Cheap Durians Flooding Markets in Mekong Delta

In an unusual sight, durians are being sold at remarkably low prices along the roadsides of Can Tho City and Hau Giang Province in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. Traders are currently paying between VND50,000 and VND75,000 at the farm gate, making these fruits accessible at dirt-cheap prices to the local populace.

Quality Concerns Behind the Low Prices

Industry experts reveal that these affordable durians often fall from trees prematurely due to adverse weather conditions like rain or wind, leading to their rejection by export companies. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, a leading exporter, notes that while his company purchases durian at VND50,000 per kilogram, those sold for VND30,000 are unlikely to meet the stringent standards required for export.

Farmers' Struggles with Unfavorable Weather

Farmers in the region, such as Hoang from Tien Giang Province, report a significant decrease in yield, with some experiencing up to a 30% drop due to the harsh weather. Similarly, Hung, a farmer in Can Tho, has seen his output diminish by 20%, a trend echoed across neighboring farms with yield reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.

A Word of Caution for Consumers

While sellers like Ngoc Diem assure customers that prematurely fallen durians are still suitable for cooking, traders such as Manh Khuong advise against purchasing extremely low-priced fruits. They warn that even if these durians appear normal, there's no guarantee their flesh is consumable, raising concerns over quality and safety.