Vinatex to Spend VND3.65 Tln Growing 40,000 Ha of Cotton
The Vietnam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is carrying out a VND3,650 billion (US$221.2 million) program to grow 40,000 hectares of cotton trees, which will be regularly irrigated, by 2015.
Vinatex Deputy General Director Tran Quang Nghi said domestic supply of cotton, the main material of the textile and garment industry, currently meets only 2 per cent of the sector’s demand.
To reach 10 per cent of the sector’s demand, the country’s cotton output must reach 40,000 tons by 2015, Nghi said.
Irrigation will help ensure the quality and yield of cotton, he said, adding that Vietnam should strive to increase the yield of cotton from 0.9 tons and 2 tons/hectare in the 2007-08 crop to 1.8 tons and 3 tons/hectare.
Vinatex has worked out a strategy focusing on developing models of cotton farms using irrigation systems and the application of scientific and technical advances to increase the yield and productivity of cotton farms.
It has also conducted surveys of climate and soil conditions in order to develop cotton production in some provinces, including Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Gia Lai, Dac Nong, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Vinatex also suggested the government to consider the cotton development project a national one and issue policies to promote cotton production. (VNA)
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