
Source: Nguyen Van Dinh et al. (2006)
Table 3. Areas of relevance of documents
Policy documents
Highly supportive to underutilized plant 14 Slightly supportive to underutilized 2 Total supportive
Non promotional towards underutilized 11 Neutral-to-non-promotional towards Underutilized plant species Neutral towards underutilized plant 3 Total neutral or non-promotional
Source: Nguyen Van Dinh et al. 2006. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Box 1
The list of Vietnamese policies in recent years are relevant to NUS conservation
and use:
- Decree No. 68/2004/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD, dated 24 November 2004 on the
additional list of 10 crop species under government guarantee.
- Decree 74/2004/Qð-BNN issued by MARD dated 16 December 2004 about the list
of cultivars accepted for production and marketing.
- Decree 79/2005/QD-BNN dated 05 December 2005, which issued regulation and
term of reference for international exchange of valuable and rare plant species.
Many plant species issued by the Decree 79 are in the master list.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) launched the Decree
80/2005/QD-BNN dated 05 December 2005, which provided the list of valuable and
rare crops for further conservation (1,400 germ plasms).
- Decree No. 81/2005/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD, dated 13 December 2005 on
applying Vietnamese standard for tea production.
- Decree No. 19/2006/Qð-BNN issued by MARD dated 21 March 2006 for field
trial, test, accepted and given new name of new cultivars.
- Decree 40/2006/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD dated 22 May 2006 on adjustment of
decree 74/2004/Qð-BNN dated 16 December 2004 about the list of cultivars
accepted for production and marketing.
- Decree No. 103/2006/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD, dated 14 November 2006 on the
additional list of plants accepted for production and marketing.
- Decree No. 24/2007/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD, dated 09 April 2007 on the
additional list of major forestry tree species.
- Decree No. 39/2007/Qð-BNN issued by MARD, dated 02 May 2007 on accepted
plan for cashew development in 2010 and tentative plan in 2020.
- Decree No. 52/2007/Qð-BNN, issued by MARD, dated 05 June 2007 on accepted
plan for horticulture development up in 2010 and tentative plan in 2020.
According to Nguyen Van Dinh et al. (2006), there was no policy document that
specifically addressed UPS. Most of the texts are aimed at the integrated utilization of
all species. However, a few emphasized the promotion of high yielding (hybrid) rice,
which could lead to ignoring the local species. Such policy documents are therefore
considered to inhibit the promotion of underutilized species.
1.2. General communication and awareness issues

Information on many NUS is only mentioned in botany dictionaries and in the list
of medicinal plants or valuable crops species or on relevant websites.
Only scientists, few local people and business persons are interested in information on NUS functions and biological characteristics.
People are still lacking information on NUS, because knowledge on NUS species is rarely distributed by mass media. Meanwhile, popular or commonly used crops/plants are more often mentioned in the extension programs, in television, radio, news papers or on websites. The displayed information is on marketing issues, productions, post harvest techniques, biological characteristics, etc.
Most knowledge on NUS is based on local knowledge passed on from generation to generation. However, this information is still scatted and less systematic. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
There is unequal awareness or understanding on NUS values from policy makers, NGOs, scientists and local people. The government should train farmers to improve their awareness on the functions of NUS.
The Government should establish facilities for insitu and exsitu conservation. A network for conservation and exchange of genetic resources is needed.
The government should encourage all stakeholders such as farmers, scientists, policy makers, NGOs to develop strategies for a sustainable use of NUS and preventing genetic erosion. Home gardening should be a point of interest. 1.3. Other general issues

Ecological conditions, culture, and customary laws also influence on exploitation
and conservation of NUS. For instance, mango and tamarind usually occur in Thai ethnic villages in the uplands, Areca catechu L. is often observed in Kinh village in the lowland of Vietnam.
Planning area for NUS under master plan should be developed for stabilizing NUS
Marketing channel development for NUS
Post harvest techniques for NUS Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 2. LIST OF SELECTED PRIORITY NUS IN VIETNAM
Table 4. Selected priority NUS in Vietnam
Scientific
Family name
Parts used
Life form
Type of NUS
1: Cereal and pseudocereal 1: Underutilised 2:grain/seeds, 2: biannual, 4: Fruits and nuts climber, 5: 2: Underutilised 5: Medicinal, aromatic, stimulant, beverages 6: Industrial, construction 7: Forage and browse 8: Forest trees 9: roots and tubers Colocasia antiquorum Cucurbita pepo Diospyros Ilex kaushue Mangifera indica Panax vietnamese Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELECTED
PRIORITY NUS

For special recommendations for selected priority NUS, we follow procedures in
figure 1. Appendix 2 and 3 are used for enhancing recommendations for selected
priority NUS in Vietnam as well as for a comparison of these strategies in the case of
China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Identification of practical

