Short-term supply pressure increases sharply
On the afternoon of May 4, Vice Chairman of Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Phuoc Thien chaired a working session with relevant departments and branches to remove difficulties for durian export activities in the context that the locality is about to enter the peak harvest season with large output, creating significant pressure on the market.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the whole province currently has more than 32,100 hectares of durian, with an output of over 511,000 tons. Notably, in May and June alone, the harvested output is estimated to exceed 111,200 tons - a time that is forecast to create great pressure on consumption and export.
This pressure is increasing as durian prices have recently tended to decrease sharply. The reason is not only due to the rapid increase in domestic supply when the main season comes in the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions, but also due to the overlap with Thai durian - a major competitor in the export market.
In addition, customs clearance activities also encountered obstacles when the testing of Cadmium and Gold O indicators was prolonged, causing many shipments to be congested, directly affecting selling prices and gardeners' psychology.
Tighten management of growing areas, quality control
Faced with "double" pressure from supply and market, Mr. Thien requested the agricultural sector to urgently review the entire growing area, especially areas at risk of Cadmium contamination. Quality control of raw materials must be strictly implemented according to the growing area code, and at the same time strengthen supervision of the use and management of packaging facility codes.
Currently, Dong Thap province has been granted 355 planting area codes, with an area of more than 13,900 ha. However, maintaining and enhancing the reputation of these codes is considered a key factor to ensure export conditions, especially in the context of markets increasingly tightening technical standards.
At the same time, functional sectors are assigned to develop soil sampling plans, pH warnings for each area to have appropriate treatment solutions; and at the same time select and replicate effective production models towards sustainable development.
Not only stopping at technical solutions, Mr. Thien also requested departments and functional sectors to soon develop a project to develop durian and jackfruit, in order to reorient production in a systematic direction, reducing market risks. In the long term, raising farmers' awareness is identified as a core factor. Localities need to promote propaganda and guide people to comply with safe farming procedures, use agricultural materials in accordance with regulations, thereby improving product quality and competitiveness.
