Vietnam's durian farmers power up with XAG drones

AS VIETNAM experiences the "durian gold rush," farmers are turning to smart agri-tech, notably XAG agricultural drones, to stay ahead. In the Mekong Delta, where durian exports have soared to $3.3 billion, growers use drones to cut costs, improve yields, and work more safely, adapting quickly to the demands of this booming fruit market.

- 

Few understand these shifting tides better than Nguyễn Văn Hường, a lifelong farmer in Tiền Giang province. At 64, Hường and his wife manage more than 300 durian trees, along with 250 jackfruit and coconut trees, on a four-hectare farm. "Selling durians is like selling a house," he says, noting that a single mature durian tree can yield nearly 100 kg of fruit a year and earn him 15 to 16 million VND.

Hường's real edge, though, comes from his willingness to embrace innovation—a trait that traces back decades. "I was the first here to buy a backpack sprayer 50 years ago," said, believing firmly that "technology brings profits." Today, that same forward-thinking spirit once again sets Hường apart as a local pioneer, helping him tackle challenges and stay ahead of the curve.