Tiền Giang: Durian Shortage Leads to Price Drop

In Cai Lay District (Tien Giang Province), two months ago, the price of Monthong durian was over VND 200,000/kg, now it has decreased to nearly VND 100,000/kg; Ri6 durian was VND 150,000/kg, now it has decreased to VND 55,000/kg. With this price, the orchard only has a profit of less than VND 15,000/kg.

Not only has the price dropped, but the productivity of durian orchards in Cai Lay, Chau Thanh, and Cai Lay Township, Tien Giang Province, has also decreased significantly compared to the same crop in previous years. To have enough goods for export, many businesses have to go to the provinces of the Mekong Delta such as Hau Giang, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, and Can Tho to buy durians.

According to businesses specializing in purchasing durian for export, the reason for the sharp decrease in the price of this fruit is due to the “collision” with durian from Thailand and Malaysia.

According to the Tien Giang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the current total area of durian cultivation in the province is about 21,790 hectares, of which nearly 15,000 hectares are bearing fruit.

Mr. Trinh Van Sy, the owner of a 1-ha durian orchard and also the owner of a fruit export purchasing warehouse in Ngu Hiep Commune, Cai Lay District, shared: “Currently, RI6 durian is purchased in the garden for about VND 50,000/kg, and when I pack the goods, it is over VND 70,000/kg due to labor costs.

Monthong durian is also nearly VND 100,000/kg, and there is not much of this variety here, Ri6 is more abundant at the beginning of the season. This price is still profitable for the orchard, but not as good as before. This year’s crop failed because people were afraid of saltwater and did not dare to treat it. As for the warehouse, I packed it as usual, bought it from Can Tho, Soc Trang, and brought it back because there is not much here”.