Traders looking to buy dragon fruit directly from the garden in Binh Thuan

At this time, many traders in dragon fruit-growing regions such as Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Thuan Bac districts in Binh Thuan province are buying dragon fruit directly from orchards to fill shipments for markets in many provinces and cities, especially for the Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month). Many traders are posting advertisements seeking to buy dragon fruit on Binh Thuan dragon fruit groups, offering attractive prices.

Traders are buying dragon fruit and bringing it to the warehouse. Photo: Duy Tuan

According to Mr. Huynh Han, a dragon fruit trader in Ham Thuan Nam district, dragon fruit prices vary depending on the variety. White-fleshed dragon fruit (grown naturally according to weather conditions) is priced at around 12,000 VND/kg, while artificially grown dragon fruit (off-season fruit stimulated to bear fruit using lights) fetches a slightly higher price of 15,000 VND/kg, and red-fleshed dragon fruit is around 17,000 VND/kg.

Harvesting dragon fruit in the orchard. Photo: Duy Tuan

However, at this time, red-fleshed dragon fruit is out of season; it will be about 5 more days before red-fleshed dragon fruit ripens and becomes widely available.

According to farmers, in recent years, dragon fruit yields have been low due to erratic weather changes and excessive off-season harvesting.

A dragon fruit orchard with ripe red-fleshed fruit. Photo: Duy Tuan

According to observations, along the road leading to the Phan Thiet - Dau Giay expressway, there are many stalls selling dragon fruit to tourists. The stall owners have also sourced dragon fruit from orchards to resell and make a profit.

However, while white-fleshed dragon fruit is abundant, red-fleshed dragon fruit is scarce. If available, it's usually old fruit, harvested long ago and stored for sale at this time, so the fruit isn't as appealing. Some orchards are harvesting off-season red dragon fruit for sale, but the price is as high as 25,000 VND/kg.

Roadside stalls selling dragon fruit along the highway entrance. Photo: Duy Tuan

Dragon fruit plays a significant role in the agricultural and rural economic development of Binh Thuan province. According to the latest data from the Binh Thuan Provincial Statistics Department, as of July 2024, the area of ​​dragon fruit cultivation in Binh Thuan province was 26,550 hectares, with an annual production of 325,000 tons.

In the first few months of 2024, domestic and export demand for fruit was high, and dragon fruit prices remained stable, even increasing at times, resulting in profits for growers.

Source: https://laodong.vn/kinh-doanh/thuong-lai-tim-mua-thanh-long-tan-vuon-o-binh-thuan-1379946.ldo