Consultancy on Biological Pest and Disease Control for Regenerative Cocoa Farms of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam

HELVETAS is an independent development organization based in Switzerland affiliated with organizations in Germany and the United States. Helvetas has been active in Vietnam since 1994, working in various areas typically Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Forestry, Eco-Tourism, and Rural Economy.

Under the SWITCH-Asia programme of the European Union, HELVETAS is undertaking the Project “Circular Economy Cocoa: From Bean to Bar” with the main objective of developing circular economy solutions in cocoa and other agri-food sectors, leading to equitable economic growth decoupled from harmful environmental impacts. The Project has been implemented since 2022 in 6-7 cacao provinces in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

In collaboration with Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam, Helvetas Vietnam is seeking a qualified service provider (consulting team/firm) to provide technical assistance on enhancing cocoa yields and reducing carbon footprint by applying beneficial fungi and biopesticides. The consultancy will evaluate how beneficial fungi can manage harmful pathogens, such as those causing black pod disease, and implement biopesticides made from neem oil and/or local herbs to enhance pest and disease management at the farm level. 

Specific objectives include:

• Demonstration of Beneficial and Innovative Fungi Application: Apply antifungal treatments like Trichoderma to control cocoa pathogens and diseases; Explore the use of innovative fungi such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) to boost plant growth, establish beneficial root associations, and enhance disease resistance.
• Demonstration of Neem Oil-Based Biopesticides Application: Formulate and apply biopesticides derived from neem oil and local herbs to manage pests and diseases at the farm level.
• Training and Monitoring: Train and support farmers and local stakeholders on the preparation and application of these biopesticides and beneficial fungi; Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments.

See the attached TOR for more details.

Interested candidates should send their Profile, Technical and Financial Proposal to Helvetas Vietnam at [email protected] and [email protected] by 13 September 2024.