The Contrasting Scenes in the Lam Dong Durian Market

Lam Dong’s Agriculture and Environment Department has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, the province aims to have 25,800 hectares of durian farms, with an annual output of approximately 270,535 tons. The main production areas are concentrated in Di Linh, Da Huoai, Bao Lam, Da Teh, Lam Ha, and Dam Rong districts.

This target is considered bold, given the surging demand for Vietnamese durian in the Chinese market. However, agricultural experts believe that to achieve this goal, Lam Dong must strictly control the expansion of new farming areas and prevent a boom in area as seen during the “black gold pepper” and “macadamia fever” periods.

Avoiding Overheating and Maintaining Production Balance

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Agriculture and Environment Department, while many farmers are rushing to plant durian, in reality, some localities like Bao Lam and Di Linh districts have already exceeded the planned durian area for the 2024-2030 period.

Uncontrolled expansion of durian farms by clearing coffee, pepper, or even other fruit trees can expose farmers to significant risks if export markets fluctuate. “We recommend that localities strictly control new planting areas and review and adjust the development plan for growing regions towards concentration, large-scale farming, facilitating mechanization and the application of high technology, ensuring sustainable farming practices and long-term exports,” said Mr. Phuc.

Besides the area equation, the provincial agriculture sector is also promoting the standardization of durian planting, caring, and harvesting processes according to export standards. By 2030, Lam Dong aims to have at least 10,000 hectares of fruit trees (including durian) with region codes and about 30 packaging facilities meeting international standards.

Notably, as the main export market, China is tightening controls on pesticide residues, heavy metals, and food safety indicators. Therefore, the province urges farmers to use only permitted fertilizers and pesticides, comply with the “4-right” principle, and refrain from using prohibited substances like Auramine O in fruit preservation.

Preventing Price Surges from Escalating Risks

According to statistics from the Lam Dong Agriculture and Environment Department, the province currently has more than 25,600 hectares of durian farms, with an annual output of about 175,000 tons. The three leading localities in terms of area and output are Da Huoai, Di Linh, and Bao Lam, accounting for over 80% of the province’s total output.

However, the reality of the past few years has shown that each time durian prices surge, uncontrolled expansion follows, leading to oversupply, price drops, quality control challenges, and violations of export standards. If left unchecked, the target of 25,800 hectares may not only fail to improve farmers’ livelihoods but could also create a new “agricultural bubble.”

The Lam Dong Agriculture sector is coordinating with the Plant Protection and Health Department to intensify inspections and monitoring of region codes, especially in areas that have been warned of violations by the General Administration of Customs of China.

“Developing durian is the right direction, but it must follow the right path, techniques, and standards. That’s how this crop can become a sustainable ‘export spearhead’ rather than a trend-chasing race,” emphasized the Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Agriculture and Environment Department.

To assure the quality of Lam Dong durian, the Agriculture and Environment Department recently collected nearly 760 durian samples to analyze pesticide residues and heavy metal content, and none of them were found to be contaminated with Auramine O, cadmium, or lead.