Vietnamese horticulture is at a turning point. More and more growers switch to hydroponic cultivation or are interested in doing so. Especially in lettuce the demand for hydroponic grown lettuce is high. Both growers and suppliers are working on this: by trying to get in contact with the retailer directly and skipping the wholesale market, by informing the consumer on the benefits of hydroponically grown lettuce, and by showing the difference in the supermarket by selling the product with roots.
Suppliers presented several solutions for growers to better their hydroponic production. "We understand the need for controllable water quality since we have been doing business here via distributors for many years", Simon Jones of Genap explained. "We can support the growers in biosecurity, secure the water management and water treatment and help them with rain water harvesting. This way they can grow a more safe and better crop."
Breeders are also working on lettuce varieties for hydroponic production. "Clean production is beneficial and also in terms of labour hydroponic growth is appealing", says Ruud Berkvens of Enza Zaden. "We see more and more Vietnamese growers making the switch."
Plantlogic's Israel Holby presented a new PLE system to collect drainage water. "It's low-cost and easy to apply thanks to the gutter underneath the substrate", he showed. "For growers it means a further step to better the control on the crop."
The attention for hydroponic cultivation was high amongst visitors. This was also shown by the continuous crowd watching the Smart Green grow system. Of course the LED lighting attracted people as well - being the only one in the show with the familiar pink lights - and taught visitors about the possibilities of cultivation on water.
On Monday we'll bring you a full photo report of the first HortEx Vietnam!