Experts' comments
NUS Identification:
Literature review
(scientists, policy makers, • National level NGOs, farmers, local characterization • International level Policy review:
Research & development policy, National legalizations: + Research policy for wider application (Economic & social and environmental issues) + Land use planning + Production & post harvesting techniques + Genetic breeding & selection + Quality insurants + Policy for export and promotion for development (priority) + Policy for exchange and sharing knowledge & genetic materials Recommendation for Policy development:
Recommendation for upgraded and refilled existing policies; Recommendation for developing new policies for targeted/specific Dissemination of findings to get feed back
Finalization of recommendations

Figure 1. Procedures for specific recommendations for selected prioritized NUS

Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3.1. Priority NUS 1 (Colocasia antiquorum -Khoai mon; score:2.2)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: This plant is grown in Vietnam in the Northern provinces,
in Quang Tri province and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in Cambodia, Thailand,
Indonesia etc. It is also cultivated in other tropical countries in Asia, Oceania and
Africa.
Life form and ecology: It is an annual plant and its life form is a root or tuber
stem. It can be grown both on wet and dry land. The plant can grow on poor soil
and it is affected by few diseases and pests. It is easily cultivated on hilly swidden
fields. Its growth period is about 8 months. It should be intercropped with other
crops such as maize, peanut, or vegetables with short growth periods. Cultivation
in rotation with other crops ensures stable productivity
Uses and used parts: Its leaves, stems and tubers can be used as food for livestock.
The tuber can be used as food for humans, the stems of the leaves can be used as
vegetable. The pounded fresh tuber can be used to treat furuncles. It is mixed with
coconut oil to treat parasitic diseases and scabies. Its leaves can be pounded to
treat diseases from snake-bites or bee-stings and furuncles. The leaves can be
boiled and are traditionally used to treat mental disorders and fetal derangement.
Yield: 5-12 tones/ha
Ingredients: The fresh root (tuber) stores 69% water, 1.8% protein, 26.5% glucose,
1.2% cellulose and 1.4% ash of mineral elements.
Photo Source: www.smgrowers.com/imagedb/Colocasia_esculenta Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.1.1. Policy options

Government subsidy for training and technology transfer.

Policy for the promotion of taro's products in Marketing channel.

Support for collection of varieties in a gene bank for further breading and
conservation. Vietnamese national gene bank has stored 5 varieties: Khoai mon Thuan Chau, Khoai mon Luc Yen, khoai Man Thanh Hoa, Khoai mat quy Hoa Binh, Khoai lui ngan ngay (Decree No. 79/2005/QD-BNN).
228 Colocasia esculenta varieties are in the list of valuable and rare crops for conservation (Decree No. 80/2005/QD-BNN) Government:
In human nutrition, about 10-20% of starch intake should be covered by tuberous species instead of rice only. Under theses conditions, the rice export could be increased by about 10-20%. It is necessary to have policies that encourage eating starch from tuberous species. Everyday, throughout the country, products made from tuberous species should cover about 10% of total intake. Government and provincial authorities should have policies to adjust food proportion that come from tuberous species to ensure good health, and prevent some diseases. Provincial level
It is necessary to set up a supply chain, allowing producers to make contracts with
Policies to support tuberous plant production and processing should be established, and these species should be cultivated in specialized areas so that their products can become popular commodities. 3.1.2. Research and Development options

Research on ecological conditions: wetland and dry land

Community based on expanding areas of Taro.

Collection of native taro for further breading.
(See Appendix 2)
3.1.3. Communication and awareness options

