Farmers race to expand acreage, durian seed prices increase

Nông dân đua mở rộng diện tích, giá giống sầu riêng tăng cao- Ảnh 1. — The price of durian seedlings has increased as many people rush to grow this tree - Photo: N.TRI

Specifically, the price of Thai durian seedlings (Dona, Monthong varieties) is sold by many warehouses from 130,000 - 270,000 VND/tree depending on the type and Ri6 variety from 100,000 - 170,000 VND/tree depending on the type - nearly double compared to last year, even a record high in many years.

Race to expand durian area

In particular, there are many perennial seedlings with large roots (diameter from 4 - 5cm or more), high canopy, the selling price can be up to 700,000 - 800,000 VND per tree.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre, Mr. Dang Van Mi - owner of Nam Mi seedling production facility (Cho Lach, Ben Tre) - said that since the beginning of the year, he has sold about 200,000 durian seedlings, the peak being in early May until now with the sale of about 130,000 - 140,000 seedlings, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year.

"Demand for durian varieties increased sharply in early May, as this is the rainy season in the South, with most customers coming from the Central Highlands and the Southeast.

Demand is increasing so the varieties are almost sold out as soon as they are released, especially the Thai durian variety," said Mr. Mi.

Similarly, many large seedling nurseries in Dak Lak said that due to the high demand, the supply of durian seedlings is almost insufficient to meet the demand, many varieties have to be sold when the trees are still small and newly grafted (durian leaves).

In addition to Thai breeds, less popular breeds such as Blackthon, Musangking... also have more buyers than every year.

The price of Thai durian ranges from 87,000 - 95,000 VND/kg, Ri6 durian is 55,000 - 70,000 VND/kg depending on the type.

With high demand, while the amount of seedlings available in the coming time may decrease due to insufficient raw material for grafting (rootstock grown from seeds), according to nursery plants, the price of durian seedlings is likely to remain high in the coming time.