Representatives from the City Farmers' Association and scientists held discussions with farmer members in Truong Long commune. Photo: TT

At the workshop, experts noted that although durian brings high economic value, production in Can Tho is facing negative impacts of climate change. Salinity intrusion into inland areas, prolonged heatwaves, and unseasonal rains have altered growth cycles, causing mass flower and fruit drop. In particular, regarding environmental impacts, delegates noted that the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in an effort to induce off-season flowering has depleted soil health, polluted surface water sources, and increased cadmium residue in agricultural products. This not only directly affects the local ecosystem but also poses a significant obstacle for Vietnamese durian to penetrate demanding markets such as the EU and the US, or maintain market share in China.

Sharing his professional perspective, Dr. Tran Huu Phuc, lecturer in the Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture (Can Tho University), emphasized: “To adapt to climate change, farmers need to shift strongly from traditional farming to integrated crop health management. The management of durian flowering must be based on a thorough understanding of ecological conditions, good water management, and especially avoiding the overuse of chemicals. Growers should aim for cultivation processes that meet VietGAP and GLOBALGAP standards to control heavy metal residues and pests, ensuring that Can Tho durian meets the requirements for planting area codes and international standards for plant quarantine.”

Besides solutions related to organic farming methods and techniques, the application of digital technology is considered the "key" to helping farmers reduce costs and improve productivity and product quality. Many models of water-saving irrigation and automated nutrient management have proven to be highly effective. As one of the pioneering farmers changing his production mindset, Mr. Tran Van Chien in Truong Khuong A hamlet, Truong Long commune, who cultivates 3 hectares of Ri6 and Monthong durian, shared his experience: "Previously, manual fertilization and spraying were both labor-intensive and harmful to myself. After investing in an automated fertilization and pesticide system costing about 40 million VND/hectare, I have completely taken control of my orchard care. Currently, about 2.3 hectares of my orchard are bearing fruit. I expect the yield to reach over 40 tons in 2026."

Mr. Tran Chi Linh from Truong Tho 2 hamlet said: “The workshop was truly a useful solution for farmers in the context of the complicated development of the sap oozing disease on durian trees. Previously, we would spray pesticides whenever we saw diseased trees. Thanks to the guidance of the scientists, I understood that applying lime to raise the soil pH and limiting the use of chemical fertilizers with high chlorine content is the root cause of preventing fungal diseases that cause sap oozing. In particular, the knowledge about not using fertilizers of unknown origin to avoid cadmium contamination has helped us to be more confident in clean farming, meeting the requirements of our durian export partners.”

For technical solutions to be put into practice, the connecting role of mass organizations is crucial. Mr. Nguyen Van Su, Chairman of the Can Tho City Farmers' Association, affirmed: “The City Farmers' Association always identifies its role as a bridge, accompanying and providing maximum support to farmers. We not only organize training courses and transfer scientific and technical knowledge but also actively coordinate with businesses to form a linked chain from supplying materials to purchasing products. The goal is to help farmers change their mindset from “agricultural production” to “agricultural economics,” building high-quality, environmentally safe durian raw material areas with strong competitiveness in the export market.”