Taking advantage of favourable market prices, local growers are busy harvesting early-ripening longans. From early morning, the hillsides are bustling with activity as farmers pick fruit to ensure a steady supply for local markets and neighbouring provinces.
The early-ripening longan cultivation model of Hung Loc Agricultural Services Cooperative in Tan Lap hamlet, Chieng Khuong commune.Hung Loc Agricultural Services Cooperative in Tan Lap hamlet has the largest area of early-ripening longan cultivation in Chieng Khuong, with 30 hectares accounting for 65% of the total longan-growing area managed by its 23 members. Cooperative members have adopted cultivation practices that comply with VietGAP standards.
According to Tran Van Loc, Director of the cooperative, members have harvested around 40% of their early-ripening longan area since early May. Average yields this year are estimated at 7 tonnes per hectare, slightly lower than last year. However, the fruit quality has improved, with larger fruit, thicker flesh, and a sweeter taste, making it highly popular among buyers and helping maintain strong prices. Traders are currently purchasing longans directly from orchards at prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND (1.9 USD) per kilogramme.
A farmer in Tan Lap hamlet, Chieng Khuong commune, harvests early-ripening longans.Bui Thi Dung, a farmer in Quyet Thang hamlet, who cultivates two hectares of early-ripening longans, said staggered harvesting has helped eliminate the risk of oversupply and falling prices during peak season. Although weather conditions were less favourable this year, her orchard still produced six to seven tonnes per hectare. With traders purchasing fruit directly at an average price of 30,000 VND per kilogramme, her family has secured a substantial source of income.
By embracing modern agricultural practices and actively applying science and technology, farmers in Chieng Khuong have gained greater control over crop development. Techniques such as pruning, fertilisation, and water-saving irrigation systems have enabled growers to regulate tree growth and precisely schedule harvest periods, resulting in improved economic returns.
Tran Thanh Tuan, a trader purchasing early-ripening longans in Chieng Khuong, noted that the situation has changed significantly compared with previous years, when large volumes of fruit ripened simultaneously and created considerable pressure on distribution channels. Thanks to staggered production techniques, the harvest season now lasts longer, helping prevent oversupply and ensuring a more stable flow of products to the market. This has also made it easier for traders to purchase and distribute the fruit to consumers.
A farmer in Chieng Khuong commune harvests early-ripening longans.
Chieng Khuong currently has more than 1,000 hectares of longan orchards, with total production expected to reach nearly 7,000 tonnes this year. Of that amount, early-ripening longans are projected to account for approximately 2,350 tonnes. Farmers are now focusing on harvesting, connecting with traders, and expanding online sales channels.
According to Tong Van An, Vice Chairman of the Chieng Khuong commune People's Committee, local authorities have instructed the commune’s General Service Centre to provide technical guidance to farmers, covering proper harvesting methods as well as post-harvest tree care and recovery techniques. The commune has also promoted the “four-right” principle in agricultural production and encouraged the use of biological products to ensure safe and sustainable farming practices.
At the same time, local authorities are strengthening connections between cooperatives and e-commerce platforms while providing digital skills training to farmers, helping them become not only efficient producers but also professional marketers capable of promoting and selling their products effectively.
Trucks carrying freshly harvested early-ripening longans are now leaving orchards and heading to markets, signaling the start of another successful season. The adoption of staggered longan production has opened up a more efficient farming model, providing stable incomes for growers while supporting efforts to build a strong and enduring longan brand capable of reaching more demanding markets.
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