New Zealand is set to begin a 5-year programme to enhance the value of Vietnamese dragon fruit and help the country become a leading global exporter of the tropical fruit, according to its Plan and Food Research Institute.

Under the programme, the institute will work with Vietnamese experts from the Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI) and the Sub-Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Post-harvest Technology (SIAEP) to produce high quality dragon fruit that are resistant to different diseases.

In addition, the project aims to support the advancement of the country's developing dragon fruit industry and improve incomes for dragon fruit growers and those who get involved in the supply chain through the development of sustainable production techniques and post-harvest systems that meet high-value international market requirements.

It will also help train and up-skill local growers and pack-house workers, thus improving efficiency of production for farmers and quality of products.-VNS