Thanh Binh Cooperative in Dong Nai province has developed a large-scale banana production and export system based on a value chain model. Established after a study trip to the Republic of Korea in 2018, the cooperative now operates over 300 hectares of tissue-cultured banana plantations that meet VietGAP and GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
The cooperative exports around 600 tons of fresh bananas each month to markets including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Beijing (China). Its production and export model connects six key stakeholders, farmers, government, businesses, scientists, banks, and distributors, to improve access to technology, finance, and export markets.
According to the cooperative, long-term success relies on coordination among production partners and efficient resource management. "The Party's and the State's resolutions have provided a solid foundation for the collective economy. The important thing is how we can operate it effectively and change our mindset to improve our own value and livelihoods," said the cooperative's director.
In addition to fresh banana exports, the cooperative has introduced a circular farming model that reuses agricultural by-products. Previously discarded banana trunks are now dried and exported to the United States, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, and France. Each month, around 30 tons of dried banana trunks are shipped abroad, generating about US$24,000 in revenue and an additional US$980 to US$1,100 per hectare for farmers.
The cooperative also processes around 900 tons of rejected bananas monthly during the harvest season. These are dried using modern processing technology, while the peels are converted into organic fertilizer. Dried banana products are marketed domestically and exported to Russia, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and other destinations.
The approach has reduced waste and created stable income opportunities for farmers and nearly 100 seasonal workers who earn between US$355 and US$590 per month. One worker said, "Working here is comfortable and stable. If you work hard, you can earn several hundred thousand dong a day, enough to cover living expenses and save some."
By applying value chain coordination, certification standards, and waste utilization, the cooperative has increased production efficiency and expanded its export reach. It was recognized as one of Vietnam's exemplary cooperatives in 2022 and received the "Cooperative Star" award in 2024. The model demonstrates how organized production and circular agriculture are strengthening Vietnam's banana export capacity.
Source: DongNai Online
