Banana sector in Dong Nai shifts toward modern, large-scale production

Banana production moves toward modernization

Dong Nai is one of the largest fruit-producing regions in southern Viet Nam, with several fruits establishing strong positions in export markets, including bananas, durians, dragon fruit, jackfruit, and pomelo. In addition, fruits such as mango, rambutan, and mandarin are also considered to have strong potential for expanding into international markets.

In recent years, Dong Nai’s agriculture has shifted from small-scale farming to large-scale commodity production aligned with export market requirements. Farmers have gradually reorganized production toward concentrated, specialized farming while applying scientific and technological advances. Currently, about 80% of the province’s agricultural land has adopted technology, thereby improving productivity and product quality.

To meet export requirements, banana-growing areas must strictly comply with regulations on plant quarantine and pest control, and ensure that pesticide residues do not exceed permitted limits. At the same time, products must be properly packaged, fully traceable, and accompanied by complete production records.

In Bau Ham Commune, one of Dong Nai’s largest banana-growing areas, with around 6,000 hectares, farmers have shifted strongly toward export-standard production. By adhering to technical processes, each hectare of bananas generates approximately VND 350–400 million in profit.

According to local farmers, transitioning to clean, safe farming practices improves product quality and ensures more stable market access. However, high-standard production also increases investment costs, while markets remain volatile. Therefore, linking with enterprises, signing long-term contracts, and diversifying markets are seen as key solutions. “The attention of authorities and the support of businesses have given farmers confidence to continue production”, said Sam A Sang, a local banana farmer.

Currently, many banana-growing areas have adopted drip irrigation systems and integrated pest management, reducing input costs by 10–15% while improving product quality. This serves as a foundation for Dong Nai’s banana sector to develop sustainably and enhance competitiveness in international markets.

Regional linkages and expanding export markets

Currently, about 80% of Dong Nai’s banana output is exported. More than 40 exporting enterprises have helped form a relatively stable distribution system, providing a foundation for the industry to develop on a large commercial scale.

According to Lieu A Kieu, Director of Kelly Swangle International Co., Ltd., Dong Nai has many advantages for developing its banana export industry and deserves to be considered the country’s “banana capital”. However, to penetrate demanding markets, farmers must consistently standardize production processes and strictly comply with safety standards. Once product quality is stable, businesses can secure large orders and achieve sustainable growth.

Enterprises are now working closely with cooperatives to develop standardized growing areas and build linkages from production to export, ensuring consistent quality. In particular, controlling pesticide residues, ensuring traceability, and adhering to technical processes are identified as key factors.

At the same time, the system of growing area codes and packing facilities continues to be improved, serving as a “passport” that enables Dong Nai bananas to access major markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea, while enhancing product credibility.

Dong Nai’s recent export of 11 containers, equivalent to 220 tons of Cavendish bananas, to international markets not only reflects production achievements but also demonstrates the province’s determination to enhance agricultural value and expand markets. This also motivates farmers to invest more confidently and shift toward modern, safe, and sustainable production.

According to Ngo Xuan Chinh, Director of the Center for Agricultural Technology Transfer Research (Institute of Agricultural Sciences for Southern Viet Nam), the early 2026 banana export event is significant in helping realize the government’s goal of achieving around $1 billion in banana export value. To reach this target, science and technology play a key role throughout the production chain, from cultivation to harvesting, packaging, and preservation.

Tran Thi Tu Oanh, Deputy Head of the Rural Development Sub-Department (Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment), said the province is focusing on developing five key fruit crops, bananas, jackfruit, durian, pomelo, and mango, toward safe, clean, low-emission production for export. The agricultural sector has also introduced various support policies to encourage farmers to adopt technological advances and develop value-chain-based production.

In the coming period, Dong Nai will continue to promote high-tech agriculture, accelerate digital transformation, build concentrated production zones, and diversify markets to enhance the value and competitiveness of its banana industry in global markets.

“The early 2026 banana export event is not only a trade promotion activity but also reflects the direction toward modern, integrated agriculture. In the context of increasing global competition, building a sustainable value chain from production to consumption is key to enhancing the position of Dong Nai’s agricultural products,” emphasized Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee.

* $1 = VND 26,357 - Source: Vietcombank.