Production and marketing of fresh oranges: A case study in Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam

Abstract

Orange is one of the world‘s most important economic fruit crops. Orange is the local fruit tree that has been cultivated for generations in Tuyen Quang province of Vietnam. Orange production has significantly improved the income of farm households and alleviated the rural poverty in Tuyen Quang in recent years. This paper aimed to investigate the actors involved in the orange supply chain in the province. The study used descriptive statistics and chain analysis methods to explore the problems in each stage of the orange supply chain. A total of 195 respondents including input suppliers, orange farmers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, and public stakeholders were selected for direct interviews. The study revealed that the production and marketing of orange fruit in the province faces several constraints, such as spontaneous production, excessive supply, high seasonality, and difficulties in selling. There existed no preservation or processing facilities for oranges, resulting in high post-harvest losses. Oranges have been entirely consumed in domestic markets, not exported. In order to develop orange production and marketing in Tuyen Quang province towards concentrated commodity production, the study recommended feasible solutions for each stage as well as the whole of the orange supply chain.