Off-season durian cultivation generates billions in revenue annually

Duong Dinh Tuyen, aged 27 and a resident of Truong Thanh commune, Thoi Lai district, Can Tho city, has leveraged his expertise in soil and plant science, acquired from Can Tho University, to establish successful off-season durian cultivation in his homeland, yielding over 1 billion dong in revenue each year.

Tuyen currently owns two durian gardens covering a total area of 1.6 hectares. One hectare is dedicated to cultivating 160 eight-year-old durian trees, while the remaining 0.6 hectares accommodate 130 six-year-old durian trees. Notably, Tuyen's durian plants are meticulously managed to yield off-seasonal fruits, fetching higher prices in the market.

Raised in a traditional farming family, Tuyen witnessed firsthand the toil of his parents in the fields and the fluctuating prices of rice crops. Motivated by a desire to transform rice fields into fruit gardens for enhanced output and economic efficiency, Tuyen embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.

To realize his dream, Tuyen enrolled in specialized courses in soil and plant science, diligently studying the intricacies of durian cultivation, including nurturing, bloom management, fruit protection, and optimal fertilization techniques. With a focus on long-term success, Tuyen also undertook soil renovation to transition from rice farming to durian cultivation, selecting high-yield and market-preferred varieties such as Ri6, Monthong, and Musang King.

After a decade of experience, Tuyen mastered techniques to induce off-season flowering in durian trees, capitalizing on market demand to command higher prices.

He emphasizes the importance of managing moisture levels during flowering, employing strategies such as trench irrigation and plastic coverings to shield roots from excess rainfall. Tuyen's meticulous approach extends to fertilization and pest control, ensuring healthy tree growth and abundant fruit production.

Tuyen's calculations indicate that one hectare of durian cultivation can yield approximately 15 tons of fruit, generating over 1 billion dong annually at a purchase price of 110,000 VND/kg.

His rigorous process, spanning nine months from flowering to harvest, involves precise care and intervention to optimize fruit quality and yield. Off-season durians, known for their superior quality, command double the price of seasonal varieties, bolstering Tuyen's profitability.

Recognizing the challenges posed by the rainy season on pollination, Tuyen employs a combination of techniques to safeguard flower viability and seed development. He emphasizes the practical application of scientific knowledge in optimizing plant health and productivity, ensuring safety and maximizing yields in his gardens.

Tuyen's success story underscores the transformative potential of innovative agricultural practices, combining traditional wisdom with scientific expertise to unlock new opportunities and prosperity in rural communities. As he continues to refine his methods, Tuyen remains committed to pioneering sustainable and profitable agriculture in Vietnam's dynamic market landscape.

The fruit is harvested in the off-season mostly in the Mekong Delta, with Tien Giang being the biggest grower.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam has more than 131,000 hectares of durian orchards across the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, and the Southeast region. The Central Highlands is home to the majority of these durian farms, predominantly cultivating the Monthong variety.

It has 21,790 hectares of durian orchards, which yield an average of 386,000 tons, accounting for nearly 22% of the province’s total fruit output.

Vietnam is striving to further assert its durian export position and join the billion-dollar export industry with the current advantages in hand, coupled with efforts to better the fruit quality. The country is working hard to tap the potential and expand global reach for the sector.

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that Vietnam has more than 110,000 ha of durian with a yearly output of nearly 850,000 tonnes.