SECOIN comments & proposals on

IDENTIFICATION OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR

POVERTY ALLEVIATION, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
AND ORGANIC FARMING IN VIETNAM RURAL AREAS

Intended targets of SECOIN Applied Biology Center (SECOIN ABC):

 Integrating low-income rural community into a virtuous cycle of formal economy by such ways that
is profitable for company and can benefit the lowest-income communities aming at sustainable poverty
alleviation in rural population,
 Realizing social responsibility of company by providing for low-income segments with feasible
projects, affordable technologies and sustainable livelihoods,
 Contributing to environment protection in urban & suburban areas, provincial towns and industrial
production units targeted at a green development,
 Creating profitable ways for the development of organic farming by taking advantages of the
abundance of tropical floristic & faunistic composition in rural/forest areas to develop biological plant
nutritions, biofertilizers and biopesticides aiming at supplying green foods to urban population (a
potential market of organic agriculture)

Reference: SECOIN ABC Data Store www.scribd.com/dixuba

I. About feedstocks of biodiesel & bioethanol production

Two botanical sources may be chosen: Jatropha curcas L. for biodiesel production and Sorghum
bicolor (L.) Moench for bioethanol production. We have already made pilot studies on two said
sources during 03 years based on the results gotten from our trial cultivated gardens in Quang Ninh,
Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Thai Binh (see www.scribd.com/people/documents/19789913/folder/147486
and www.scribd.com/people/documents/19789913/folder/147701 in SECOIN ABC Data Store located
at www.scribd.com/dixuba). See also attached picture (Fig.1). As a result of our pilot studies, we
reached the following preliminary conclusions:

1.1 In regard to Jatropha curcas L.: see References No.3-No.8 and No.11-No.17
- Almost current Jatropha projects in Vietnam seem to be failed as a result of using wrong seed species
(see References No.9) that leads to very low oil-seed yield.
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- Some investors use Jatropha project as means of occupying land not for biofuel feedstock production.
- Because of particular traits of Vietnam land proprietary, it is better to pay attention to decentralized
farms and scattered cultivation in pathways of Jatropha cultivation (see References No. 2 or Fig.2)
- Genuine seed/seedling species is one of indispensable prerequisites for successful Jatropha
cultivation in Vietnam, we think seed/seedling originated from Central America (Mexico, Costa
Rica,…) is the best (see References No.10)
- Investors have to pay attention to suitable methods of trash processing (see References No. 6)
- One other right thing to be worth considering is to mobilize rural labours in harvesting Jatropha seeds
from “wild” (uncultivated) Jatropha trees and scattered gardens which are available in many rural areas
in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Hoa Binh,…It is also helpful by using idle time of farmers.
- Investors should seriously study before implementing any Jatropha project in Vietnam if they want
the project to be profitable and can benefit to low-income smallholder farmers.

References: Biodiesel feedstock – Jatropha curcas (L.)

http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/19789913/folder/147701

1. Jatropha Cultivation Compared to Acacia Cultivation www.scribd.com/doc/24331142

2. Jatropha - Pathways of Cultivation www.scribd.com/doc/24331211
3. Cost-benefit analysis for cultivating 600ha Jatropha trees www.scribd.com/doc/24331252
4. Cost-benefit Analysis for cultivating 1000ha Jatropha trees www.scribd.com/doc/24331357
5. Production cost for cultivating 1000ha Jatropha trees www.scribd.com/doc/24331417
6. Trash Processing in Jatropha cultivation and CJO production www.scribd.com/doc/24331478
7. Jatropha fruit Picker www.scribd.com/doc/24331583
8. A field survey of a Jatropha project in Ha Tinh province www.scribd.com/doc/24332558
9. Trồng Jatropha - Nên không ? Các ý kiến phản biện www.scribd.com/doc/24351428
10.Oil content in Jatropha seeds originated from Mexico www.scribd.com/doc/24351528
11. Jatropha-SECOIN: http://jatropha.ning.com/profile/DinhxuanBa
12. Jatropha-Field survey (Video1): www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty5fnsis5k4
13. Jatropha-Field survey (Video2): www.youtube.com/watch?v=87OST1KZ6-Y
14. Jatropha-Field survey (Video3): www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrgULD28TtM
15. Jatropha-Survey (Slideshow): http://fbnitprowbn.ning.com/photo/albums/field-survey-of-land-for
16. Jatropha pruning (Video1): www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQVk9F2Mxyk
17. Jatropha pruning (Video2): www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhrSq49IF6w

