Dong Nai cooperates with Japan to develop a project on converting cocoa husks into biochar

On January 27, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with Ca Cao Trong Duc Co., Ltd. and Tromso Co., Ltd. (Japan), held a signing ceremony for cooperation on the development of the project on processing cocoa husks into biochar. The project aims to promote a circular agriculture model, low-emission farming practices, and environmental protection in Dong Nai province.

Attending the signing ceremony were Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee; representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; representatives of relevant departments, sectors, and localities in cocoa-growing areas; and Japanese partners.

Dang Tuong Khanh, Director of Ca Cao Trong Duc Co., Ltd., presents the scale of the project. Photo: Vuong The

Accordingly, Ca Cao Trong Duc Co., Ltd. and Tromso Co., Ltd. will cooperate in researching, developing, and applying biochar produced from cocoa husks to improve cocoa productivity and quality, increase farmers’ incomes, and promote a circular agriculture model with reduced emissions. Trong Duc company purchases fresh cocoa pods directly from farmers, resulting in a large volume of husk by-products. The amount of collected husks has exceeded 6,000 tons per year and is expected to reach 10,000 tons per year within the next five years. Therefore, the application of biochar production technology from cocoa husks, provided by Tromso Co., Ltd., will help process by-products into biochar and utilize heat generated during combustion to dry cocoa beans, thereby increasing economic value for both the enterprise and farmers.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Dong Nai currently has 750 hectares of cocoa cultivation, with an output of more than 19,800 tons. By 2030, the planned area is 1,100 hectares with a projected output of 29,100 tons. The handling of agricultural by-products in general, and cocoa by-products in particular, is also a key concern of the province.

Delegates witness the signing ceremony. Photo: Vuong The

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee, expressed her hope that the signing would foster sustainable cooperation between the two enterprises and create favorable conditions for farmers to develop their livelihoods, thereby improving product quality and enhancing the value of cocoa in the locality.

Dong Nai currently hosts a large number of Japanese-invested enterprises, and this project is expected to contribute to the successful establishment of direct cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese agricultural enterprises. The provincial People’s Committee will continue to pay close attention and provide direction to ensure that activities of both sides are implemented with the best possible results.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee, presents a provincial gift to a representative of Hiroshima Prefecture (Japan). Photo: Vuong The

By Vuong The – Translated by Huyen Trang, Thu Ha