Information access

Change habit to promote use of taro: Food security

Planning area for taro, reduction of conflict among NUS
3.1.4. Other options

Technology transfers to the farmers

Farmer's interest groups

Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3.2. Priority NUS 2 (Cucurbita pepo L.– Bi ngo: Score: 2.8)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: Its origin is from America. It is popularly cultivated in
many areas in Vietnam, especially in the Northern region. It is also planted in
many other temperate and tropical countries in the world.
Life form and ecology: The plant is an annual liana. It adapts widely to tropical
climates and can be planted everywhere from plain areas to highlands up to an
altitude of 1500 m. The suitable temperature for its growth is 18 – 270C. The plant
can tolerate pretty dry and poor soil and high sunlight intensity. However, it
suffers in wet lands and high humidity: There the leaves are easily infected by
diseases. Local people usually intercrop this plant with maize all year round.
Depending on seasons, this plant will be cultivated in the most appropriate time. In
dry season, it is planted from November until next January and harvested in March
and April, while in the rainy season, it is planted in May and June and harvested in
August and September.
Uses and used parts: Its fruits and stalks can be considered as vegetables. The
seeds are also edible and often used in traditional festivals of Vietnam such as
lunar New Year or weddings. The fruits can be pounded to treat furuncles and
inflammation. The seeds can be used as prevention against intestinal flat worms in
animals.
Yield: 20-30 tones/ha
Ingredients: The fruits contain substantial amounts of vitamin A. A fruit can store
85 - 90% of water, 0.8 – 2 % of protein, 0.1 – 0.5 % of fatty substance, 3.3 – 11 %
of sugar, and can supply the amount of energy from 85 – 170 kJ/100g.
Photo source: www.rolv.no/./C/cucurbita_pepo.jpg Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.2.1. Policy options
a. Development and implementation of national strategies for conservation and
sustainable use of NUS, to ensure the balance between exploitation for basic needs
and environmental sustainability. This plant species has been in the list of valuable
and rare crops for conservation (degree 80/2005/Qð-BNN issued by Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), 05th December 2005).
b. It should be focused on priority NUS, which have a high value or are under
environmental threat and suffering from genetic erosion. The NUS should be
classified according to the level of genetic erosion in order to develop rational policy
and regulation for control and conservation of these NUS; to promote the education
on the use of NUS and to fight persons who have bad behaviors and damage NUS
resources.
c. Establishment and carrying out of a number of appropriate ex-situ and in-situ
programs and research on NUS in the whole country; Decentralization and
empowerment of local authorities; etc.
d. The government should develop gene banks and conservation networks for NUS in
the whole country as well as develop and promote exchange programs with
international agencies/organizations in terms of knowledge and marketing issues for
NUS. Increased diversification of genetic resources materials in order to meet the
needs of human society.
3.2.2. Research and Development options
The Vietnamese Government has focused on research, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, and use of genetic resources of NUS. The government promotes national and international cooperation programs on assessment and use of native genetic plant resources. For instance, Hanoi Agricultural University has implemented a project named Genetic Resources Policy Initiative (GRPI) with the International Institute for Plant genetic Resources in 2005-2006.
Policy to support and promote organization and individual making contributions for the efficient conservation and maintaining of NUS.
Implement research programs on NUS, especially for NUS having high economic value or species suffered genetic erosion. 3.2.3. Communication and awareness options

Increase communication networks and public media (papers, advertisement, TV

Promote the community's participation to conserve cucurbita. 3.2.4. Other options

Marketing channel development

Planning areas

Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3.3. Priority NUS 3 (Diospyros kaki Thumb-Hong Ha giang-score:2.0)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: This plant is popularly planted in Vietnam. It is also
planted in China and Japan as well as in California and southern Europe.
Life form and ecology: This perennial fruit tree can reach 8 -15 meters of height. It
is an annual deciduous species with many brands and stems. It can grow well on
acid soils with a pH from 5.0 – 6.5 and even lower if the soil is not too salty. It
needs high sunlight intensity and can suffer in dry climate. If it lacks water, some
of its leaves and fruits will fall down soon and the rest of the fruits become
sunburned. It flowers in May and June and gives fruit from July to September. The
ripe fruit becomes red or orange.
Uses and used parts: The fruit is edible. The bark and the unripe fresh fruit contain
tannin; therefore, they are used to dye cloth. The calyx can be used to treat cough
and hiccup and to stimulate digestion. Dried juice from the fruit can treat high
blood pressure. Sugar from the fruit can be processed into medicine to treat cough
and throat ache.
Ingredients: The fruit contains about 88-90% of water, 0.7-0.9% of protein, 6.2-
8.6% of glycosides.
Photo source: www.nedertropen.nl/overige%20exoten.html 3.3.1. Policy options

Policy support for gene bank development: Fruit center in Phu Ho district has 7
varieties (Hong Son Duong, Hong Thach Ha, Hong Nhan Hau, Hong Luc Yen, Hong Doan Ket, Hong Chay, Hong Lam Thao); Fruit and Vegetable research institute has 3 varieties (Hong Hac Tri, Hong Bao Luong, Hong Lang Son). (Decree No. 79/2005/QD-BNN)
17 Diospyros kaki varieties are in the list of valuable and rare crops for conservation (Decree No. 80/2005/QD-BNN)
Within the framework of the development program in the highlands, the Vietnamese Government has placed a high priority on fruit crop expansion which has already recorded a positive impact on the income of farmers. The advantage of the unique ecological conditions in the highlands will be profitably exploited by Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu growing deciduous fruit crops that require a degree of chilling for successful production. 3.3.2. Research and Development options

Can be grown in the upland and lowland for consumption and commercial

Post harvest skills need to be transfered to local population
Collect and establish a gene bank for various varieties of Diospyros kaki for further breading and selection. 3.3.3. Communication and awareness options

Training and dissemination of research results through extended networks and

Establishment of interest groups/associations on Diospyros kaki Thumb.
Demonstration site for field visits and technology transfer 3.3.4. Other options (Philip Cao Van and Chau, 2006).