1.2 In regard to Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Sweet sorghum):

Sweet sorghum is a Multipurpose crop (4F crop: Fuel, Food, Feed, Fodder), it is a miracle crop, an
ideal “smart crop” (AFP, http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiCi1uAtKMzOCFcdbgF0XxjI4dow).
See References No.1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and No.13. Please visit also http://sweetsorghum.ning.com/.
* It is the world's fifth largest grain crop (after rice, corn, wheat and barley) that can contribute to food
security. Its grain can be used for making high-quality foods (syrup, juice, jaggery and malt).
* Its stalks are crushed yielding sweet juice that is fermented and distilled to obtain bioethanol whose
waste can be used as compost materials.
* Its branches and ocreae (outer bark of stalk) are good fodders and can be used for stillage making

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* It grows in semi-arid areas where many of the poors live
* Unlike Jatropha curcas, it has short growing period (4 months)
“With proper management, smallholder farmers can improve their incomes by 20 percent compared to
alternative crops in dry areas in India, Sweet sorghum is grown on more than 42 million hectares (107
million acres) in 99 countries” (after ICRISAT).
SECOIN ABC has imported 07 lots of sweet sorghum seeds from USA, Pakistan, Ivory coast,
Thailand,..for trial cultivation and processing. We have already made trial cultivation gardens in
Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Thai Binh and implemented pilot studies on grain & stalk quality, grain & stalk
yield, expenditures & production cost, production efficiency,…(see References No.3, 4, 8, 9, 10-12).
As a result of our pilot study, we came to the following preliminary conclusions:
- Sweet sorghum cultivation is worthier of consideration than Jatropha curcas cultivation
- Production of sweet sorghum feedstock can bring profits to investor, advantages to formal
economic system and can benefit low-income rural population.

References: Bioethanol feedstock – Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/19789913/folder/147486

1.Lúa Miến ngọt - Bài trả lời phỏng vấn www.scribd.com/doc/24311663

2.Lúa miến ngọt- Báo Hanội Mới ngày 15/6/2008 www.scribd.com/doc/24311832
3.Xác định hàm lượng đường trong thân cây Miến ngọt www.scribd.com/doc/24312011
4.Pilot Study on cultivation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench www.scribd.com/doc/24370461
5.Lúa Miến ngọt - Báo Diễn đàn doanh nghiệp ngày 11/6/2008 www.scribd.com/doc/24314113
6.Sweet Sorghum Species & Cultivars in China www.scribd.com/doc/24330989
7.So sánh các giống Cao lương Mỹ và Trung quốc www.scribd.com/doc/24331056
8.Tổng kết thử nghiệm lúa Miến ngọt tại 3 địa phương www.scribd.com/doc/25415708
9.Summarization on trial cultivation of sweet sorghum www.scribd.com/doc/25416006
10.Relation of production cost and production efficiency www.scribd.com/doc/25416339
11.Relation of production cost and stalk quality www.scribd.com/doc/25416644
12.Relation of production cost and stalk yield www.scribd.com/doc/25416966
13. About Sweet sorghum (after ICRISAT) www.scribd.com/doc/34137688

II. Three plants are worth in investigating

directed towards inclusive business

2.1 Abelmoschus moschatus Medikus (Ambrette seed plant)

Synonyms: Abelmoschus sagittifolius (Kurz) Merr.; Hibiscus abelmoschus L.; …
Common names: Ambrette, Vegetable Musk, Musk mallow, Musk okra, Muskdana, Musky-seeded
hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Gombo musqué, Ketmie musquée, Bisamstrauch, Bisam-Eibisch,
Abelmosco, Fior muschiato, Ibisco muschiato, Ryûkyû tororo aoi, Kapas hantu, Kapas hutan, Kasturi,
Kasturi bhendi, Gandapura, Som chaba, Chamot ton, Mahakadaeng, Bup vang, Vong vang, Huang kui
( ),Shan youma ( ),Ye youma ( ).

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Applications: Ambrette seed oil is used in luxury perfumery, cosmetic products and as an additive in
the preparation of some kinds of aromatherapy products, baked products, sweets, alcoholic and non-
alcoholic drinks. Abelmoschus moschatus has many applications in traditional medicines
(Antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cooling, nervine, stimulant, cardiotonic, opthalmic,
digestive, stomachic, diuretic, emollient, demulcent). Ambrette seed oil promotes the Secretion of
Female Hormones. See References No.1-No.4.

