Farmers in many localities in the Mekong Delta region are turning their paddy fields or other orchards into Thai jackfruit farms due to high profits in recent years.

The majority of Thai jackfruit gardens in the Mekong Delta region use electric-powered pumps and irrigation

The Mekong Delta is currently home to around 60,000 hectares of Thai jackfruit, double the cultivation compared to last year. The figure has continued sharply increasing in the context of high prices for the fruit.   

Compared to other fruit, Thai jackfruit prices are quite attractive, with them sold at VND30-60,000 per kilo (USD1.3-2.6). This can bring profits of VND500 million-VND1 billion (USD21,739-43,478) per hectare per year. Even with a price of just VND15,000 per kilo, farmers can still make better profits than from rice.

However, experts warned it takes up to two years for Thai jackfruit to be harvested. Meanwhile, the major market for the fruit is China. If China halted or slowed imports, farmers will face difficulties.

In addition, most Mekong Delta farmers buy sapling trees of unclear origin.

Lao Dong/Dtinews