Vietnam shipped abroad 135,000 tonnes of pepper this year, earning 347 million USD, reported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
The figures represent a year-on-year increase of 50 percent in volume and over 11 percent in value, respectively.
With the remarkable achievements, Vietnam has become the largest pepper exporter, accounting for 50 percent of the world’s market share amid the global economic crisis, said the Vietnam Pepper Association.
Currently, 73 countries and territories across the world, including the US, Germany and the United Arab Emirates are purchasing Vietnamese pepper, which is grown in six southern provinces of Dong Nai, Dak Lak, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Gia Lai and Dak Nong.
However, the small production scale and non-aggressive tactic in developing the market has burdened the industry with difficulties stabilising the pepper’s price.
Therefore, MARD has mapped out numerous measures to support the industry including recommending farmers not to increase the pepper-growing area, keeping it stable at 50,000 ha with an yearly output of 100,000 while following correct farming methods.
The ministry also plans to increase more market information for farmers and businesses as well as access trade promotion and international cooperation in the pepper industry.
Next year, the country’s pepper output is expected to drop between 5-7 percent due to natural disasters hitting the country at the end of 2009./.