Farmers worry about heavy metal remnants
In recent days, Mr. Nguyen Bao (village 4, Cu Sue commune, Cu M'gar district, Dak Lak) has been very interested in monitoring information on durian export situation.
Because recently, China - the market that consumes more than 90% of Vietnam's durian - has requested a strict inspection of Cadimi (heavy metal) and O Gold (Industrial dye banned from being used in food).
Mr. Bao said that his family has more than 1 hectare of durian. As a farmer, he only knows how to care for, fertilize, and control pests and diseases. He did not know if durian was contaminated with heavy metals or banned substances. He even did not know where durian was contaminated with Cadimi, the product of Gold O, in water, soil or in fertilizers, pesticides?
"Farmers make it but who knows what nutrients durian is contaminated with. I really hope that specialized agencies will find the source of the banned substance infection. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers cultivate and use safe fertilizers, said Mr. Bao.
Currently, Mr. Bao visits durian models in some places to learn from experience and care techniques. From there, he realized that it is necessary to apply science and technology to cultivate and control chemicals.
The problem he is facing is the source of investment funding. However, Mr. Bao said that he will calculate to apply it soon.
Applying science and technology to control waste
As a farmer with a lot of experience in caring for durian, Mr. Nguyen Van Su (Cu Sue commune, Cu M'gar district) said that it is necessary to apply science to production.
Mr. Su owns more than 2.4 hectares of durian, harvesting 50-60 tons of fruit each year. To achieve the above results, Mr. Su has proactively applied small-drip irrigation technology to cultivation.
According to Mr. Su, the drip irrigation system helps farmers proactively provide water, fertilizers and pesticides for their gardens at a certain dosage, helping to control plant protection drug remnants.
"For the past two years, I have been selling durian to a company. Before buying, they all take the products for quality inspection and meet standards, helping me feel confident in the sustainable farming model, Mr. Su confided.
Mr. Do Van Chung - Deputy Head of the Department of Agricultural Systems (Cestern Highlands Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Science and Technology) - said that Vietnamese commodity importers are tightening technical barriers.
For example, China is demanding control of the remaining heavy metal (Cadimi) and O-ological gold in durian. To do this, according to Mr. Chung, science and technology need to be applied right from the care stage.
Sciences and techniques help farmers understand the care process at each stage, instead of relying on personal experience like traditional farming methods. This contributes to creating durian gardens with even quality. At the same time, farmers are advised to have safe pesticide and fertilizer products to avoid leftovers, Mr. Chung shared.