Orchards: The practices followed leave much to be desired. Even the soil
preparation to establish new orchards is somewhat superficial, preparing small planting holes to receive new plants. The plant density is often 400 trees/ha.
Diospyros kaki Thumb is intercropped with special vegetables called ‘Cai Meo' during the first three years after their planting. These crops give growers an income until the bearing of the trees starts and orchards become economically viable. (Philip Cao Van and Chau, 2006).
The climatic conditions in the mountainous areas of Vietnam above 700 m a.s.l provide sufficient chilling for the production of Diospyros kaki Thumb . Emphasis should be placed on the testing and popularization of low-chilling cultivars which are currently available in the world germ plasm collections elsewhere.
Introduction and testing should also be followed by training in nursery techniques and orchard management with assistance from countries with better resources and technologies in growing deciduous fruits in tropical highlands.
Pest and disease control methods should also be included in such training
Since the communication network in the country has already been improved, other aspects of the industry such as skills in handling, storage and processing should be developed through cooperative programs with other countries in the region.
The demand for deciduous fruits already exists and the domestic market should be supplied with new and better products at reasonable prices. 3.4. Priority NUS 4 (Ilex kaushue S.Y.Hu- Che dang)

General Characterization
The leaf of Bitter tea has 16 amino-acids, which present 55.92% of the total weight.
Besides drinking, bitter tea is used as a medicinal plant for the reduction of toxic and
alcohol elements, better stomach digestion, balance of blood pressure and better
health recovery.
Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.4.1. Policy options

Planning areas for bitter tea need further support from Government policy. In Cao
Bang province, bitter tea plays a key role for economic development.
Government subsidy for training, fertilizer and techniques.
Government promotion for export and development of Vietnamese standard for bitter tea production. 3.4.2. Research and Development options

Investment and development of bitter tea regions.

Research on ecological conditions of bitter tea for expanding production purposes.

Research on function of bitter tea for public health.

The Cao Bang province had the project to plant bitter tea on a 1000 hectare area in
the period 2001-2006 and on a 10000 hectare area in the period 2006-2010.
Some Japanese companies have bought the bitter tea products. 3.4.3. Communication and awareness options
Improvement of communication systems (mass media, demonstration, web page) for further promoting the development of the bitter tea production. 3.4.4. Other options
Change habit for use more bitter tea.

Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3.5. Priority NUS 5 (Mangifera indica L.-Xoai: score: 3.5)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: The exact origin of the mango is unknown, but most believe
that it is native to southern and South-East Asia owing to the wide range of genetic
diversity in the region and fossil records dating back 25 to 30 million years. Mango is
popularly planted in Vietnam, especially in the middle and southern regions. In Asia
it is also planted in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Life form and ecology: The mango is a perennial tree, with a height from 10 – 20
meters. The plant prefers monsoon tropics with clear dry and rainy seasons. It
flowers in the dry season. It grows well in areas with annual rainfall of at least 1000
mm, and a dry season of 4 – 6 month. If it rains in the flowering period, the
pollination and fruit formation will reduce considerably. Soil with high clay content,
dry sandy or poorly drained soils are not suitable for the tree's growth.
Uses and used parts: The fruit is edible and delicious. It can be also used to treat
scurvy and mental derangement. The seed can be used to treat cough, weak digestion,
nephritis, worm, dysentery and diarrhoea. The peel can be used to treat dysentery.
The leaf can be used to treat cough, bronchitis, dermatitis and itch. Its root can be
used to dye cloth.
Ingredients: Ripe fruit contains 85% water, 10-20% sugar, Calcium, Phosphorus and
some vitamins (B, C, carotene).
Photo source: www.oisat.org/crops/fruits/mango.html 3.5.1. Policy options

Policy support for gene bank development: The Fruit and vegetable research
institute (Hanoi) has 10 varieties of mango (Xoai Yen Chau, Cat Hoa Loc, Cat Nghe, Cat Chu, Xoai Tuong, Xoai Buoi, Cat Hoa Loc, Cat trang, Cat den, Cat tru). The Fruit research institute in the South of Vietnam has also gene bank for 10 varieties (Cat bo, ghep xanh, ghep nghe, xiem num, xiem trang, hon xanh, chau hang vo, battambang, tuong, thanh ca tau).
Post harvest techniques
Policy for exports.
57 Mangifera indica L. varieties are in the list of valuable and rare crops for conservation (Decree No. 80/2005/QD-BNN)

Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.5.2. Research and Development options

Planning areas for mango planting

Research on productivity improvement (Productivity of mango decreases when it
is raining during the flower seasons).
Diversity of production (mango juice…) 3.5.3. Communication and awareness options
Increase of communication networks and public media (papers, advertising, TV channel) 3.5.4. Other options
Planning areas for development 3.6. Priority NUS 6 (Panax Vietnames Ha et Grushy-Sam Ngoc Linh)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: This plant species has just been found in the Ngoc Linh
Mountain, Gia Lai –Kon Tum provinces, Vietnam (1,850 m a.s.l.).
Life form and ecology: It is an annual shadow-tolerant herbal plant under crowns of
humid season rain evergreen forests. It prefers humid climate and high organic soils.
Its flowering season is from April to June and its fruits ripen from July to August. It
can be propagated by roots, tubers and seeds. It reaches 1.1 meters in height and has
roots with a diameter of 3.5 cm and a length of 40-50 cm. Flower size can reach a
length of 25 centimetres and the ripe fruit becomes red.
Uses and used parts: It is a ginseng having a precious and rare genetic source. Its root
helps people to improve their health and digestive ability and it can also be used to
treat some diseases such as: depression, nervous breakdown, etc.
Ingredients: From Panax vietnamensis 50 compounds can be extracted (just 26 of
them with known structure). It contains 14 aliphatic acids, 16 amino acids, 18 macro-
elements and micro-elements.
Vietnamese Ginseng Plant Photo source: Vo Quy, 2005 Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.6.1. Policy options

