“Best Practices On Makapuno Cultivation” program attracted major interests from farmers in Tra Vinh
07/25/2025

On Sunday morning (May 18, 2025), in Cau Ke District (Tra Vinh), with the support from the Tra Vinh Department of Science and Technology and the Cau Ke Office of Agriculture and Environment, Growlab Company Limited successfully organized the sharing program entitled “BEST PRACTICES ON MAKAPUNO CULTIVATION”. The event featured the sharing of advanced cultivation techniques from the renowned coconut expert, Prof. Dr. Sisunandar (Indonesia), as well as the comprehensive discussion regarding potential development of Makapuno coconut industry in Vietnam. The program attracted the participation of more than 120 guests, including farmers, businesses, and agricultural experts in Tra Vinh and nearby provinces.

Figure 1. “Best Practices on Makapuno Cultivation” program received great interest from local farmers

The event was well-attended and received major attention from local farmers and businesses.

Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in the Mekong Delta regarding the cultivation and economic potential of Makapuno coconut, Growlab Company Limited has organized this program for sharing the latest  technical knowledge on planting and nursing Makapuno coconuts, as well as providing neccessary guidance on leveraging the processing and export industries of this special coconut variety. The program, delivered by Growlab’s experienced specialties in collaboration with the renowned coconut expert – Prof. Dr. Sisunandar – from Indonesia, has focused on advanced cultivation techniques, addresses farmer’s questions regarding difficulties in Makapuno coconut cultivation (such as pests, seed quality, and costs, etc.), and discussed how to increase the production of Makapuno fruits for new opportunities in the processing industry and million-dollar export markets.

The program was attended by over 120 households who are already cultivating Makapuno coconuts or are interested in converting from other crops (such as oranges, pomelos, and other fruit crops) to Makapuno coconut to optimize profits and generate higher income. In addition, the program welcomed the presence of leaders from Tra Vinh Province and Cau Ke District, including Mr. Duong Bao Viet, Deputy Head of the Department of Science and Technology Management (Tra Vinh Department of Science and Technology); Mr. Tran Thanh Nha, Deputy Head of the Socio-Economic Affairs (Tra Vinh Farmers’ Association); Mr. Phạm Thanh Toan, Head ofthe Department of Agriculture and Environment, Cau Ke District.; and Mr. Pham Van Kha, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Cau Ke District.

In the opening, Mr. Dennis Seah, Director of Growlab Company Limited and the representative of the organizing committee, gave an overview of the program and shared the company’s vision for a sustainable Makapuno value chain, emphasizing the use of technology and the expansion of domestic and international markets.

Figure 2. Mr. Dennis Seah – Representative of Growlab Company delivering the opening speech.

The progarm continued with a series of presentations from experts and businesses, focusing on key aspects of Makapuno cultivation

It began with a discussion on the current challenges of orange cultivation, highlighting risks such as price volatility and pests, and recommended a shift to Makapuno coconut-a specialty crop with high economic value. The speakers especially encouraged the use of tissue-cultured Makapuno seedlings to ensure a high rate of Makapuno coconuts and increased yields.

Figure 3. Mr. Ngo Thien Thinh – Agronomy Specialist at Growlab sharing insights on the current state of crop cultivation in the Mekong Delta.

Figure 4. Makapuno coconut expert – Prof. Dr. Sisunanda – sharing his latest techniques for effective Makapuno cultivation

In the advanced Makapuno cultivation techniques segment, Prof. Sisunandar provided detailed advice on site selection, planting density, and fertilizing methods during the early stages. With over 20 years of experience in tissue culture and Makapuno cultivation in various terrains-especially developing methods to improve yields in mountainous areas in Purwokerto, Indonesia-he noted that Tra Vinh and the broader Mekong Delta are a “paradise” for Makapuno. He also introduced a step-by-step Makapuno cultivation process, helping farmers understand every stage, from selecting seedlings and fertilizing to irrigation and sustainable growth management.

At the program, pest management methods for coconuts were also introduced by a representative from UPL Vietnam, a leading international plant protection brand, who offered practical and easy-to-apply guidelines.

Figure 5. A representative from UPL Vietnam introduced pest control methods for coconut.

During the discussion, most participants-farmers cultivating Makapuno-raised many questions about challenges such as irrigation, seedling selection, pest control, and how to achieve desired fruit quality, showing great interest and high expectations for Makapuno coconut cultivation in the region. As a token of appreciation to participants, Growlab presented special gifts to the luckiest attendees Multipuno™ tissue-cultured seedlings, the flagship product of Growlab’s team.

The progarm concluded with the hope of improving farmers’ knowledge and skills in wax coconut cultivation, encouraging the expansion of high-quality plantations, thereby raising incomes and contributing to sustainable rural economic development. It also opened up opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the Makapuno coconut value chain going forward.

Let’s look back at some highlights from the event:

 

Thanh Thuy, Bang Tuyen, Minh An
Growlab Company Limited

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