Dak Lak reshapes durian industry to build sustainable ecosystem

Dak Lak currently has around 44,000 hectares of durian, with expected output reaching 500,000 metric tons in 2026. Despite rapid growth in volume, linkage remains weak across raw material sourcing, quality control, purchasing, processing, and export. Meanwhile, import markets continue to enforce stricter requirements, demanding a structural reorganization that raises accountability across the supply chain.

Le Minh Hoan, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the need to shift from an "industry value chain" to an "industry ecosystem," bringing together farmers, cooperatives, businesses, scientists, market experts, banks, insurers, and local authorities. In this setup, government bodies serve as leaders and connectors to build brands and advance sustainable development.

"The role of government, from commune to provincial levels, is to connect the ecosystem around a shared mission: creating the Dak Lak and Vietnamese durian brands," Hoan said. "Shifting from a chain-based mindset to an ecosystem approach marks a major turning point. With local government and specialized agencies at the core, key stakeholders can jointly drive sustainable growth."

Delegates recommended that Dak Lak continue standardizing raw material areas, strictly managing planting area codes and packaging facility codes, improving traceability, and expanding cold storage and logistics infrastructure. The province was also advised to accelerate data digitization and adopt technology for production monitoring, digital farming logs, and QR code traceability.

At the forum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung stated that Dak Lak and industry stakeholders must effectively implement the Government's Resolution No. 36 on issuing and managing durian planting area codes. The policy shifts management from pre-inspection to post-inspection while decentralizing oversight alongside clear responsibilities.

"The spirit is to support farmers, businesses, and organizations," Hung emphasized. "Reducing pre-inspections and increasing post-inspections does not mean lowering management supervision. Instead, we must strengthen administration and ensure full traceability to improve quality and meet market standards,” he added.

Durian culinary festival sets national record

Alongside policy discussions, Dak Lak is expanding how it utilizes the specialty fruit. Local chefs are experimenting with new recipes to offer novel culinary experiences. At the Dak Lak Durian Culinary Festival 2026, a total of 102 durian-infused dishes officially set a new Vietnamese national record.

Beyond fresh fruit, residents and visitors can enjoy durian in a wide range of savory dishes, ice creams, and beverages.

The festival running from August 15 to 23 at the Eco Palace project area in Buon Ma Thuot Ward, features around 200 booths showcasing durian creations and regional specialties.

At the opening ceremony on August 16, organizers presented competition awards and granted national record certifications for the 102 durian dishes, alongside certificates for participating chefs.

Nguyen Chanh Than from the Saigon Professional Chefs Association, a member of the first-prize winning team, said experimenting with durian recipes opens up opportunities to refine products for long-term commercial potential.

Organizers noted that creating 102 dishes goes beyond creating a festival highlight to maximize durian's value, gradually developing culinary offerings for tourism, services, and processing.

Dak Lak, Laos' Champasak bolster cooperation during durian festival

VOV.VN - The People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province and the Government Administration of Champasak Province (Laos) signed a memorandum of cooperation for the 2026-2030 period on August 15.