This student coordinated sustainable dragon fruit cultivation education for ethnic minorities in Vietnam

Sustainable agriculture is a pressing global issue, and Phuong Anh — member of Project Pitaya — is addressing it head-on. Project Pitaya educates local farmers on sustainable dragon fruit cultivation practices that align with VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. By collaborating with local government officials and agriculturists, Phuong Anh helped organize over 40 volunteers to provide 2,000+ kg of fertilizer to more than 50 farming households in Moc Chau.

We interviewed Phuong Anh to learn more about the issue of dragon fruit cultivation and what her team accomplished.

#1: How did you learn about the issue of dragon fruit cultivation and why were you interested?

Phuong Anh:

Agriculture has always been part of my family's history, even though I grew up in the city.

I started by having conversations with my grandparents, trying to understand their experiences. That curiosity led me to research soil quality with my biology teacher.

What truly sparked my interest in dragon fruit was a friend’s project—she was creating sustainable menstrual pads using dragon fruit fibres. That got me thinking about how dragon fruit is cultivated. As I researched, I discovered that many ethnic minority farmers in Vietnam rely on dragon fruit farming but are struggling due to climate change and shifting export policies. Seeing their challenges firsthand made me want to help, and that’s what led me to join Project Pitaya.

#2: What was your goal and what did you accomplish?

Phuong Anh:

I wanted students to learn more about the struggles of dragon fruit farmers and find ways to support them directly.

But we weren’t just there to learn—we wanted to take action. We raised funds to donate essential fertilizer, helping farmers improve their soil and crop yields. It was an eye-opening experience. We didn’t just share knowledge—we exchanged perspectives, learned from the farmers, and saw firsthand how agriculture shapes entire communities.

#3: What was your most memorable experience at the farms?

Phuong Anh:

One of the moments that stayed with me the most was visiting a farm perched on the edge of a massive cliff. When we arrived, I looked down and saw the entire mountainous landscape stretching below us. The farm was so steep that even walking around felt risky.

We met a farmer who explained how difficult life was in this environment. Most workers earn just $10 a day, and many take time off once they’ve made enough to cover their immediate needs, making long-term financial stability nearly impossible. But the biggest challenge wasn’t the pay—it was the danger.

What struck me most was that this farmer belonged to a rare ethnic minority—one of the last in his community still farming.

#4: What was the hardest aspect about working on the project?

Phuong Anh:

The language barrier was the biggest challenge. I had prepared a 10-minute speech in Vietnamese for a training session, but as I stood in front of the group, I realized many farmers didn’t understand me. They spoke their own ethnic languages, and I felt the disconnect. I wanted them to know why we were there, but words weren’t enough.

We played games, sang songs, and suddenly, we didn’t need words to connect. Sometimes, the best way to communicate is just to show up and help.

#5: What would your advice be to someone who wants to launch a project like this?

Phuong Anh:

Use your connections. The first step is always just reaching out—asking if someone knows anyone who can help. I know it can feel intimidating to contact adults, but more often than not, they genuinely want to support young people making a difference.

Put yourself out there, take the first step, and let things grow from there.

Stay Connected

To read more about Project Pitaya, visit their page: https://sites.google.com/view/pitayaprojectmocchau/home

Meet Phuong Anh & learn more about all the work she has done:

• Linked-In