Lam Ngoc Nham introduces Bau May peppercorn. (Photo: thiduakhenthuongvn.org.vn)

Nham spent many years looking for a plant variety suited to local conditions. He settled on peppercorns as the crop best suited to Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s weather and soil. Nham’s Bau May brand peppercorn grows well, is disease resistant, and produces reliable output.

In 2015, Nham set up the Bau May agro-trade-tourism cooperative, the first step in realizing his goal of making Bau May an international peppercorn trademark.

He has attended many classes on agricultural research, technology application, and production. In 2019, Bau May pepper achieved the Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standard. The Bau May agro-trade-tourism cooperative exports its products to many demanding markets, including Japan, the US, South Korea, and Dubai.

“Vietnam has great potential for agriculture development because much of its population is still engaged in farming. But, Vietnam exports mainly raw materials. That’s why I’m working hard to boost the value of Vietnam’s agricultural products,” said Nham.

Nham initiated a model of combining the cultivation of peppercorns and yams. In 2019, the Bau May agro-trade-tourism cooperative exported more than 100 tons of products made from yam such as milk powder, cakes, and dried vermicelli, to Malaysia and Australia, supplementing revenues of more than 215,000 USD from peppercorns.

Nham has provided other farmers with fertilizer and seeds and showed them how to grow peppercorns efficiently. He oversees 500 hectares of peppercorns in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and many other provinces in central and southern regions. He set up a club of farmers who grow Bau May peppercorns to discuss cultivation techniques and ideas to improve productivity.

Lam Ngoc Nham’s experience and initiatives, especially the model of cultivating peppercorns and yams has helped many poor local farmers escape poverty and have a stable income.