Production Development of Chestnut Tree: A Case study in Vietnam

Abstract

The Chestnut tree was a perennial tree that brought a well-known trademark and high economic value to producing households in Chi Vien commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. However, households had not taken full advantage of all available benefits while the potential for chestnut production and consumption was high. This study aims to analyze the situation of the development of chestnut production in Chi Vien commune and propose solutions to promote the development of chestnut trees in the commune. The primary data was collected by interviewing 60 farm households on three scales of chestnut production in Chi Vien commune and five traders including collectors, wholesalers, and retailers. Results show that in recent years, the area and output of Chestnut trees in the commune increased significantly. Chestnut products are directly consumed in two forms, mainly indirectly (76.2%). The efficiency in chestnut production was very high. The large-scale households got the highest mixed-income, followed by medium-scale households, and the lowest was in small-scale households. However, being mixed with Chinese Chestnuts reduced the quality and reputation of Chestnuts in Chi Vien Commune in particular and Trung Khanh in general. Therefore, the proposed solutions include support policies for farmers growing Chestnut trees, capital solutions, solutions for agricultural extension, application of new science and technology, the building of a chain of links, and the development of product consumption markets. Through the above synchronous solutions, Chi Vien is towards the goal of sustainable development of chestnut production in the commune shortly.