Driven by his love for the so-called “billion-dollar tree,” Huynh Van Hiep, a farmer from Thanh Binh islet in Vinh Long Province, has turned his orchard into a high-earning model, generating over 2.2 billion VND (approximately 90,000 USD) annually and earning widespread local recognition.

On a November morning, 51-year-old Huynh Van Hiep was busy tending to his 1.5-hectare durian orchard.

Born into a farming family on the Thanh Binh river islet, he grew up accustomed to agriculture and livestock. But he always carried a bigger dream: to thrive on his own land and make it prosperous.

That dream led him to pursue durian cultivation.

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Hiep's passion for durian helped him succeed by mastering off-season fruiting. Photo: E.X

As early as 1995, Hiep began studying durian-growing techniques from books and traveled to Tien Giang Province, then already famous for vast durian plantations, to learn from experienced growers.

He then converted his mixed-use garden into a dedicated orchard, planting 200 durian trees (bitter melon variety) on a 1-hectare plot. At the time, most locals still preferred pomelo farming, making him one of the first to embrace this high-value crop.

However, disaster struck in 2016 when a violent storm devastated nearly his entire orchard.

From loss to leadership

Undeterred, Hiep re-planted his farm with Ri6 and Mon Thong durian varieties - both known for their high commercial value. After five years of care, the orchard began yielding fruit consistently and profitably.

Today, Hiep cultivates 300 durian trees on 1.5 hectares, producing about 21 tons of fruit annually, generating profits of 2.2 billion VND (approximately 90,000 USD).

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Hiep has received multiple certificates of merit from Vinh Long authorities. Photo: E.X

He attributes his success to structured farming practices. His methods include sparse planting (20–25 trees per 1,000 square meters), prioritizing organic fertilizers to keep soil loose and fertile, and applying NPK fertilizers at key stages to support fruiting.

In response to climate change and worsening saltwater intrusion, Hiep invested in digging and lining reservoirs to store freshwater for irrigation during the dry season. His approach ensures sufficient water for his trees year-round and has inspired many local households to adopt similar methods with positive results.

Smart timing to beat market pressure

To avoid the usual market glut and price drops during peak harvest, Hiep carefully times off-season flowering in line with market demand. During harvests, he hires 10–15 seasonal workers to pick and package the fruit directly at purchasing company sites, ensuring quality and raising product value.

Beyond his own farm, Hiep is known for sharing his expertise freely. He has helped numerous families escape poverty by offering guidance and even providing interest-free loans for saplings to struggling neighbors - generating sustainable jobs and incomes.

Looking ahead, he plans to expand his durian area by another 5,000 square meters with Ri6 and Mon Thong varieties to capitalize on growing market demand and further secure his path to prosperity with this “golden tree.”

Thanks to his outstanding achievements, Hiep has received multiple awards and certificates from the Thanh Binh Commune People’s Committee and Vinh Long Provincial People’s Committee. Most recently, he was honored by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union as one of the “Outstanding Vietnamese Farmers of 2025”.

Hoai Thanh