Quality is a prerequisite to ensure sustainability for durian exports. Accordingly, many synchronous solutions from technical processes to sanctions are being actively deployed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure productivity and quality of exported durian fruit; as well as meet the requirements of the importing country.

Enterprises introduce durian products at the Vietnam Goods Fair for typical exports in 2024. Photo: N.H

Great growth potential

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that in recent years, the area planted with durian in Vietnam has increased rapidly; from more than 71,000 hectares in 2020 to nearly 151,000 hectares by the end of 2023. It is estimated that about 50% of the durian area is being harvested with a 2023 output of nearly 1.2 million tons. In the next few years, as the area for harvesting increases, Vietnamese durian output will likely double.

According to estimates by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in the first 4 months of the year, durian exports reached over 500 million USD, an increase of about 30% over the same period last year. Previously, in 2023, durian export turnover reached 2.24 billion USD, skyrocketing from only 420 million USD in 2022.

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that this year there will be about 20% more durian area for harvest. Besides, last year Vietnam only had more than 400 growing area codes licensed by China, but now this number has increased to 708 codes. In addition, Vietnam is negotiating with China to export frozen durian and negotiating with India to export fresh durian. With these favorable factors, Mr. Nguyen believes that durian export turnover this year will continue to grow and could reach 3 billion USD.

However, Mr. Manh also pointed out challenges for durian trees when the consumer market is narrow, mainly still China. Meanwhile, Vietnamese durian developed later and had to compete directly with Thailand, Malaysia and some other neighboring countries. The ability of Vietnamese durian to meet technical requirements, compliance with plant quarantine requirements and chemical residues is still limited; The organization of the industry chain is still fragmented and unprofessional. Therefore, hot growth in area in a short period of time is creating many risks in quality control and imbalance between supply and demand.

Handle harshly, without pricking first

In fact, recently, the Chinese side has issued many warnings about durian shipments that do not comply with the Protocol on plant quarantine requirements for fresh durian exported to China. To ensure durian quality, one of the prerequisites is that durian must be harvested at the right "age", not picked young.

Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy, Director of Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Group Joint Stock Company, said that previously, Thailand regulated the powder content of exported durian fruit at 32%. As Vietnam boosts durian exports to China, Thailand has raised the powder level regulation to 35% and is aiming for a new regulation of 37%. Accordingly, Ms. Vy proposed that there should be sanctions to ensure that farmers always harvest durian at the right "age". Anyone who harvests young durian will be punished. As in Thailand, those who repeatedly violate quality standards can be sentenced to prison.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has directed specialized agencies and localities to carry out many technical solutions; especially technical processes related to seed issues, seed structure, care process, harvest time as well as applying other scientific and technical advances to prevent pests and diseases. Besides, due to the "hot" growth in durian area in recent times; Deputy Minister Hoang Trung said that in the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will adjust the planning of key fruit trees; Areas that grow hot and do not ensure ecological and water source conditions may have to be converted to other crops.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also directed localities to maintain effective and substantive supervision to ensure all planting area codes; Packaging facilities and purchasing businesses meet the requirements of import markets. When a violation occurs as notified by the importing country or detected by quarantine forces at the border gate; Immediately, that batch of goods will not be exported and that growing area code will be suspended. Until recovery measures are taken and the inspection and re-evaluation results are satisfactory, then exports will continue.

“In the past, there were still mistakes, 1-2 violations could result in a warning, and the third time would require traceability and forced export suspension. But now we have to apply strong measures without warning, any violation will be handled immediately" - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung emphasized.

According to Deputy Minister Hoang Trung, in addition to the 708 already granted growing area codes, there are nearly 800 codes about to be issued, estimated to account for about 50% of Vietnam's durian area. Therefore, if not strictly and methodically managed, there will certainly be problems, then importing countries will strengthen technical measures for Vietnamese durian; leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness compared to other countries, thereby affecting Vietnam's durian export turnover.

Source: Online Customs Newspaper