SECOIN ABC has our own cultivar germination seed (named AmKK07), our own cultivation
knowhow and our own oil distillation techniques. We have exported oil to French perfumery, seed to
Malaysian farmers. For a trial implementaion of cooperation ways with smallholder farmers, we have
supplied free-of-charge germination seeds to 4 poor ethnic minority farmers in Quang Ninh, 1
smallhoher farmer in Thai Binh and one agricultural farm in Nghe An and buy-back finished products
at a profitable price compared to alternative crops in infertile lands. See References No.5. Our
schematic circle of cooperation with low-income farmers are described in the following pictures:

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 References: Botanical Musk oils
http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/19789913/folder/143717

1.About Vegetable Musk Oils (Ambrette seed oils) www.scribd.com/doc/23729772

2.Chemical composition of Botanical Musk Oil OMV1 www.scribd.com/doc/23729847
3.Chemical composition of Vegetable Musk Oil OMT1 www.scribd.com/doc/23729922
4.Chemical composition of Ambrette Seed Oil OMI1 www.scribd.com/doc/23730004
5.SECOIN and Social Responsibility www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRQsBCTjVpY

2.2 Asparagus officinalis Linnaeus.

For a cursory glance on Asparagus officinalis L., please see References No.1.
The demand of fresh Asparagus spears is now increasing in Vietnamsese urban inhabitants, but it is
still in short supply. Morever, Asparagus spears are extremely helpful to Vietnamese victims of Agent
Orange/Dioxin for anticancer and birth defects preventing. So, SECOIN ABC has imported high
quality Asparagus seeds from USA and organized a SECOIN Asparagus Club that consists of farmers
in Thai Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh. We buy-back finished products for distributing in urban ares. See
References No.2 – No.4 and Fig.3.
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 References: Asparagus officinalis L.

1.About Asparagus officinalis-Presentation www.scribd.com/doc/34163537

2.Asparagus grown in SECOIN farming systems (Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ohBDa0KqI
3.SECOIN and Social Responsibility (Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRQsBCTjVpY
4.Asparagus in SECOIN urban growing beds (Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfv1ymf9ZTs

Please have a look at the following pictures.

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 2.3 Moringa oleifera Lam.
Synonym: Guilandina moringa L., Moringa moringa (L.) Small, Moringa pterygosperma Gaertner
Common names: Chùm ngây, ben-oil-tree, benzolive-tree, drumsticktree, horseradish-tree, moringa,
West Indian ben, ben ailée, moringa ailée, mouroungue, néverdié, pois quénique,
Meerrettichbaum, moringueiro, muringueiro, quiabo-da-quina, maranga, paraíso, paraíso blanco,….
Applications: green vegetables, human nutrition, medicinal uses, biofertilizer, biofuel, fodder,.….

Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree (the “miracle tree”, the “Tree for Life”) because of its uses:
* Human nutrition, especially for those who suffer from poverty and malnutrition, see Ref. No.1
* Ethnobotanical uses in traditional medicines, see References No.4
* Biofuel as its seed contains 35-40% oil, see References No.1, 2, 3
* Plant growth enhancer (plant spray for organic farming) by using extract from its leaves
* Water purification agent, see References No.2

Please have a look at following pictures:

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 References: Moringa oleifera

1.The Trees for Life Journal www.tfljournal.org

2.Uses of different parts of Moringa Oleifera www.scribd.com/doc/34167732
3.Chùm ngây (theo Võ văn Chi) www.scribd.com/doc/34171183
4.Medicinal uses of Moringa oleifera (after J.A. Duke) www.scribd.com/doc/34174046

III. SECOIN project of Organic Farming

SECOIN ABC is in the process of implementing a project of organic farming together with the
following participants:

* SECOIN ABC of SECOIN INVESTMENT CORPORATION

* CENTER FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROMOTION & STUDIES of HUA
* PHT FARM OF VERMICULTURE
* DINH NGHIA FARM OF PERIONYX EXCAVATUS WORM CULTURE
* HOANG LOAN AGRICULTURAL FARM
* VIETNAM CULTURED PEARL JSC.
* SECOIN QUANG NINH JSC.
* SECOIN HA TINH LTD.