There is need of a long-term, large project for the development and conservation of
"Sam Ngoc Linh".
Building policy for Sam Ngoc Linh development.
Policy support and investment for "Sam Ngoc Linh". 3.6.2. Research and Development options
There are many studies on the functions of Sam Ngoc Linh. For instance, the Research center for ginseng (Ministry of health, Vietnam) carried out research and produced Vina-ginseng estractum which can be used for health recovery, improvement of mental and sexual ability, etc. See for instance: http://203.162.1.204/tapchi/DUOChoc/Nam2000/bai9-4-2000.htm Recently, the Dakto Agro-forestry development company has established a conservation project with the participation of local community and a capital of 9.5 billion VND for the period from 2004 to 2013. See: http://www.caythuocquy.info.vn/modules.php?name:News&opcase:detailsnews&mid:1040&mcid:242&pid:&menuid 3.6.3. Communication and awareness options
Increasing communication network and public media (papers, advertising, TV channel) 3.6.4. Other options
Planning areas for development Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu 3.7. Priority NUS 7 (Sesamum indicum L.-Vung-score:2.7)

General Characterization
Origin and distribution: Sesamum indicum is a native cultivar from Africa and is
well known in India and China since 2,500 to 1,400 years. It is popularly distributed
in India, China, Myanmar, Nigeria, Mexico and Venezuela. It is planted as a minor
crop in Vietnam.
This plant is popularly planted in Vietnam, especially in midland and mountainous
areas. It is also planted in China and other Southeast Asian countries. Its origin is
from India.
Life form and ecology: It is an annual herbal plant and its height is between 60 and
100 centimetres. It can be planted on different soils except flooded and very wet
land. It can bear dry and hot weather, and the proper temperature for its good growth
is from 25 to 300C. The water requirement for this plant varies on different growth
periods and amounts a total from 250 to 300 mm of rainfall.
Uses and used parts: Its seeds can be used as food. They are also used to make candy
and to extract cooking oil. The black seeds can be used for medicine to treat unstable
liver and kidney, headache, dazzle, anaemia, constipation, pustules, burns and biting
by centipedes. Boiling its leaves make a drink that can improve life-span and treat
haemorrhage. The leaves can be used as shampoo. Its flowers soaked in water can
treat sore eyes.
Photo source: http://solanaseeds.netfirms.com/sesame1.jpg 3.7.1. Policy options

Government should consider prioritization on a selection of tuberous species for
prevention of global warming and to ensure food security in Vietnam as well as in the world.
Policies to support tuberous plant production and processing should be established, and these species can be cultivated in specializing areas so that their products can become popular commodities. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
3.7.2. Research and Development options

Oil for margarine production, medical materials, and cosmetics can be extracted
from its grain. Oriental medicine uses the grains and its oil because of the restorative effects, to prevent disease of intestines, and galactopoietics.
Can be used for livestock after oil extraction.
Used in candy industry. 3.7.3. Other options
In order to reduce the predominance of rice, products made from sesame should be added in the daily meals. Accordingly, the amount of rice available for export will increase. Vietnam is the second largest rice exporter in the world after Thailand. 4. REFERENCES

