From Rice to Durian: A Farmer’s Story from Vietnam

Quynh Van Hiep had seen what was possible. After studying at the University of Agriculture and Forestry in Ho Chi Minh City, his nieces and nephews turned their land into thriving durian orchards. Their success inspired him to follow a similar path and focus on durian cultivation himself.

Hiep comes from a village in Tien Giang Province in southwest Vietnam. In this 120-hectare area, local farmers had traditionally focused on rice, while only a few ventured into fruit tree cultivation — mostly those with technical expertise.

“The income generated from durian farming has empowered local farmers to acquire assets such as vehicles and homes,” Hiep says. He believes durian offers some of the highest economic value in the region. At the same time, he is clear about the challenges of growing such a sensitive crop, especially when it comes to choosing effective crop protection solutions.
 

Rice is grown and harvested within a season. Durian is different. An orchard is built over years, and every tree needs ongoing care to grow well and remain productive.

For Hiep, moving from rice to durian meant learning about soil, irrigation, root health, and disease pressure. Healthy roots are especially important because they help trees take up the water and nutrients they need. It is this long-term perspective that makes durian farming both promising and demanding.
 

“One of the most significant threats to durian farmers is root-knot nematodes, a pest issue that often goes unnoticed until the trees weaken and the leaves turn yellow,” Hiep explains. By that time, addressing the nematode infestation can lead to substantial time and financial losses for farmers. “Therefore, effective management of root-knot nematode infestations is critical for successful durian cultivation.”

For Hiep, this made root health a priority. Protecting the roots helps create the conditions for stronger trees and a healthy orchard over time.
 

Bayer supports durian growers in Vietnam with local agronomic advice, training, and crop protection solutions. For Hiep, Velum and Aliette are part of the approach he uses to care for his orchard.

Velum helps farmers manage root-knot nematodes and protect root health. Aliette helps farmers manage fungal disease pressure and supports plant health when used in accordance with label instructions and local agronomic guidance.

For Hiep, the support goes beyond products. Workshops, field guidance, and direct exchange help him understand how to use crop protection solutions responsibly and apply what he learns in his own orchard.
 

Innovation becomes most valuable when farmers can apply it in their own fields. That is why local support matters. Through workshops, field guidance, and direct communication channels, Bayer helps farmers understand how and when crop solutions can be used responsibly.

For Hiep, this support helped make the transition from rice to durian more manageable. It gave him practical knowledge, confidence, and a clearer view of what his farm could become.
 

For Hiep, support is not limited to products. He has taken part in Bayer workshops and values the opportunity to ask questions when challenges arise in his orchard.

“The support from Bayer is invaluable; if I encounters any issues, I can easily reach out via Zalo (Vietnamese instant messaging multi-platform), and they respond promptly,” Hiep shares. This direct exchange gives him reassurance and helps him apply what he learns in his own field.