Durian Cultivation Brings in VND1 Trillion Profit for Farmers Annually

The district of Khanh Son, situated in southwest Khanh Hoa, is known for being the primary durian cultivation region in the province.

The favorable soil and local climate in Khanh Son support the cultivation of various durian varieties like Monthong, Ri6, Chin Hoa, and Musang King, as per Nguyen Duy Quang, the director of Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Last year, the durian cultivation area in Khanh Son was 2,400 hectares, with 1,200 hectares dedicated to fruit-bearing, yielding 15,000 tons. The durians from Khanh Son are not only sold domestically but also exported to China, albeit in small quantities.

Five cultivation areas in Khanh Son have received approval from Chinese customs covering 125.4 hectares, which is 10% of the total fruit-bearing area. The district is expected to have an additional four codes (120.2 hectares) granted by China. China is the largest durian market globally.

In 2023, durian prices in Khanh Son skyrocketed to VND80,000-90,000 per kilogram, occasionally hitting VND120,000, a significant increase from the previous VND40,000 per kilogram.

With these high prices, farmers in Khanh Son earned a whopping VND1 trillion during the last durian season, two to three times more than in previous years.

Bo Bo Thuong, a durian orchard owner in Son Binh commune, shared that his three-hectare orchard houses 600 durian trees, each producing 100-120 kilograms of fruit. He predominantly cultivates Mongthong durian, known for its sweetness, thick segments, small seeds, and low maintenance requirements.

Thuong harvests Monthong durian in September-October in Khanh Son. In 2023, with on-site selling prices between VND60,000-70,000, he earned around VND4 million in profit (after deducting costs) per tree. With 600 trees, his profit exceeded VND2 billion.

Mai Van Khang, residing in Son Lam commune, manages a 10-hectare durian plantation. He mentioned that the entire family is engaged in the durian harvest. In 2023, Khang harvested 60 tons of durian, anticipated to reach 100 tons in 2024. With higher prices this year, he foresees profits of VND8 billion.

Nguyen Quoc Dong, the deputy chair of Khanh Son district, noted that previously, farmers focussed on cultivating red-flesh pomelo, mangosteen, and rambutan, yielding low income. Consequently, local farmers shifted to durian cultivation, now the primary fruit in the region.