Stricter growing area control to protect jackfruit export markets

A slight increase in jackfruit prices

In recent days, jackfruit prices in many areas of Dong Thap province have shown signs of a modest increase of VND 1,000 - 2,000 per kilogram compared with previous weeks. However, the rise has not been sufficient to ease production cost pressures for growers, as market demand remains challenging. In response, the agriculture sector and local authorities are implementing various measures to improve product quality, strengthen management of raw material areas, and reinforce jackfruit export capacity.

According to observations in many of Dong Thap’s jackfruit-growing regions, traders have returned to purchase fruit more regularly, but prices remain significantly lower in comparison to the same period in previous years.

The main reason is that exports to China have faced numerous obstacles in recent months. Testing procedures for cadmium and Auramine O residues have prolonged customs clearance. Some shipments were flagged or returned, causing supply to accumulate in the domestic market and creating significant pressure on consumption.

“Export-oriented jackfruit procurement activities have largely returned to normal, but demand from the Chinese market remains sluggish, preventing prices from recovering as expected. If the jackfruit industry is to develop sustainably, the most important task now is to improve the quality of raw material areas and strictly control factors affecting food safety. At the same time, management of growing area codes and packing facility codes must be strengthened to meet increasingly stringent import requirements,” said Tran Thanh Tam, Director of the Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department of Dong Thap province.

Statistics from the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment show that the province currently has more than 25,680 hectares of jackfruit, of which around 20,500 hectares are in production, yielding approximately 437,000 tons annually. The province has been granted 180 jackfruit growing area codes covering roughly 6,000 hectares, along with 110 packing facility codes to facilitate export activities.

In May alone, jackfruit output was estimated at about 38,000 tons, while the figure is expected to reach 30,000 tons in June. This represents a substantial supply that requires effective marketing solutions to avoid localized oversupply and price declines.

Improving raw material quality to retain export markets

In light of difficulties facing jackfruit and durian exports, the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee has directed specialized agencies to intensify sampling and testing activities for export purposes while implementing long-term measures to improve the quality of key fruit crops.

Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee, urged the Department of Agriculture and Environment to review and comprehensively assess jackfruit and durian production areas, particularly zones at high risk of cadmium contamination.

The agriculture sector must proactively control raw material quality and strengthen linkages based on growing area codes. Inspections and supervision of growing area and packing facility codes should be enhanced.

Local authorities should also develop sampling plans and provide soil pH warnings by area to support appropriate mitigation measures. The most important thing is to improve farmers’ awareness regarding compliance with safe production practices and proper use of agricultural inputs to enhance product competitiveness.

“In a context where export markets are imposing increasingly strict requirements on quality and traceability, building clean raw material areas, closely managing production processes, and improving growers’ awareness will be the key to helping Dong Thap’s jackfruit industry overcome current challenges. This will also provide a foundation for restoring the value of local jackfruit, expanding export markets, and securing stable incomes for farmers,” Vice Chairman Thien said.

Thap Muoi commune is one of Dong Thap’s major jackfruit-growing areas. Nguyen Van Hung, a farmer with more than three hectares of Thai jackfruit, said his family has gradually shifted toward organic production in recent years. Instead of relying heavily on chemicals, he has increased the use of organic fertilizers, biological products, and integrated pest management practices.

Although the approach requires more effort than conventional methods, it significantly reduces input costs, improves soil fertility, and lowers the risk of undesirable residues in produce.

“While current jackfruit prices are not high, lower production costs still ensure acceptable profits. More importantly, the fruit meets the quality requirements of export-oriented buyers. Farmers who follow proper production protocols have greater opportunities to participate in coded raw material areas,” he said.

$ 1 = VND 26,402. Source: Vietcombank.