Durian crops in Gia Lai suffer mass die-offs

Durian orchards in Chư Prông district, Gia Lai province, are experiencing mass die-offs due to disease and adverse weather. Preliminary assessments indicate that over 10 hectares in the Hoàng Yên and Bạt villages have been affected, though the total area of durian cultivation in the district is estimated at approximately 1,200 hectares.

Local agricultural officials and farmers report that prolonged heavy rainfall over the past two months created waterlogged conditions, leading to symptoms such as stem oozing, root rot, black patches on trunks, and leaf wilting. Farmers describe the rapid spread of the disease, with some referring to it as ‘flying fungus’ because it moves quickly between adjacent orchards.

The loss is significant for local livelihoods. Some farmers, who had invested years into their orchards, are now forced to cut down mature trees. For instance, one farmer reported the potential loss of nearly 1 billion VND in revenue, prompting some families to consider transitioning back to coffee cultivation for more stability.