Our aim: Organize studies and propagation of selective products and methods of organic farming,
encourage smallholder farmers (especially in ethnic minority villages) to take part in the following
works:
- Breeding of Perionyx excavatus worms (vermiculture) and processing of vermicompost in
combination with green-compost
- Seeking and Cultivating specifically particular plants/herbs that can help to biological &
ecological farming like: plants to regulate plants (companion plants), pest-regulating
plants/herbs, repellent plants/herbs
- Processing of biological products for soil improvement and pest control (biopesticides).
- Trial cultivation of organic paddy/rice, Asparagus spear, Ambrette seed. Trial breeding of
organic poultry and pig.

Below is a summary of our works that are in progress:

3.1 Vermiculture of Perionyx excavatus (PEX) worm

The project is managing three (03) PEX farms in Nghe An (Hoang Loan farm) and Hanoi (Dinh Nghia
farm in Phu Xuyen district, PHT farm in Soc Son district) (see Fig.4). Their activities are as follows:
- Use urban wastes (abattoir wastes) and livestock manures as food for Perionyx excavatus worm
- Processing of vermicompost, worm cast, worm extract, compost extract, compost tea for organic
farming, especially for Asparagus cultivation.
- Mixed composting: Combination of vermicompost and other selective green-composts made of
Moringa oleifera (see 2.3), Arachis pintoi (see 3.2), Mucuna pruriens (see 3.2)
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- Study ways for propagation of vermiculture in family scale in rural areas
References: Vermiculture of PEX
1.SECOIN pilot study on Perionyx excavatus www.scribd.com/doc/34263852
2.Coexistence of Springtails and Perionyx excavatus www.scribd.com/doc/34264104
3.Collembolan living in PEX worm farm (Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ZVV46PvV4

3.2 Trial growing of plants to regulate plants, plants to regulate pests

Making trial gardens cultivating locally special plants (especially from the ethnic minority villages in
highlands) that can help to the development of organic farming (see Fig.5), namely:
- Arachis pintoi (its Vietnamese name is Lạc dại), see References No.1
- Mucuna pruriens (its Vietnamses name is Đậu mèo), see References No.2
- Chrysantemum cinerariifolium (Cúc trừ trùng), see References No.3

References: Special plants to serve organic farming

1.About Arachis pintoi Krap. (Lạc dại) www.scribd.com/doc/34271408

2.About Mucuna pruriens (Đậu mèo) www.scribd.com/doc/34271788
3.About Chrysantemum cinerariifolium (Cúc trừ trùng) www.scribd.com/doc/34272089

3.3 Treatment of waste from seawater pearl culture

After removing pearl from cultured oyster (Pinctada fucata ) we obtain adductor muscle for making
high-quality human food and oyster meat that is wastes of pearl-culture (it will cause grave pollution in
the seashore) if we have not technology for processing oyster meat into human food supplement
(MIGI-K for example) and feeds or biofertilizers. In each cultured oyster (31g), we have:

Materials Weight (g) Ratio (%) Applications

Adductor muscle 1.5 4.84 High quality food
Selective oyster meat 23.5 75.81 Processing of MIGI-K (food supplement)
Remaining oyster meat 6.00 19.35 Processing of feeds and biofertilizer

Based on the data from 10 seawater cultured pearl farms in Vietnam, during every 18 months we have
670,000kg of adductor and oyster meat, in which 32,428kg adductor muscle, 507,927kg raw material
for making human food supplement (MIGI-K) and 129,645kg raw material for producing livestock
feeds and biofertilizers. See References and Fig.6.

- MIGI-K production technology is from Russia, to do this we have to buy a Russian patent at
USD35,000.00
- To process feeds and biofertilizer we need financial support for studying & trial production.

References: Akoya cultured pearl

1.Akoya pearls cultured in Ha Long Bay www.scribd.com/doc/34310898

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2.Akoya pearl farm in Ha Long Bay-Video & News www.scribd.com/doc/34311172
3.About MIGI-K (thực phẩm chức năng) www.scribd.com/doc/34311271
4.Giới thiệu MIGI-K được làm từ thịt trai biển www.scribd.com/doc/34311343

3.4 Training farmers about organic farming practices

Organize training courses for smallholder farmers aiming at propagation of :
- Organic farming of paddy/rices
- Breeding organic poultry and pigs
Please have a look at following pictures:

Organic rice Conventional rice

Organic Pea in COAPS garden

Hanoi - July 15th, 2010

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SECOIN Applied Biology Center
Fig. 1

Fig. 2
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Fig. 3

Fig. 3
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Fig. 4

Fig. 4

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Lạc dại Lạc dại

Đậu mèo Fig. 5

Đậu mèo

Đậu mèo

Cúc khử trùng

Cúc khử trùng

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 Fig. 6

The End
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