What’s Happening with Durian Testing?

Durian harvest in Dak Lak is at its peak, with tens of thousands of tons of durian hanging from trees in areas like Krong Nang, Krong Buk, and Ea H’leo. Farmers are uncertain when chemical residue testing labs will resume operations, leaving their produce in limbo.

Significant Losses for Farmers and Businesses

Mr. T.V.H, a resident of Buôn Đét, Dliê Ya commune, Dak Lak province, owns 10 hectares of durian trees, expecting a yield of about 250 tons. So far, only 60 tons have been harvested. With exports stalled and traders halting purchases, Mr. H. is in a state of distress. Overripe durians are falling and spoiling, causing substantial losses.

According to Mr. H., as of October 27, some traders resumed buying, but prices plummeted. Initially, he contracted to sell durians at 78,000 VND/kg, but now the price is only around 40,000 VND/kg.

“I’ve been growing durians for 10 years, but this is the toughest season yet, with severe losses,” Mr. H. shared.

The Tan Lap Dong Agricultural Service Cooperative in Pơng Drang commune, Dak Lak, manages 49.5 hectares of durian, with an estimated yield of 1,200 tons. About 300 tons remain unharvested. Recently, with no traders buying, farmers are forced to leave the fruit on the trees.

“If not harvested within the next 10 days, farmers will face significant losses. Overripe durians can only be sold as pulp or peeled fruit at around 30,000 VND/kg, far below export prices,” said a representative of the cooperative.

A durian processing company in Dak Lak reported that the suspension of chemical residue testing has severely impacted businesses. Large quantities of durians are stuck in warehouses, spoiling. To recover costs, companies are selling domestically at half the export price. Many exporters have halted operations, forfeiting deposits to avoid further losses.

To minimize losses, farmers and traders are renegotiating prices lower than initial agreements.

Urgent Need to Reorganize the Production Chain

The Durian Association of Dak Lak reported that since October 11, designated labs for chemical residue testing of durians for export have suspended operations. Dak Lak is in the peak harvest season, expected to last another 20–30 days.

Businesses cannot complete testing and certification for export shipments. Nearly 2,000 containers of durian are stuck in warehouses, en route, and at export gates.

Given the urgency, the Durian Association of Dak Lak has appealed to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and the Dak Lak People’s Committee to direct labs to resume operations promptly, especially supporting the Central Highlands region during the final harvest phase.

Mr. Le Anh Trung, Chairman of the Durian Association of Dak Lak, stated that MARD held an emergency meeting with relevant units and labs to address the issue after receiving the appeal.

“So far, businesses report that pending test results have been processed, and most issues resolved. The association hopes labs will continue testing new samples,” Mr. Trung said.

For sustainable durian industry growth, Mr. Trung emphasized reorganizing the production chain, ensuring all stakeholders share responsibility. Farmers and businesses must collaborate closely from production to export, not just until the sale is completed. Only a structured chain can ensure early food safety control.

Additionally, government agencies and authorities must establish and monitor suitable policies for production chains. “The association will strive to secure the best resources to coordinate with localities in obtaining planting area codes as quickly as possible. This is crucial for durian exports,” Mr. Trung stressed.