MARD. 2005. Decree No. 79/2005/QD-BNN dated 05 December 2005, which issued
regulation and term of reference for international exchange of valuable and rare plant species. Hanoi, Vietnam. MARD. 2005. Decree No. 80/2005/QD-BNN dated 05 December 2005, which provided the list of valuable and rare crops for further conservation. Hanoi, Vietnam. Midgley S. J. 1991. What Tree Where? Exotic and Indigenous Trees for Northern Vietnam. Consultant report to Interforest AB for the Plantation and Soil Conservation Project, Bai Bang, Vietnam. 52 pp. Midgley, S. , Khongsak Pinyopusarerk, C. Harwood and J. Doran. 1996. Exotic plant species in Vietnam's economy - the contributions of Australian trees. Paper to Seminar on Environment and Development in Vietnam, 6-7 December 1996, National Centre for Development Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Nguyen Van Dinh, Carlo Fadda, Nguyen Ngoc Kinh, Ha Quang Hung, Michael Halewood, Robert Lettington, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue (eds.). 2006. Proceeding of the workshop genetic resources policy initiative I. Hanoi: Agricultural Publishing House. Philippe Cao-Van and Nguyen Minh Chau .2006. Deciduous fruit in Vietnam. UNDP. 2002. Vietnam's crop diversity threatened by commercial agriculture. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Appendix
Appendix 1.
Table 5. Some commonly used plants exotic to South East Asia.1
Latin Name
Common Name
Crops and vegetables
Arachis hypogaea Cajanus cajun Canna edulis Capsicum annuum Ipomoea batatas Lycopersican esculentum Manihot esculenta Nicotiana spp Sechium edule Solanum tuberosum Fruits and Cash crops
Ananas comosus Anarcardium occidentale Annona squamosa Artocarpus altilis Artocarpus heterophyllus Averrhoa carambola Carica papaya Citrillus lanatus Coffea robusta Elaeis guineensis Garcinia mangostana Hevea brasiliensis Manilkara zapota Mangifera indica Nephelium lappaceum Passiflora edulis Persea americana Piper nigrum Pouteria sapote Psidium guajava Punica granatum Saccharum officinarum Papua New Guinea Tamarindus indica Theobroma cacao 1 Based on Midgley (1991) Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Latin Name
Common Name
Trees and Ornamentals
Acacia auriculiformis Australia /PNG/ Indonesia Acacia mangium Australia /PNG/ Indonesia Allamanda carthartica Bouganvillea spectabilis Casuarina equisetifolia Australia / SE Asia Delonix regia Enterolobium saman Eucalyptus camaldulensis E. citriodora Lemon scented gum E. exserta E. tereticornis E. urophylla Grevillea robusta Khaya senegalensis African mahogany Plumeria alba Tectona grandis India/Burma/Thailand Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Appendix 2:
Table 6. Recommendations to promote conservation and cultivation of tuberous species in
Vietnam
Tuberous species
Development
protection
Short time/dry land Purpose: Daily meals cultivation (it can be cultivated on winter - Use of green manure tuberous species. crop season in Center will reduce - Price should be more - Food for livestock - markets should be consumption: eating (anaerobic keep to (vegetable, tubers), protect environment) - special areas for each - restore fields plants to make sure between main crop having stable supply for - processing: tubers (eating), leaves and (commercial products) stem (green manure) Long time/dry land - to develop main - Tubers will be cultivation areas - to use 10-20% portion - leaves and stem will of daily meals from consumption, it can be used for green tuberous species. Rice be sold in shops, - It can be cultivated - to encourage eating tuberous species highland areas, and around home garden - to establish network between producers and consumers - to encourage people to cultivate these plants to maintain Sources: Based on Truong Ba Hoanh's discussion. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Appendix 3:
Table 7. The Priority NUS and its strategies for development from Countries Taking Part in
Agrofolio

