The cultivation of tobacco in Vietnam is a story of tradition, resilience, and prosperity. This journey takes us from the fertile fields where the tobacco plants grow, to the intricate process of harvesting and drying the leaves, and finally to the creation of the final product. As we delve into this fascinating world, we’ll discover the secrets of this thriving industry and the people who make it possible.
The Climate for Tobacco Cultivation in Vietnam
Ideal Conditions
Vietnam’s climate is particularly suitable for tobacco cultivation. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall, which are ideal for the growth of tobacco plants.
Challenges
Despite the favorable climate, tobacco farmers in Vietnam face several challenges. These include unpredictable weather patterns and the impact of climate change, which can lead to crop failure or reduced yield.
Flue-cured Virginia (FCV)
Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) is the most common type of tobacco grown in Vietnam, accounting for 80%-90% of total production. This type of tobacco is known for its high sugar content and is primarily used in cigarette manufacturing.
Air-cured Tobacco
Air-cured tobacco is another type of tobacco cultivated in Vietnam. This tobacco is cured in the open air, allowing it to develop a rich, robust flavor.
Sun-cured Tobacco
Sun-cured tobacco, also known as Oriental tobacco, is a type of tobacco that is cured in the sun for 12 to 30 days. This curing process gives the tobacco a yellow to orange color and a high sugar content.
Thuoc Lao
Thuoc Lao is a type of tobacco derived from the nicotine-rich Nicotiana rustica, grown exclusively in Vietnam. It is often smoked by Vietnamese rice farmers and is known for its potent nicotine content .
Soil Preparation
The first step in tobacco farming is soil preparation. This involves tilling the soil and adding organic matter to improve its fertility and structure.
Seed Sowing and Transplanting
Tobacco seeds are sown in seedbeds and then transplanted to the field once they have grown into seedlings. This process requires careful handling to ensure the plants’ survival and growth.
Irrigation and Fertilization
Tobacco plants require regular watering and fertilization to grow well. Farmers use various irrigation methods, including drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, to provide the plants with the necessary water. Fertilizers are also applied to the soil to provide the plants with essential nutrients.
Harvesting and Curing
Once the tobacco leaves have matured, they are harvested and then cured. The curing process, which can involve air curing, sun curing, or fire curing, is crucial in developing the flavor of the tobacco .
Economic Factors
Tobacco farming plays a significant role in the livelihoods of many farmers in Vietnam. However, the economic gain from tobacco farming is questionable, with the industry facing several challenges, including fluctuating market prices and competition from other crops.
The Future of Tobacco Farming in Vietnam
Despite the challenges, the future of tobacco farming in Vietnam looks promising. With rising prices and increasing demand for tobacco, the industry is expected to continue growing. However, this growth will depend on the ability of farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to adapt to changing market conditions and address health and environmental concerns.
what are the different types of tobacco grown in vietnam
In Vietnam, there are several types of tobacco that are grown and cultivated. These include:
- Flue-cured Virginia (FCV): This type of tobacco accounts for 80%-90% of total production in Vietnam. It is named after the US state where it was first cultivated and is also known as ‘bright tobacco’ due to its yellow to orange color, achieved during flue-curing.
- Air-cured Tobacco: This type of tobacco is cured by exposure to air in a well-ventilated barn. After being air-cured, the tobacco turns brown with virtually no sugars left in the leaf, giving it an almost cigar-like taste.
- Sun-cured Tobacco: This type of tobacco is cured by exposure to the sun. The sun’s direct heat fixes the leaf at a yellow to orange color with a high sugar content. Oriental is the most prominent of the sun-cured tobaccos.
- Thuoc Lao: This is a type of tobacco derived from the nicotine-rich Nicotiana rustica, grown exclusively in Vietnam and is often smoked by Vietnamese rice farmers.
what are the main areas of tobacco cultivation in vietnam
The main areas of tobacco cultivation in Vietnam are Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen in the North; Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Ninh Thuan in the Central; and Tay Ninh in the South. These regions provide the ideal climate and soil conditions for the growth of various types of tobacco, including flue-cured Virginia (FCV), air-cured, and sun-cured tobacco.
Conclusion
Tobacco farming in Vietnam is a complex and multifaceted industry, with a rich history and significant economic impact. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure its sustainable and responsible growth.
Statistics on Tobacco Growing in Vietnam
Area of Cultivation
The total area dedicated to tobacco cultivation in Vietnam in 2002 was about 18,000 hectares. However, the area harvested for tobacco in Vietnam increased from 11,000 hectares in 1961 to 31,484 hectares in 2010, but then it decreased to 14,2014 hectares in 2017.
Production Volume
The raw tobacco production in Vietnam increased from 10,000-15,000 tons annually in the 1960s and 1970s to 56,530 tons in 2010, but then it decreased to 32,065 tons in 2017.
Employment in the Tobacco Industry
The number of full-time equivalent tobacco cultivators was about 136,000 in 2002. However, the total number of the employed in tobacco production decreased in recent years, from 537,220 persons in 2005 to a lower number in recent years.
Recommended Books
“Tobacco Control and Tobacco Farming: Separating Myth from Reality” is a recommended book that provides insights into tobacco farming, including in countries like Vietnam https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Control-Farming-Separating-Reality/dp/1783082933.
Sources of Information
Several sources provide valuable information on tobacco cultivation in Vietnam, including reports from the British American Tobacco Vietnam https://www.batvietnam.com/group/sites/BAT_9VJH58.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO9VJEFR, BMC Public Health https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-9-24, and the World Bank https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/818741559223994957/pdf/Vietnam-Overview-of-Tobacco-Use-Tobacco-Control-Legislation-and-Taxation.pdf.
Citations
This article cites authoritative sources such as British American Tobacco Vietnam https://www.batvietnam.com/group/sites/BAT_9VJH58.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO9VJEFR, BMC Public Health https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-9-24, and the World Bank https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/818741559223994957/pdf/Vietnam-Overview-of-Tobacco-Use-Tobacco-Control-Legislation-and-Taxation.pdf
to provide accurate and comprehensive information on the topic of tobacco cultivation in Vietnam.