Pong Drang Commune - A bright spot in sustainable durian development

Pong Drang commune was established on the basis of merging the entire natural area and population of the administrative units of Ea Ngai and Tan Lap communes and Pong Drang town. The commune's durian growing area is mainly concentrated in the old Tan Lap commune. The durian harvest period lasts from September to November, later than some other regions, helping Pong Drang commune have an advantage in supply when the market enters a period of shortage.

In the context of agricultural production increasingly moving towards quality standards and traceability, Pong Drang commune has proactively built a chain linking durian growing areas, increasing product value. In the 2025 crop year, the commune has 2,362 hectares of durian, of which 1,580 hectares are harvested, with an estimated output of 13,900 tons. Of which, about 800 hectares are pure durian, the rest are intercropped with coffee, pepper and some other crops. Pong Drang commune has been granted 26 growing area codes and 3 official export packaging facility codes by the Chinese Customs, with a total area of 534.3 hectares, 358 households participating in production.

Farmers of Pong Drang commune harvest durian.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich (village 15) said that her family has been growing durian for more than 10 years. Previously, durian prices were very high in some years, and also dropped sharply in other years. Since her family joined the cooperative, was guided to build growing area codes, and linked with export enterprises, durian prices have been more stable; as long as the care process is followed correctly, the fruit meets standards and there are places to buy it at a high price.

"The management of growing area codes and packaging facilities must be carried out seriously and regularly. Each household and cooperative needs to be clearly aware of its role in maintaining the reputation and local brand" - Mr.
Chairman of People's Committee of Pong Drang commune.

Similarly, Mr. Ho Van Dung, in Tan Lap 2 village with 1 hectare of durian, shared: “Participating in the regional chain helps farmers change their farming methods and techniques. From recording production logs, using fertilizers and pesticides according to the correct process to harvesting and packaging, everything is strictly controlled. Thanks to that, the quality of durian is consistent, and the economic efficiency is much higher.”

Identifying the management of durian growing area codes as a key requirement to ensure sustainable exports, the Commune People's Committee regularly inspects and supervises growing areas and packaging facilities that have been granted export codes to maintain safe production, fully meeting technical standards and requirements from the import market; coordinates with specialized agencies to organize training, technology transfer, and support people in applying digital technology in orchard management, electronic diary recording, and origin tracing. The Commune Government will continue to coordinate with specialized sectors to expand the area of durian that meets export standards, encourage farmers to apply science and technology, digital transformation in orchard management and smart production. At the same time, promote trade promotion, build product brands, and associate with geographical indications.

Leaders of Pong Drang commune inspect the durian processing and packaging process of Sky Ocean Food Company.

Through review, the commune currently has 33 enterprises and facilities purchasing durian, mainly in the central area of the commune. According to Mr. Phan Hoang Lam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Pong Drang commune, the local government is stepping up the search and calling on enterprises with experience in producing, consuming, processing and exporting durian to invest in order to form a closed chain from purchasing, preliminary processing, preserving to exporting. The participation of enterprises and investors not only helps local durian products have a more stable output, but also creates more jobs on the spot, increasing economic value for the people.

In addition to the achieved results, the production and consumption of durian in Pong Drang commune still has some limitations. Therefore, Pong Drang commune recommends that people need to sign careful and transparent purchasing contracts; proactively cooperate with reputable enterprises to ensure stable output. In particular, households focus on caring for and intensively cultivating the existing durian area towards quality and sustainability.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202511/xa-pong-drang-diem-sang-phat-trien-sau-rieng-ben-vung-c000057/