Scientific
Proposed
Some information about these prioritized NUS in Vietnam &
strategies for development
priority NUS
Colocasia
This species is planted pretty popularly in northern region and some antiquorum other provinces such as Quang Tri, Ho Chi Minh city and Soc Trang. (Colocasia According to the Decision No 80/2005/QD- BNN of Ministry of esculenta Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD), issued on December 05, 2005, this species was mentioned on the list of crops having precious and rare gene sources and needing to be conserved. On the Decision No 52/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued in June 05, 2007 about approving development planning for vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants up to 2010 and the orientation up to 2020, it will be possible to export about 8,000 tons of Colocasia antiquorum and Ipomoea batatas in 2010. Cucurbita It is planted in many areas of Vietnam, especially in some provinces such as Kon Tum, Hai Duong, Hung Yen. On May 22, 2006, the Minister of MARD issued Decision No 40/2006/Qð-BNN, which adjusted and supplemented the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN (issued on 16/12/2004). According to the new Decision, farmers got permission to produce and trade Cucurbita pepo. On the Decision No 56/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on July 12, 2007, MARD, this species was subsidized by the Vietnamese Government. Diospyros kaki Vietnam This plant is popularly planted in Vietnam. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, Diospyros kaki was mentioned the list of precious gene sources that need to be conserved. Mangifera According to the data of the MARD (2005), mango is cultivated in Vietnam on a total area of 78700 ha, and most popular in the southern region, especially in the Southeast area and Mekong River delta. Its average productivity reached 7.08 tons/ha. The yield was 380,900 tons. On November 4, 2004, the minister of MARD issued the Decision No 60/2004/Qð-BNN, establishing mango production and trade as agricultural industry. According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 16, 2004, farmers got permission to produce and trade this species free. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2005, mango mentioned the list of precious gene that which need to be conserved. On the Decision No 52/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued in June 05, 2007 about approving development planning for vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants up to 2010 and the vision up to 2020, it will be possible to export about 10,000 tons of mangos. In addition, the Decision No 56/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on July 12, 2007, MARD, Mangifera indica was subsidized by the Vietnamese Government. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu Scientific
Proposed Some information about these prioritized NUS in Vietnam & strategies
for development
priority
NUS
Panax
This plant species has recently been found in Ngoc Linh mountain, Gia Lai – vietnamense Kon Tum provinces, Vietnam (1,850 m a.s.l.). It is an endemic species of Vietnam, just found about 30 years ago. It is a very precious and rare ginseng, and its medicinal value is admitted higher than that of other ginsengs in the world such as Korean, Chinese and American ginsengs. Because it brings economic high benefit to local people, it is much exploited and it becomes exhausted. In recent years, the local authorities of the two provinces, organizations and Vietnamese scientists have been considering the conservation and development of this species. However, the result is limited. Gossypium According to data of the MARD (2005), total area of cotton plant in Vietnam is 27,996 ha. It is popularly planted in the Southern region, especially in some provinces such as Quang Nam, Gia Lai, Dac Lac, Binh Thuan. In the northern region, cotton is much planted in Son La province. Average productivity of cotton in Vietnam reached 1.28 tons/ha and its yield was 32,615 tons in 2005. According to the Decision of the Minister of MARD, No 68/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on November 24, 2004, cotton is one of the species subsidized by the Vietnamese Government. On the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, cotton can be free produced and traded. In addition, the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, cotton was mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved This species is distributed in Kon Tum and Gia Lai provinces (central sabdariffa highland of Vietnam). This species is planted in some areas in Vietnam to get fiber, especially in the canabinus Red river delta. It is popularly planted in the northwest, the northeast regions, the range of umbellata Truong Son mountains and central highland. Especially, it is cultivated the most in some provinces such as Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Gia Lai, and Dac Lac. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, Vigna umbellate was mentioned on the list of precious sources, that need to be conserved. This species has not been mentioned on the Checklist of plant species of Vietnam. It is not found on Vietnamese documents. This species is planted everywhere in Vietnam. It also grows on warps, close to streams and rivers, or on a type of soil, called Acrisols at an altitude of 100 – 800 meters. Its fruits are used to extract fatty oil and process medicine. This species is also planted for decoration because of its quite nice violet leaves. Its average global production is 1.2 – 1.3 million tons/year. The leading producers Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Scientific name
Proposed
Some information about these prioritized NUS in Vietnam &
of priority NUS Country
strategies for development
Peanut is planted everywhere in Vietnam. According to the data of MARD (2005), total area of peanut of Vietnam was 63,638 ha; its average productivity reached 1.8 tons/ha and the yield of Vietnam was 485,610 tons. The main producers are in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Dac Lac. According to the Decision No 52/2003/Qð-BNN of the Minister of MARD, issued on April 2, 2003 about the regulations of testing and recognizing new agricultural crops, peanut has to be officially tested. According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, varieties of peanut can be free produced and done business. On November 4, 2004, the minister of MARD issued the Decision No 60/2004/Qð-BNN, establishing peanut as agricultural industry. Glycine max Soybean is cultivated everywhere in Vietnam. According to the data of MARD (2005), the total area of soybean was 183,833 ha; its productivity reached 1.44 tons/ha; and its yield of Vietnam was 292,481 tons. In the north, some provinces having large area of soybean were Ha Tay, Ha Giang, Son La, while in the south, some provinces having large-scale production of soybean were Dac Lac, Nac Nong, Dong Thap. According to the Decision No 52/2003/Qð-BNN of the Minister of MARD, issued on April 2, 2003 about the regulations of testing and recognizing new agricultural crops, soybean has to be tested officially. According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, some varieties of soybean can be produced and traded. On November 4, 2004, the minister of MARD issued the Decision No 60/2004/Qð-BNN, establishing soybean as agricultural industry. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2005, soybean was mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved. Ipomoea batatas Cambodia Sweet potato is one of the main starchy plants of Vietnam. (L.) Lamk According to the data of MARD (2006), total area of sweet potato in Vietnam was 181,690 ha. The sweet potato production is most important in the northern region in the provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen. Its average productivity was 8.01 tons/ha. Total production inVietnam was 1,454,782 tons. According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, sweet potato can be produced and traded. Ginger is popularly planted in many places in Vietnam, especially in officinal Roscoe the provinces of Son La, Nghe An, Gia Lai and Kon Tum. Its average productivity is about 60 tons/ha. In general, the market of ginger has not been stable in Vietnam in the recent years. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, Vigna umbellate was mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved. According to the new Decision, farmers got permission to produce and trade ginger free. Cymbopogon Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf is popularly planted in Vietnam; especially it is easily planted in mountainous and hilly areas of Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Scientific
