Over 3,000ha of custard apple trees are fruiting in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son this year. Total output is estimated at 30-32,000 tonnes worth some 1 trillion VND (44 million USD).

{keywords}
A custard apple farming area in Dong Mo town, Chi Lang district. Lang Son residents mainly plant the trees in mountainous areas
{keywords}A woman harvests custard apples in the Lung Than mountain area of Dong Mo town
{keywords}In the harvest season, local people have to overcome 3-4km of mountainous paths each day to pick custard apples
{keywords}The transportation of custard apples from rocky farming areas is a particularly strenuous work, especially in unfavourable weather conditions
{keywords}Farmers classify custard apples after harvesting
{keywords}Custard apples are delivered to lower-lying areas by using a system of ropes and pulleys
{keywords}A basket of custard apples is moved by a system of ropes and pulleys
{keywords}A custard apple purchasing centre in Dong Banh town of Chi Lang district. It exports about 20 tonnes of the fruit to China each day
{keywords}Custard apples are classified before being packaged and shipped to China
{keywords}Custard apples are on sale at a market in Lang Son. The local specialty is famous for its attractive appearance, thick flesh, few seeds and strong sweetness

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