Farmers reap first sustainable durian harvest through Yara partnership

Public-private partnership brings crop nutrition and soil restoration science to durian orchards

On November 18, 2025, Yara Viet Nam Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Western Highlands Centre for Soils, Fertilizers and Environment Research (under the Soils and Fertilizers Research Institute - SFRI), held a workshop to summarize the first season of the Sustainable Durian Production Model Project.

This initiative is a continuation of activities under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), the SFRI, and Yara Viet Nam, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding for the 2024 - 2026 period.

The workshop took place at the model garden of Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy in Cu M'gar commune, one of two households participating in the project. The event was attended by representatives from the Dak Lak Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the Dak Lak Agricultural Extension Center, the Cu M'gar People's Committee, along with partners, extension officers, and participating farmers.

After nearly a year of implementation, the project has delivered results exceeding expectations, affirming the power of combining nutritional science with local farming practices in the journey toward sustainable agriculture.

Fertilizer solutions and farmer expertise create a successful season

At the two pilot sites, the gardens of Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy (Cu M'gar commune) and Mr. Vo Van Hung (Ea Kiet commune), farmers were guided to apply the "5 Right" rules of fertilization. This process combined organic and mineral fertilizers to enhance the efficiency of nutrient absorption and distribution in the trees.

The protocol was closely supervised by the Western Highlands Centre for Soils, Fertilizers and Environment Research and Yara Viet Nam’s team of experts, ensuring scientific standards were effectively applied in the field. Data recorded from the two models provided clear evidence of the effectiveness of balanced fertilization, including yield improvement: Average yields reached 230–244 kg per tree, an increase of 11-12% compared to control groups. Regarding quality enhancement: The rate of commercial-standard fruit reached 60-70%, surpassing traditional models by 7-20%. The fruit exhibited uniform size, balanced thorns, and bright yellow, dry, and fragrant flesh, with a significant reduction in uneven ripening and cracking.

Beyond yield increases, fruit quality improved markedly, meeting commercial standards for export with natural sweetness and uniformity. Despite higher fertilizer costs, the net profit for farmers in both models increased by 10–12%, equivalent to VND 918 million - VND 1.28 billion per 100 trees.

Accompanying the economic efficiency was the recovery of soil health, a core element of any sustainable agricultural system: Organic Matter: Content increased significantly (Cu M'gar: 4.21% → 4.35%; Ea Kiet: 3.81% → 4.15%), improving beneficial microorganisms and soil buffering capacity. Nutrient Reserves: Soil nutrient reserves increased across the board, creating a foundation for healthy soil cycles, durable trees, and stable productivity.

A foundation for future sustainable agriculture

The workshop concluded on a high note, driven by the tangible results from the pilot models. These outcomes not only proved the efficacy of Yara’s nutritional solutions but also demonstrated the success of the tripartite cooperation model between the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the SFRI, and Yara Viet Nam in promoting sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Vo Thi Thu Suong, Head of the Domestic Quarantine Station at the Dak Lak Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, emphasized the project's strategic alignment.

"The sustainable durian farming model is on the right track with Dak Lak's sustainable agricultural development policy and the national direction toward regenerative agriculture," Suong said.

"The project does not only help farmers change their farming mindset and apply science and technology to reality, but also contributes to improving the capacity of the agricultural extension team in accompanying, guiding, and replicating the model. This is an important starting point for Dak Lak to develop high-quality durian growing areas, linking economic growth with environmental protection and long-term sustainable value."