Proposed
Some information about these prioritized NUS in Vietnam & strategies
for development
priority
NUS
Musa
cvs. Cambodia Banana is planted everywhere in Vietnam. According to the data of MARD (2005), total area of banana of Vietnam was 103,400 ha. Banana is most cultivated in the provinces of Dong Nai, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, An Giang, Hai Phong, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Quang Nam. The average productivity reached 14.27 tons of fruit/ha and its yield of Vietnam was 1,354,300 tons (MARD, 2005). According to the Decision No 52/2007/Qð-BNN issued in June 05, 2007 about approving development planning for vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants up to 2010 and the orientation up to 2020, it will be possible to export about 100,000 tons of fruit in 2010. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, banana was mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved. Coconut is planted in many places in Vietnam, and is more popularly in nucifera L. coastal provinces and especially in Ben Tre Province (the coconut plant is specific symbol of that province). In 2005, total area of coconut in Ben Tre is 36,827 ha, and 70% of the population depend on coconut (extracted from http://www.dost-bentre.gov.vn/). According to Ministry of Planning and Investment, in 2005 the total area of coconut plants in 19 southern provinces was estimated about 200,000 ha. 190,000 of the 200,000 ha were intensively cultivated and estimated yield of coconut reached 1,250 tons of fruit in 2005. The average productivity was 8 tons of fruit/ha, (approximately 9000 fruits/ha). In 2004, The Ben Tre provincial people's committee issued some policies and attached the Decision No 1573/2004/Qð-UB on May 11, 2004 to encourage investment in coconut processing. Orange is planted everywhere in Vietnam. According to the data of MARD sinensis (L.) (2005), the total area of orange, lemon and mandarin of Vietnam was 87,200 ha. The most popular areas of these species were Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Nghe An, Ha Giang and Dong Nai Provinces. According to the Decision No 52/2003/Qð-BNN of the Minister of MARD, issued on April 2, 2003 about the regulations of testing and recognizing new agricultural crops, orange has to be officially tested (National testing center). According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, orange can be produced and traded. According to the Decision No 56/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on July 12, 2007, MARD, Citrus sinensis was subsidized by the Vietnamese Government. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, Citrus sinensis mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved Anacardium Cambodia Cashew is one of the main industrial species of Vietnam for the purpose of occidentale exportation. According to the data of MARD (2005), cashew was planted mainly in the south and the middle of Vietnam. The total area of cashew in Vietnam was 328,000 ha and the provinces having the most important cashew production were Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Dac Lac Binh Thuan, Gia Lai. The average productivity of cashew was 1.06 tons/ha and its yield reach 232,000 tons in 2005. The Decision No 39/2007/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on February 5, 2007, MARD approved the development plans for cashew industry up to 2010 and the orientation up to 2020. Actinidia This species usually grows in evergreen dense forests of Vietnam. There is no academic documentation about this species in Vietnam. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
Scientific
Proposed
Some information about these prioritized NUS in Vietnam & strategies
for development
priority
NUS
Asparagus
This species is mainly planted in the suburb of Hanoi capital, Hai Phong officinalis city, Da Lat city (Lam Dong province) and some other provinces. In general, area for planting this species is still limited, varying between several hectares to several tens of hectares. The species was imported and is now popularly planted in Vietnam. The species was planted to raise red benzoin insects. Besides, it was often intercropped with forest trees to improve soil fertility and reducing soil erosion. In Vietnam, this species is distributed in many provinces such as Son La, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Bac Can, Ha Tay, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Ba Ria – Vung Tau. According to Decision 16/2005/QD-BNN of the Minister of MARD issued on March 15, 2005, this species was one of main trees for plantation in Vietnam. The minister of MARD also issued Decision 62/2006/QD-BNN on August 16, 2006; this species was one of some species belonging to the Forest Varieties Development Strategy from 2006 – 2010. The Minister of MARD issued the Decision No 24/2007/Qð-BNN on April 09, 2007 and Canarium album was one of main forestry species of Vietnam. In Vietnam, this species includes two subspecies. The first one, Citrus medica L. var. bajoura Bonavia is planted in Lang Son, Bac Can, Ha Tinh, Lam Dong provinces. The second one, Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Sieb.) Swingle is planted in a larger area in Vietnam. According to the Decision No 80/2005/Qð-BNN of MARD, issued on December 05, 2004, Citrus medica is mentioned on the list of precious sources that need to be conserved. Eriobotrya This species is planted and wildly grown in some provinces such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son (Near Chinese border) as well as Ha Noi, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh. Fagopyrum This species is planted in Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac esculentum Can, Thai Nguyen, and Hanoi. Morus alba China This species is popularly planted in Vietnam. The total area of mulberry in Vietnam in 2005 was 10,000 ha. Because marketing of silkworm cocoon fluctuated during the past several years, the area of mulberry was also not stable during that period. The Vietnamese Government issued some policies to develop mulberry and silkworm industry such as the instruction No 23-CT dated July 12, 1991 about promoting mulberry and silkworm production, the decision No 1/HDBT dated January 4, 1982 about mulberry and silkworm industry development, policy about developing cultivation industry. According to the Decision No 74/2004/Qð-BNN, issued on December 16, 2004, Morus alba can be produced and traded. It is planted mainly in some mountainous provinces in the north and the miliaceum south of Vietnam. Agrofolio: Benefiting from an Improved Agricultural Portfolio in Asia. www.agrofolio.eu
References:
1. Volume II, Volume III, Checklist of plant species of Vietnam, Agricultural Publisher, 2001. 2. http://www.mard.gov.vn/fsiu/data/trongtrot.htm 3. http://www.mpi.gov.vn/ 4. http://vbqppl1.moj.gov.vn/law/vi/1981_to_1990/1982/198201/198201040001 5. http://sokhoahoccn.angiang.gov.vn/xemnoidung.asp?maidtt:3118 6. http://www.bentre.gov.vn/ 7. http://www.khuyennongvn.gov.vn/QD-PL/Qd52-03.htm

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