In Tay Ninh, Bau Don commune (Go Dau district) is considered the largest durian growing “capital” in the province with durian quality and yield meeting VietGAP standards. Currently, many other localities in the province have also started to switch to durian cultivation, especially Ri6 and Monthong durian varieties.

Expanding durian growing area

The conversion of low-economic efficiency crops to durian cultivation for higher income is being carried out by many farming households in the province. However, the development of this type of crop must follow the right direction, be suitable for the soil and closely linked to the market supply chain.

Thanh Phuoc Commune (Go Dau District) has a total annual cultivation area of ​​3,892 hectares. Many households in the commune have converted from ineffective rice cultivation areas to develop durian trees, initially bringing positive profits.

Mr. Ngo Van Mien, a farmer in Xom Dong hamlet, Thanh Phuoc commune, has 1.3 hectares of durian. “Previously, this land specialized in growing rice but the productivity and efficiency were not high. I consulted some farmers in Bau Don commune and other places and saw that people growing durian trees brought high economic efficiency, so I mobilized some households in this area to switch to growing durian from 2018 until now,” said Mr. Mien.

According to Mr. Mai Van Minh - Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Thanh Phuoc commune, in recent years, people in the commune have switched from growing rice to growing durian, bringing in stable income.

In order for durian trees to develop sustainably, bring high economic efficiency, and gradually bring the Tay Ninh durian brand far and wide, people need to strictly control the existing growing areas, give specific directions on the production areas, and should not plant according to "trends" or in unsuitable soil areas.

“Today, consumers have high demands on the quality and origin of agricultural products, especially countries that are importing agricultural products from Vietnam, requiring farmers to practice good agriculture, ensure food safety, or cultivate according to VietGAP standards.

In the coming time, the locality will continue to maintain and improve the quality of agricultural products meeting VietGAP standards for durian trees, an area of ​​15 hectares. By 2030, the average product value obtained per hectare of cultivated land will reach 125 million VND" - Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Thanh Phuoc commune said.

Comply with production processes, ensure food safety

It is expected that the durian growing area in the province will reach 5,000 hectares by 2025, with an output of about 36,750 tons. With the current rapid growth rate in durian area and output, it shows that, in addition to the high income that durian brings to farmers, it also poses many risks in case of fluctuations in the consumption and export markets.

This year's crop, with strict application of cultivation processes, careful recording from flowering, pistil release, tying and marking... farmers hope the durian crop will sell at a high price and have a stable output.

Currently, the main market for durian consumption is China, accounting for 95% of output. Durian fruit has been officially imported into this market since July 11, 2022 with many strict requirements on standards and quality for growing areas and packaging facilities. This requires gardeners to change their production practices from only focusing on productivity to focusing on the quality of the harvested product.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tay Ninh, for the current agricultural export market, durian is the leading fruit that brings high income to farmers in Tay Ninh in particular and the whole country in general. However, in addition to favorable conditions of land and climate, there are many potential problems from production to consumption.

Therefore, the requirements for quality, food safety, and appearance of exported durian are very strict, while the small-scale production of farmers is the main factor, making it difficult to control, especially in spontaneous growing areas, where land conditions, irrigation, and intensive farming are not guaranteed, will affect productivity, quality, and reputation.

Currently, the agricultural sector is actively promoting and mobilizing organizations and individuals to implement safety measures in durian production and packaging. At the same time, training and communication on regulations on growing area codes and packaging facilities are being strengthened, focusing on guiding organizations and individuals to properly apply cultivation procedures, record and log during the production process to serve traceability according to the requirements of importing countries.

In addition, the provincial Department of Agriculture coordinates with relevant units to continue to mobilize people to cooperate and link with businesses in organizing production, forming concentrated, large-scale durian growing areas, ensuring standards for granting growing area codes and packaging facilities for export.

Hoang Yen

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/nang-cao-chat-luong-sau-rieng-dat-chuan-vietgap-a188765.html