Standardizing technical protocols for durian exports

The industry is committed to building a sustainable durian export chain, recognizing that quality control is a critical challenge in production chain management. Experts emphasize standardizing from the source and implementing six specific solutions for controlling cadmium residues in soil to ensure long-term growth.

As durian emerges as a flagship export for Vietnamese agriculture, requirements regarding quality, food safety, and traceability from importing markets are becoming increasingly stringent. Even a minor oversight during cultivation can lead to the return of entire shipments, potentially resulting in the loss of Growing Area Codes and Packing House Codes and causing severe damage to the industry's prestige.

Dr. Tran Thi My Hanh, Head of the Plant Protection Department at the Southern Horticultural Research Institute, explained that the rapid expansion of durian acreage and rising technical barriers necessitate that quality control be implemented in a coordinated manner from the orchard to the final export. Neglecting even one link in the chain increases the risk of shipments being returned or subjected to 100 percent inspection, thereby directly affecting the competitiveness of Vietnamese durian.

Mandatory pest control

One of the primary reasons for recent export warnings is the presence of quarantine pests, specifically mealybugs and fruit flies. These pests degrade fruit quality and are on the strict quarantine lists of importing countries, particularly China. Since the beginning of 2024, several Vietnamese durian shipments were found to contain mealybugs, mainly due to inadequate monitoring in the orchards and a failure to maintain detailed records as required by international standards.

To address this, experts recommend frequent pest monitoring and the comprehensive application of Integrated Pest Management. Key measures include deploying food baits and pheromone traps at appropriate densities to monitor fruit flies, managing ant populations to limit mealybug spread, and pruning trees to maintain a manageable height. Furthermore, farmers are encouraged to foster natural enemies such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, prioritizing biological agents over chemical pesticides.

Management of pesticide residues and heavy metals

Importing markets are also heightening their focus on pesticide residues and heavy metals, specifically Cadmium. This emerging issue could directly threaten durian export capabilities. Dr. Hanh explained that excessive pesticide residues often result from failing to observe pre-harvest intervals or from using off-label chemicals. To mitigate this risk, farmers must prioritize bio-pesticides and strictly adhere to quarantine periods.

Regarding Cadmium, durian trees can accumulate this metal if soil, water, or fertilizers are contaminated. Major markets like China, the EU, Japan, and South Korea are tightening Cadmium limits. China requires Cadmium levels in durian to be below 0.05 mg/kg, with all shipments tested at recognized laboratories. Failure to control Cadmium could lead to the revocation of Growing Area Codes and a loss of regional reputation.

To manage soil health, experts suggest applying lime to raise soil pH to approximately 6.0, which reduces Cadmium absorption. Farmers should also use balanced NPK fertilizers and increase the use of organic fertilizers and biochar to sequester heavy metals. Additionally, intercropping with plants that absorb Cadmium, such as mustard greens or water spinach, can prevent the metal from migrating into the durian root zone.

Dr. Hanh asserted that sustainable durian production is now a matter of survival for the industry. Success depends on the synchronized efforts of farmers, cooperatives, businesses, and specialized agencies. In an increasingly demanding market, every growing area must comply with technical protocols and maintain transparent records. Only by controlling quality from the roots can the durian industry achieve stable, sustainable growth and maintain its position in the global market.

Simultaneously, the durian sector reached a historic milestone with the official signing of a protocol allowing the export of frozen durian to the Chinese market. This development, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, is expected to generate billions of USD in additional export value by alleviating the pressure of seasonal gluts and short shelf lives. However, officials warn that this opportunity requires even stricter adherence to technical protocols, particularly regarding deep-freezing technology and food safety certifications. To remain competitive, Vietnamese packing houses are now prioritizing investments in high-tech processing lines to ensure that frozen products meet the same rigorous quality benchmarks as fresh fruit.