Vietnam farmers shift from coffee to durian for higher profits

Vietnam is experiencing a significant agricultural shift in its Central Highlands as farmers increasingly transition from traditional Robusta coffee production to durian cultivation to meet surging demand in China.

Vietnam currently accounts for over 40% of global Robusta output, supported by decades of research from the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI). Since 1976, researchers have developed numerous high-yield and climate-resilient varieties, such as TR4 and TR9, to maintain the country's position as a leading coffee producer.

However, the economic allure of durian is driving a change in land use. Following a 2022 trade protocol with China, Vietnam became the largest supplier of durian to the Chinese market, surpassing Thailand. National durian cultivation has increased more than fivefold to 200,000 hectares over the last decade. Some farmers report that durian yields significantly higher profits compared to coffee, prompting many to diversify or switch crops entirely to capitalize on the lucrative fruit market.