New longan variety bears fruit year-round, selling at high prices

In addition to its ability to bear fruit year-round, Long Phung Chau longan has another outstanding advantage: a single tree can simultaneously produce flowers, newly set fruit, immature fruit, and fully ripe fruit ready for harvest. This characteristic allows growers to generate a steady income throughout the year, reduces pressure to sell during peak harvest seasons, and offers new opportunities to diversify fruit production on river-island farmland.

The orchard belongs to Mr. Tran Huu Thang (48), who owns a 1-hectare fruit farm combined with an eco-tourism site on My Phuoc Islet. Around 60 Long Phung Chau longan trees are currently producing fruit. According to Mr. Thang, the variety originated in Ben Tre Province (former administrative boundary) and was introduced to his orchard about three years ago for trial cultivation.

After several years of observation, the trees have shown vigorous growth, good adaptation to the soil and climate conditions of the Mekong Delta, and greater resistance to pests and diseases than several traditional longan varieties. Notably, it takes only about six months from flowering to harvest. About four months after fruit set, the fruit is already edible while still green. When fully ripe, it develops thick flesh, a rich sweetness, and a distinctive aroma.

According to the orchard owner, selecting quality seedlings is crucial for maximizing the potential of Long Phung Chau longan. Planting material should be propagated from healthy, disease-free mother trees with clear origins. During the early growth stage, growers should focus on canopy formation, regular pruning for better air circulation, and balanced applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers to develop a strong root system, providing the foundation for future flowering management.

In addition, nutrient and irrigation management should be adjusted according to each growth stage. Because the variety flowers and fruits continuously, growers need to monitor tree development closely and replenish nutrients in a timely manner to prevent the trees from becoming exhausted after multiple consecutive fruiting cycles.

Another advantage of Long Phung Chau is its early bearing ability. While many other longan varieties require three to four years before reaching stable production, this variety can begin producing fruit after only about two years. Its relatively short fruit development period also makes it easier for growers to manage flowering, schedule harvests, and improve production efficiency.

Beyond its cultivation advantages, Long Phung Chau also offers strong economic returns, with market prices exceeding VND 100,000/kg, significantly higher than many common longan varieties.

Following successful trial cultivation, several growers on My Phuoc Islet have begun expanding their planting area. Mr. Tran Huu Thang said Long Phung Chau seedlings are sold for around VND 150,000/tree, depending on their size and age. Demand for the variety has continued to increase due to its high economic value and ease of cultivation.

Introducing new, high-value crop varieties not only diversifies the region's fruit production but also provides farmers with additional options when restructuring their cropping systems. However, to ensure sustainable development, any expansion should be aligned with production planning, supported by technical guidance from agricultural authorities, and based on market demand to avoid unplanned expansion that could lead to oversupply.

$ 1 = VND 26,463 - Source: Vietcombank.