Standardizing growing areas, expanding export markets for durian

Changing production practices to improve durian quality

The shift from experience-based farming to VietGAP-compliant cultivation combined with Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) is creating a new direction for Can Tho City's durian industry. In addition to reducing production costs and improving fruit quality, the model provides the foundation for developing standardized growing areas that meet export market requirements, helping increase farmers' incomes.

At the 30/4 Gardening Cooperative Group in Dinh Khanh B Hamlet, Truong Thanh Commune, specialists recently evaluated the results of the VietGAP durian production model, shared practical experiences, and awarded IPHM training certificates and VietGAP certificates to qualified participants. This marks an important milestone in building a safe durian production area geared toward sustainable development.

Previously, most durian growers relied on traditional farming practices, using fertilizers and crop protection chemicals largely based on experience. Excessive pesticide use and inconsistent production practices resulted in high production costs, uneven fruit quality, dependence on traders, and limited access to export markets.

To address these shortcomings, the Can Tho Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department, in collaboration with relevant agencies, introduced the VietGAP durian production model combined with IPHM at the 30/4 Gardening Cooperative Group.

Mr. Phan Thien Khanh, a member of the cooperative group, said that adopting VietGAP and IPHM has fundamentally changed farming practices. Growers now use crop protection products correctly, prioritize biological solutions, and reduce the frequency of spraying, thereby lowering production costs while protecting both the environment and farmers' health.

Members also keep detailed production records, documenting cultivation activities, fertilizer applications, pest and disease management, and harvesting. These records provide a crucial foundation for product traceability and compliance with import market requirements.

The model has quickly gained momentum. In 2021, the cooperative group had only eight members cultivating about 4.6 hectares. Today, it has expanded to 31 members covering 33.2 hectares, with 23 members implementing VietGAP practices across more than 20 hectares of specialized durian orchards.

Earlier this July, the 30/4 Gardening Cooperative Group officially received VietGAP certification. Its next objectives are to obtain a growing area code, expand marketing partnerships, and eventually establish a cooperative to strengthen competitiveness and participate more deeply in the export value chain.

According to Mr. Duong Hoai An, Deputy Director of SABIO Science Joint Stock Company, the project involved not only technical training but also production assessments, VietGAP awareness training, development of a quality management system, and testing of soil, irrigation water, and fruit samples prior to certification.

Mr An noted that VietGAP helps producers build their brand, strengthen trust among businesses and consumers, and access more stable markets. Safe production also contributes to environmental protection, improves product quality, and enhances the competitiveness of Vietnam's durian industry.

Building value chain partnerships for exports

The price volatility experienced during the latest durian season has further highlighted the importance of standardized production and value chain linkages. At the beginning of the season, Dona durian sold for around VND 60,000/kg, while Ri6 fetched VND 45,000-50,000/kg. By the end of the season, however, Ri6 prices had fallen to VND 25,000 -35,000/kg, leaving many growers merely breaking even as production costs continued to rise.

According to growers, farmers operating independently are often pressured by traders, face higher rejection rates, and have unstable market access. In contrast, members of the 30/4 Gardening Cooperative Group, despite having only recently adopted VietGAP, have already attracted companies that have proactively surveyed their orchards, placed deposits, and signed long-term purchasing contracts.

Mr Phan Hoang Ba, representing the 30/4 Gardening Cooperative Group, added that members can farm with greater confidence because purchasing companies honor their contracts and maintain agreed prices even when market prices fluctuate. Thanks to higher production standards, fruit rejection rates have declined significantly, encouraging growers to continue investing in production.

Can Tho City currently has more than 14,400 hectares of durian, including around 10,000 hectares in production, with Ri6 accounting for over 86% of the total planted area. This year's output is estimated at nearly 150,000 tons. To date, the city has established 136 growing area codes covering nearly 3,000 hectares for export.

Ms Nguyen Thi Giang, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the agricultural sector is continuing to review, guide, and issue new growing area codes in accordance with importing countries' requirements. Authorities are also strengthening inspections of registered growing areas and packing facilities to improve the export value chain.

According to Ms. Giang, obtaining a growing area code is not the final goal but rather an ongoing responsibility for producers to maintain quality standards, ensure traceability, and protect the reputation of local agricultural products. It also provides the foundation for shifting from a production mindset to an agricultural business mindset, ultimately increasing farmers' incomes.

Ms Tran Thi Kim Thuy, Deputy Head of the Can Tho Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department, said that export-oriented growing areas must cover at least 10 hectares to qualify for a growing area code. For multi-household production models, members must follow unified production standards, identify the coordinates of each orchard, maintain complete cultivation records, and strictly comply with regulations on collecting and disposing of crop protection chemical containers to protect the environment.

According to Ms Thuy, management of growing area codes will become stricter as new regulations on administrative penalties related to growing area codes, packing facilities, and the use of agricultural inputs take effect on August 5, 2026. These regulations are expected to strengthen compliance with production standards, improve quality control from the outset, and safeguard the reputation of Vietnamese durian in international markets.