The country's pepper output is expected to equal last year's yield, which was 120,000-125,000 tonnes, according to the Viet Nam Pepper Association (VPA).
The country's pepper output is expected to equal last year's yield, which was 120,000-125,000 tonnes, according to the Viet Nam Pepper Association (VPA).
However, in Binh Phuoc Province, one of the country's largest pepper cultivation areas, output is expected to be 5,000 tonnes this year, down 20 per cent against last year.
But two of the five provinces in Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) will have a higher output, with Dak Nong Province at 3,500 tonnes, up 25 per cent against last year, and Dac Lak Province at 800 tonnes, up 5 per cent.
The average price of black pepper has remained stable this year at VND120,000 (US$5.7) per kilogramme.
Harvest yield as well as the buying and selling prices of pepper remain similar to last year's levels, and in some cases are tending to rise, according to the VPA.
Most pepper orchards in Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dak Nong, Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces, which have had pepper plants for seven to 10 years, have had a declining yield. The yield is expected to continue to fall next year.
In Gia Lai Province, hundreds of hectares of pepper cultivation could disappear within the next two to three years because of disease outbreaks that have occurred on a large scale.
However, in provinces like Dak Lak and Dak Nong, which have favourable natural conditions as well as farmers with financial means, the area for pepper orchards has expanded.
(Source:VNS)
