In the Mekong Delta, rising durian prices have led farmers to extensively replace other crops with durian trees, disregarding advice from agricultural specialists. Some farmers are even planting durian on alum-saline soil, outside the recommended planting areas.
Despite warnings to follow the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's guidelines, farmers are making decisions based on their gut feeling, risking potential losses. In Tien Giang Province's Cai Lay District, durian farming has proved profitable, leading farmers in other localities to replace star apple, mango, dragon fruit, and green-skinned grapefruit with durian.
In the last two years, nearly 1,000 hectares of green grapefruit and mangoes in Cai Be District were replaced with young durian trees, increasing the total durian area to over 7,000 hectares. Despite warnings, farmers in Tien Giang and neighboring provinces like Dong Thap continue to replace their fruit crops with durian.
However, not all farmers have seen success. Many durian orchards in Giong Rieng District have perished due to water scarcity and alum and salinity contamination. Tien Giang Province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development discourages farmers from planting fruit trees in alum-contaminated lands, saline soils, or outside planned areas.
Despite the province developing detailed plans for each crop group and conversion area, farmers are independently replacing other fruit trees with durian trees. Tien Giang Province currently boasts the largest durian growing area in the Mekong Delta, with over 22,000 hectares.
Source: en.sggp.org.vn