At a farm in Gia Kiem commune, Dong Nai province, farmer Truong Hoan Thien is preparing for the harvest season of his distinctive banana crop - known locally as "Buddha's hand bananas."

In his lush one-hectare plantation, bunches of bananas with unusual symmetry emerge from beneath carefully wrapped coverings. The fruit’s curved clusters fan out in a form that resembles clasped hands in prayer - a shape that sets them apart from traditional banana types.

This banana variety remains relatively new to Vietnam but is quickly becoming popular, not only for its striking shape but for its perceived spiritual significance. Many buyers see the fruit as a symbol of good fortune, peace, and prosperity, making it a sought-after centerpiece for altar displays and Tết decorations.

Two years ago, Thien first discovered this exotic variety while touring modern agricultural models. Intrigued by its potential, he decided to trial 200 saplings on his land.

“I initially planted them just to see if the soil and climate here would suit the variety,” he said. “To my surprise, the plants grew well, showed strong resistance to weather changes, and the market demand turned out to be very promising.”

Encouraged by the results, he expanded his planting area to the current one-hectare scale.

Though their growth cycle is similar to regular bananas, cultivating Buddha’s hand bananas demands much more attention to detail. During the fruiting phase, farmers must closely monitor the development to ensure each cluster grows evenly and maintains the signature hand-like shape.

“Buyers are very particular. The bunches must fan out neatly and resemble a pair of praying hands to be considered high quality. Those that meet the standard sell for significantly more,” Thien explained.

This year, thanks to his expanded acreage, Thien’s yield has increased notably. Each bunch typically weighs between 2–5 kilograms, with prices ranging from hundreds of thousands of VND per bunch depending on size and shape. Especially beautiful clusters suited for Tet décor can command even higher prices.

Most of his buyers come from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, often placing orders well ahead of the holiday season.

“Demand this year far outstrips supply. These bananas are becoming more well-known, and orders have been coming in rapidly. I’ve had to limit large wholesale orders and only accept smaller ones to ensure I can fulfill them,” Thien said.

Local fruit vendors in Dong Nai confirm the trend, noting that unique and spiritually meaningful produce is becoming increasingly popular as Vietnamese consumers seek more symbolic offerings for the new year.

Beyond standard favorites, distinctive items like the Buddha’s hand banana are stirring up excitement in the market.

For farmers, bold steps to explore new and market-aligned crops are proving to be a sustainable strategy - particularly during peak seasons like Lunar New Year.

Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Nai, noted that the banana variety was recently introduced to Vietnam from overseas.

“If properly managed in terms of quality and market access, this banana could offer significant value to local agriculture - especially around high-demand periods like Tet,” he said.

Hoang Anh