Durian growers across the Mekong Delta city have been hit by declining prices despite rising production costs, including fertilisers and crop protection products.
Vo Hoang Tan, a farmer in Phong Dien Commune, said he cultivates 80 Ri6 durian trees and has seen production costs rise significantly this year.
"Fertiliser prices have increased by VND 200,000-300,000 per bag, while other input costs have also gone up. At the same time, durian prices have fallen sharply compared with last year," he said.
Nguyen Van Tien, another grower in Phong Dien Commune, said he expects to harvest about five tonnes of durian this season from his 50 Ri6 trees, which are more than a decade old.
With traders offering low prices, he has resorted to selling fruit directly to consumers and has so far sold only two tonnes.
According to local authorities, Can Tho currently has nearly 14,500 hectares of durian, making it the city's second-largest fruit crop after jackfruit.
As of May 25, around 2,400 hectares remained unharvested, with an estimated output of 36,000 tonnes.
To support growers, the municipal Department of Industry and Trade has launched a Durian Consumption Promotion Week running from May 28 to June 4.
The programme includes trade promotion and business-matching activities aimed at linking growers with retailers, supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, processors and exporters.
Hua Truong Son, deputy director of the Can Tho Department of Industry and Trade, said the city had worked with agencies, distributors and buyers in Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to help expand market access for local durian growers.
"We are working with partners to help cooperatives and farmers sell their produce at reasonable prices and secure stable incomes. We are committed to supporting the sale of all 36,000 tonnes of durian by the end of June," he said.
Authorities said the initiative reflects the city's efforts to stabilise market access for farmers and support the sustainable development of Can Tho's growing durian industry.
