Musang King durian is currently priced at approximately US$5.11 per kilogram at the farm gate, up from last year's low of around US$3.14, due to a reduction in production areas. This variety now costs nearly twice as much as other popular types like Monthong and Ri 6. Traders are selling the fruit at US$6.29 to US$6.68 per kilogram, reflecting a 60% price increase compared to the previous year.
Viet, a durian orchard owner in Can Tho City, Mekong Delta, sold around five tons of the Malaysian variety for about US$23,460. Although he had previously considered switching to other crops due to low prices, he decided to continue cultivation. "Seeing today's prices, I feel all my years of effort were worth it," he said.
Dang Manh Khuong, a durian merchant in Can Tho, observed a decline in Musang King cultivation over the past two years due to falling prices. However, demand has recently surged, especially from markets in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Production challenges in Malaysia have led businesses there to explore alternative sourcing from Vietnam.
The Dak Lak Durian Association reports that Musang King trees require about 10 years to produce fruit with consistent quality, whereas most orchards in Vietnam are still younger. Farmers say the fruit quality is steadily improving and approaching Malaysian standards. Mai, an orchard owner in Tien Giang Province, noted her trees now yield fruit with a soft golden pulp, with yields up 30% from last year.
Originally from Malaysia, Musang King is now cultivated in Vietnam's Central Highlands and Mekong Delta regions. Known for its distinct shape and skin, the variety requires advanced cultivation techniques. The Dak Lak Association recommends zoning suitable growing areas and training farmers to improve yields and quality.
Source: VNExpress