PepsiCo Vietnam strengthens its agriculture in Vietnam

The company aims to progressively improve agroecosystems through holistic practices and regenerative value creation.

Specific to PepsiCo’s positive (pep+) agenda, PepsiCo Vietnam co-organised an onsite training workshop on sustainable potato farming solutions with its partners Adama and Lion Agrevo on March 25.

The training, attended by Lam Dong Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Centre, and the Western Highland Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, attracted more than 200 farmers.

Through such activities and more, PepsiCo Vietnam aims to drive actions to create a systemic shift to build long-term resilience, generate business and economic opportunities, and provide environmental and societal benefits to the communities in the highlands of Vietnam.

Potato yields tripled in the last 10 years

Nguyen Kim Hanh, Agro head of PepsiCo Vietnam said, “For many years now, the company has continued to accompany farmers in Lam Dong province to conduct research on soil and climate and support them with innovation to increase the supply of high-quality potatoes in the country.”

Investment in innovative agricultural solutions is already showing great results. PepsiCo Vietnam is focusing on sustainable potato production leveraging regenerative agricultural practices, including using new varieties and irrigation methodologies such as drip and sprinkler systems to reduce 30 per cent of water used, as well as integrated pest management, fixed fertiliser solutions, and mechanisation from land preparation until harvesting.

As a result, potato yields have tripled from 8 tonnes/ha to 25 tonnes/ha and are expected to reach 30 tonnes/ha in the coming years.

PepsiCo Vietnam and its partners have deployed technology to assist farmers in major potato growing regions across the country to help them manage pests and diseases through high-tech scientific and technical solutions. Mechanising potato production also means bettering the lives of people in the agricultural supply chain.

Efficient potato farming in Gia Lai

The workshop demonstrated and elaborated on sustainable farming practices through Mai Ngoc Dung’s potato field (with an area of ​​nearly 15 hectares) located in La Bang commune, Chu Prong district in Gia Lai province. He had planted potatoes on December 6, 2021 and by the end of the season, the yield was about 29 tonnes/ha, much higher than his previous yields.

PepsiCo Vietnam and its partners have deployed technology to assist farmers in major potato growing regions across the country to help them manage pests and diseases through high-tech scientific and technical solutions.

The climate and soil in Gia Lai are most suitable for growing potato plants. With a daytime temperature of about 22-25 degrees Celsius and 16-18 degrees Celsius at night along with the loose basalt red soil, Gia Lai is the ideal location for growing the potato variety FL2215. With the initial success of this model, Gia Lai promises to become the main source of supplying potatoes for the whole country.

“Besides the natural factors, scientific solutions such as irrigation management, soil selection, cultivating single-bed farming have contributed significantly to increasing economic efficiency and reducing production costs for farmers,” shared Nguyen Hong Hang – agro project manager of PepsiCo Vietnam

Sustainability in agriculture is the top priority

The cooperation and understanding between PepsiCo Vietnam and its partners is an important step in promoting sustainable potato production and increasing domestic potatoes usage in food processing activities. The potato products from the country are set to not only meet domestic standards but also international ones.

Adama, one of PepsiCo’s partners in the country, is responsible for researching and supplying bio-protective products to control nematodes, wilt, and mildew for the farmers. The farmers actually noticed a decrease in the rate of pests and diseases compared to their control fields.

In addition, another PepsiCo Vietnam partner, Lion Agrevo, reiterated its commitment to providing the best solutions and products for Vietnamese growers.

Driving local sourcing efforts

In order to provide high-quality international products for consumers, PepsiCo is constantly researching and experimenting to create a more sustainable food ecosystem.

PepsiCo Vietnam currently holds the leadership position with Lay’s as one of the world’s largest food brands. The key to Lay’s success is the quality of the potatoes, grown sustainably on regenerative fields in the country.

By delivering top-quality products, PepsiCo Vietnam aims to educate, appeal to, and inspire diverse cohorts of consumers to take positive actions and make better choices for themselves and the planet.