A breakthrough in converting rice fields to durian cultivation.

One morning in mid-March, under the lush green canopy of his durian orchard, Mr. Vo Van Tuan meticulously inspected each durian tree entering the fruit-bearing stage. For him, the approximately 4,000m² orchard is not only the main source of income for his family, but also the result of many years of effort, research, learning, and changing his production mindset.

Mr. Vo Van Tuan from Phong Dien commune introduces a durian fruit that is over 30 days old.

Mr. Tuan shared: “Previously, this land was mainly used for rice cultivation, but the economic efficiency was low, and income was unstable, heavily dependent on weather and market prices. Recognizing the increasing demand for specialty fruits, especially durian, I started researching and decided to shift production. In 2019, I converted the entire rice paddy area into raised beds for planting Ri6 and Monthong durian varieties. At first, I was very worried because of the large investment and lack of experience. But I thought that if I didn't boldly make the change, it would be difficult to improve my income.”

To ensure his durian orchard thrived, from the very beginning, Mr. Tuan proactively participated in technical training courses organized by the Department of Agriculture ; at the same time, he visited and learned from successful durian growers both locally and outside the area. Through this, he gradually mastered the process of caring for the trees, inducing flowering, and controlling pests and diseases.

According to Mr. Tuan, durian is a crop that requires meticulous care and proper techniques. From pruning flowers and selecting fruits to managing water and fertilizing, everything must be done carefully to prevent the tree from weakening and to ensure uniform fruit development. In particular, durian is a rather "sensitive" tree, so growers must constantly monitor and care for it according to each stage of its growth. If done correctly, the tree will be healthy, the fruit beautiful, and of high quality.

Not stopping there, Mr. Tuan also persistently applied biological farming methods, prioritizing the use of organic fertilizers and biological preparations to improve soil and increase the natural resistance of the trees. Limiting the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers not only helps reduce production costs but also contributes to producing high-quality, safe durian fruit. Thanks to the synchronized application of technical solutions, Mr. Tuan's family's durian orchard thrives, with fewer pests and diseases, achieving increasingly stable yields and fruit quality. The durians from Mr. Tuan's orchard, after harvest, have a round shape, thin skin, yellow flesh, small seeds, and a characteristic rich, fragrant flavor, making them highly sought after by businesses and traders.

According to Mr. Tuan, growing organic durian is hard work, but the selling price is usually higher than conventionally grown products. Most importantly, he produces safe fruit that consumers find delicious and reassuring. Currently, Mr. Tuan's family durian orchard has over 70 Ri6 and Monthong durian trees, seven years old, preparing for their fourth harvest season. In 2025, Mr. Tuan's family expects to harvest over 8 tons of durian, selling it at 50,000 VND/kg, generating an income of over 400 million VND; it is projected that by March (lunar calendar), the harvest will reach approximately 10 tons, with an estimated income of over 500 million VND.

Compared to his previous rice farming, this income is many times higher, helping Mr. Tuan's family live a more stable and prosperous life. "Before, rice farming yielded low income, and we couldn't save much each year. Thanks to switching to durian farming, our family's finances have improved significantly," Mr. Tuan said.

Besides developing his family's economy, Mr. Vo Van Tuan also participates in the Truong Trung A Cooperative to share production experiences with other members. His durian farming model has also become a place for many farmers in the region to visit and learn from.

Mr. Ly Van Tinh, Director of Truong Trung A Cooperative in Phong Dien commune, commented: "Mr. Tuan's durian farming model is a clear example of the effectiveness of restructuring crop patterns and applying science and technology to production. When farmers boldly change their production mindset, apply technological advancements, and adhere to safe farming practices, the economic value of agricultural land will be significantly increased."

Effective farming transformation models like Mr. Tuan's not only help increase farmers' income but also contribute to the efficient exploitation of the potential and advantages of Phong Dien land, gradually forming a high-quality fruit-growing area to serve the domestic and export markets.

Text and photos: MY HOA

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/but-pha-chuyen-doi-dat-lua-sang-trong-sau-rieng-a200170.html