Vietnamese farmers who cultivate durians, often referred to as the “king of tropical fruits,” are facing challenges due to heatwaves and drought in Southeast Asia. With the demand for durians increasing among Chinese consumers, the farmers are concerned about the lower quality of their harvests. The prolonged drought and sea water intrusion have led to decreased yields and quality of Vietnam’s durian farms, impacting their profitability.
Dr Vo Huu Thoai, director of the Southern Fruit Institute in Vietnam, highlighted the urgent need to address the issues affecting durian farming in the country. The impact of climate change on durian production is expected to worsen in the coming years if appropriate measures are not taken promptly. Despite these challenges, the export of durians from Vietnam to China has seen significant growth, reaching US$2.2 billion in 2022, a substantial increase from the previous year. This surge in exports has enabled Vietnam to compete with Thailand in the Chinese durian market.
For Vietnamese farmers, durians are often considered the “fruit of gold” due to the high profits they can generate. A hectare of durian trees can bring in an estimated US$70,000 in profits during a good harvest, far surpassing the profits from crops like rice or coffee. This economic potential has made durian cultivation a lucrative venture for many farmers in Vietnam. The increasing demand for durians in China has further fueled the growth of this industry, with exports expected to reach US$3.5 billion this year.
The future of durian exports from Vietnam faces uncertainties due to various factors, including climate change and the construction of hydropower dams on the Mekong River. These dams have the potential to impact water flow and quality, affecting agricultural activities along the river basin. As the largest consumer market for durians, China plays a crucial role in shaping the future of durian exports from Vietnam. Finding sustainable solutions to address the challenges faced by durian farmers is vital to ensuring the continued success of this industry in Vietnam.
Overall, the growth of the durian industry in Vietnam has been significant, with exports to China reaching new heights in recent years. However, the sector is also vulnerable to environmental threats, such as droughts and sea water intrusion, which can affect the quality and yield of durian farms. Addressing these challenges will be essential to sustain the economic benefits that durian cultivation brings to Vietnamese farmers. By implementing timely and effective solutions, the country can continue to capitalize on the growing demand for durians in China while safeguarding the long-term viability of this valuable industry.
