"From rice to durian - daring a new path"
Quynh Van Hiep has witnessed the remarkable success of his nieces and nephews, who transformed their land into thriving durian orchards after studying at the Agricultural and Forestry University of Ho Chi Minh City. Inspired by their achievements, Hiep decided to shift his focus to durian cultivation as well.
Hailing from a village located in Tien Giang Province, Southwest Vietnam, Hiep operates in a 120-hectare region where local farmers have traditionally concentrated on rice cultivation. Few have dared to explore fruit tree farming, primarily 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 that durian cultivation offers the highest economic value in the country. However, he acknowledges the challenges of growing this delicate crop, particularly in selecting effective crop protection solutions.
When Hiep first ventured into durian planting, he relied heavily on advice from friends and information gathered at various seminars. “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.”
In the early years, Hiep experimented with various plant protection products from different companies to combat the nematode issue. Unfortunately, the problem persisted, as the treatments provided only short-term relief, allowing the nematodes to remain dormant in the soil and rebuild their population.
Since discovering Bayer, Hiep has collaborated with their team, receiving guidance on the appropriate processes and products for effective care and management. A standout product for Hiep is Velum, which he combines with Aliette for nematode and fungal treatment. He finds this combination highly effective, and his friends who have used these products have praised their performance for being safe, long-lasting, and providing strong systemic action.
For his 9-year-old trees, Hiep has utilized this Bayer solution for 7 years, gaining invaluable experience along the way. He has also participated in workshops where Bayer provided comprehensive guidance, which greatly reassures him. “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.
