Can Tho expands growing area linkages and export markets for durian

Building large-scale production zones for sustainable exports

Can Tho is gradually establishing itself as one of the Mekong Delta’s key durian-producing regions following the administrative merger. In recent years, durian cultivation areas have expanded steadily, with specialized growing areas taking shape and laying the foundation for a high-quality industry capable of meeting export requirements.

Truong Thanh, Tan Thoi, and Phong Dien communes are prime examples among major durian-producing areas thanks to their large cultivation areas, favorable soil conditions, and experienced growers.

Truong Thanh commune alone currently has approximately 2,300 hectares of durian, of which more than 1,600 are in production. The locality has also developed nearly 400 hectares with officially registered growing area codes, creating favorable conditions for traceability and participation in export supply chains.

Beyond expanding cultivation areas, local authorities have encouraged farmers to join cooperative groups and cooperatives, adopt safe production practices, maintain cultivation records, and register growing area codes in line with market requirements.

Phan Thien Khanh, a member of the April 30 Cooperative Group in Truong Thanh commune, owns four hectares of durian. Despite recent price fluctuations, he still takes good care of the orchard because durian remains a highly profitable crop.

From Khanh’s experience, sustainable development requires farmers to move away from isolated production and focus on quality rather than volume. Cooperation with enterprises and participation in organized production zones are essential for securing stable market outlets. When farmers comply with safe production standards and receive support from purchasing companies, the value of durian can increase while opening greater opportunities in export markets.

“Durian growers place great expectations on linkage programs with businesses because they provide a more stable and long-term production model compared to finding buyers on our own, as in the past,” he said.

Business partnerships create momentum for brand development

One of the most notable developments in Can Tho’s durian sector is the increasingly active involvement of enterprises in building production zones and signing offtake agreements.

Vo Nguyen Phuc Hanh, Head of Growing Area Development at Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Group Joint Stock Company, said the company has been developing production linkages in Can Tho for many years. Particularly in Truong Thanh commune, the company began building a linked production area in 2019, gradually establishing growing area codes, collection points, and a procurement network.

According to Hanh, the latest cooperation agreement with local authorities provides a basis for further expansion of production areas serving increasingly demanding export markets. During the 2026 durian season, Chanh Thu has purchased over 1,500 tons of durian from Truong Thanh commune.

This company has also commissioned the development of an additional 500 hectares of durian-growing areas in the locality, equivalent to an estimated output of 10,000 tons for future harvests. The fruit will be supplied to both domestic and export markets.

To meet market requirements, Chanh Thu places particular emphasis on the development of area codes. The company works closely with local authorities, technical agencies, and cooperatives to help farmers complete registration procedures, apply technical standards, and monitor product quality before harvest. Production areas that do not yet meet the requirements will receive guidance on corrective measures, while qualified areas continue to expand to strengthen export supply capacity.

Tran Thi Thien Thu, Secretary of the Party Committee of Truong Thanh commune, said that in an increasingly integrated economy, producers must adapt to market rules. However, local authorities view production linkages with businesses as the key solution for ensuring stable outlets for farmers.

“In addition to registering growing area codes, farmers need to participate in cooperative organizations and sign legally binding contracts with enterprises in order to strengthen accountability throughout production and marketing processes. The locality is also selecting exemplary cooperatives and growers to establish demonstration models, which can then be replicated to spread standardized production practices and expand high-quality production zones,” Tran Thi Thien Thu said.