Durian prices fall as Covid-19 restrictions keep produce on farms
Durian prices have sharply fallen in Dak Lak Province as farmers are unable to sell their produce due to the lockdown in various provinces and cities.
Farmer Nguyen Van Nam in Village 8 said, "This time last year, traders would go directly to my garden and durian prices were from VND40,000 (USD1.70) to VND50,000 per kilo. Now no one comes, saying that they didn't know how to sell their durian. The prices dropped to only VND15,000 per kilo. I’ve worked here for 10 years and this is the first time the prices have dropped so low."
Dang Huy, a farmer in Cu M'gar, said he estimated to harvest 30 tonnes of durian but could only sell several kilograms at a time.
"I tried to sell to traders in other provinces but not many freight trucks operate now. Buon Ma Thuot City is also applying social distancing. I have suffered VND1bn (USD43,300) in losses and may fail to repay my bank debts," he said.
Pham Van Khoa, chairman of Ea Ktur Commune said they would review the losses of the farmers for compensation.
Farmers in Gia Lai Province are also facing difficulties. Farmer Le Cong Hung said he had 30 avocado, 20 jackfruit and 200 papaya trees but couldn't find any outlets even when the avocado price dropped to VND4,000 per kilo.
Nguyen Van Hop, head of Chu Se District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said they would guide the farmers to advertise their products online. Doan Ngoc Co, deputy director of Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said they would work with the Department of Industry and Trade and local businesses associations to find the best solutions to help farmers.
Durian harvest season arrives as social distancing rules applied in various provinces and cities
Farmer Nguyen Van Nam in Village 8 said, "This time last year, traders would go directly to my garden and durian prices were from VND40,000 (USD1.70) to VND50,000 per kilo. Now no one comes, saying that they didn't know how to sell their durian. The prices dropped to only VND15,000 per kilo. I’ve worked here for 10 years and this is the first time the prices have dropped so low."
Dang Huy, a farmer in Cu M'gar, said he estimated to harvest 30 tonnes of durian but could only sell several kilograms at a time.
"I tried to sell to traders in other provinces but not many freight trucks operate now. Buon Ma Thuot City is also applying social distancing. I have suffered VND1bn (USD43,300) in losses and may fail to repay my bank debts," he said.
Farmers unable to sell durians
Pham Van Khoa, chairman of Ea Ktur Commune said they would review the losses of the farmers for compensation.
Farmers in Gia Lai Province are also facing difficulties. Farmer Le Cong Hung said he had 30 avocado, 20 jackfruit and 200 papaya trees but couldn't find any outlets even when the avocado price dropped to VND4,000 per kilo.
Nguyen Van Hop, head of Chu Se District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said they would guide the farmers to advertise their products online. Doan Ngoc Co, deputy director of Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said they would work with the Department of Industry and Trade and local businesses associations to find the best solutions to help farmers.
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