Bustling harvest season of key fruits

These days, the durian harvest in the western region of Gia Lai province has become bustling. Despite unfavorable weather conditions affecting some orchards, many farming households have still enjoyed a bumper crop thanks to the organic farming method.

Gia Lai currently has about 8,500 ha of durian, with an output of more than 57,700 tons. Of this, over 1,000 ha are certified under GlobalGAP standards and more than 740 ha under VietGAP standards.

In Chu Pah commune, farmer Le Van Thanh was delighted after harvesting his durian orchard of 750 trees. On average, each tree produced about 100 kgs of fruit, with a total yield of over 70 tons. At a wholesale price of VND 50,000/kg, his family earned nearly VND 4 billion, with profits exceeding VND 2 billion after deducting expenses.

Mr. Thanh said that this year, many durian orchards in the area were affected by adverse weather, leading to a decline in fruit quality. However, thanks to organic-oriented cultivation methods, his trees remained healthy, grew well, and showed strong resistance. In addition, by establishing a planting area code, his orchard was able to maintain stable quality and was highly valued by traders.

“By following organic-oriented cultivation methods, durian trees are less vulnerable to pests and diseases, while the fruits retain their distinctive flavor and ensure safety for consumers. In addition, our family has focused on establishing a planting area code, from keeping cultivation logs to complying with food safety and hygiene regulations, which has helped guarantee the quality of durian,” Mr. Thanh shared.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Son, Chairman of the Ia Phi Commune People's Committee, said the commune currently has more than 400 ha of durian, which is a key crop that has generated high economic value for local residents in recent times.

This year’s durian crop faced unfavorable weather, with many orchards reporting hard and unripe durian flesh, which has affected the quality. However, organic orchards, with limited use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, have still maintained fruit quality that is favored in the market. With prices remaining high, farmers have earned a considerable income.

“By shifting to sustainable farming, durian has not only affirmed its economic value but also opened up opportunities to build a brand for local agricultural products,” Mr. Son emphasized.

Moving to the Ia Krai land, rambutan is affirming its role as a key crop with an area of more than 100 ha. Thanks to its sweet, crisp taste and stable yield, rambutan here has provided farmers with a sustainable source of income.

Mr. Nguyen Van Son in hamlet 7, Ia Krai commune, said his family currently has 50 rambutan trees in harvest. With a stable selling price of VND 20,000-25,000/kg, the orchard brings in an annual income of VND 80–100 million for his family. According to Mr. Son, thanks to the favorable local soil and climate, rambutan trees grow well with few pests and diseases, and their fruit is highly favored in the market. “It can be said that rambutan has become a key crop, generating stable income and contributing to improving the livelihoods of local residents,” Mr. Son expressed.

In Kong Chro, many households have risen to get rich thanks to the T6 and Huong Chi longan varieties. This area now has nearly 140 ha of longan farming.

Mr. Trinh Tuan Anh, Director of Kong Yang Agricultural and Service Cooperative, said that farmers are currently in the peak harvest season. Thanks to favorable weather and proper farming techniques, this year’s longan crop is considered of excellent quality, with large fruits, thick flesh, a rich sweetness, and a distinctive aroma. Yields remain relatively stable, averaging 10–15 tons/ha. Market prices range from VND 17,000 to 25,000/kg, generating substantial income for local growers.

“This year, longans are sold out as soon as they are harvested, with no surplus left. Although the consumption market is primarily domestic, demand remains high, creating great potential for longan to become a key crop that brings high economic value to the locality,” Mr. Tuan Anh shared.

In addition to longan, Kong Chro is also well known for its Thai custard apple, with more than 125 ha now entering harvest season. Thai custard apples grown in this area are not only fragrant and sweet with an attractive appearance but also weigh 3-5 times more than common varieties, ranging from about 0.3 kg for the smallest fruits to around 1.5 kg for the largest. This variety yields two harvests per year, averaging 5 tons/ha each season, with current prices at gardens at VND 40,000/kg.