This is a response from the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Can Tho city to the queries raised by delegates during the 16th session of the Can Tho city People’s Council, for the term 2021-2026, held on July 5th.
Responding to the queries of the Can Tho city People’s Council regarding the issue of unripe durian sales affecting the quality and reputation of durian exports, Mr. Nguyen Van Su, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Can Tho city, shared his insights. He acknowledged that currently, there are no legal measures to address the premature harvesting and trading of durians. The department is primarily focusing on coordinating with other departments, authorities, and people’s committees of districts with durian-growing areas to effectively communicate and manage these regions.
Can Tho boasts a substantial area dedicated to durian cultivation.
According to the Director, if businesses are found to be purchasing unripe durians, their plantation codes may be revoked. Similarly, for individuals deliberately selling unripe fruits, the proposal is to reclaim the plantation areas. In the first half of this year, the department organized over 40 promotional events and workshops to foster linkages in the production and consumption of fruits. During these sessions, both growers and traders were educated about adhering to regulations when buying and selling durians.
Mr. Nguyen Van Su, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Can Tho city, shares insights at the session.
Mr. Su further added that, given the reality of premature durian trading, the agricultural sector of Can Tho and neighboring localities have proposed to the Ministry of Agriculture to address this issue. In response, the Ministry is developing national standards for fruit trees, including durians. These standards will strictly regulate the use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as establish isolation periods and harvesting times for various types of fruits, with a specific focus on durians.
“The Ministry is also formulating policies to govern the management of fruit products, including durians. Once these policies are promulgated, there will be legal grounds to take action against both buyers and sellers involved in premature durian trading,” Mr. Su emphasized. “Currently, we also highly value the collaboration and involvement of other city departments, people’s committees of districts, and especially the people’s committees of communes, wards, and towns where durian plantations are located.”
Strict actions will be taken against those involved in buying and selling unripe durians.
Prior to this, VOV reported on the issue of unripe durian trading in Phong Dien district, Can Tho city. Unscrupulous traders were found to be purchasing unripe and low-quality durians, treating them with chemicals to induce ripening, and then selling them, which negatively impacted the local durian brand. In response, the competent authorities of Can Tho intervened and instructed the local government to monitor the durian trading situation and advised farmers to harvest durians at the right time to ensure the best quality.
As per the Can Tho city Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the city currently has nearly 5,000 hectares of durian plantations. This high-value crop has received significant attention, and farmers have been provided guidance on pest control measures, durian care, and harvesting techniques to ensure quality, thus catering to the demands of the export market.
