These results come after nearly a year of implementing the new farming practices. The orchard's yield has reached an average of 30 tons per hectare, about 10% higher than the control group, with over 85% being first-grade fruit. With a stable wholesale price of 65,000 VND per kilogram, the net profit exceeds 1.3 billion VND per hectare.

This model is part of the "Better Life Farming" (BLF) initiative, co-founded by Bayer, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Netafim, and Yara. In Vietnam, the program is implemented in collaboration with the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC), the Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Science and Technology Institute (WASI), and local authorities.

BLF aims to bring modern technology and techniques to farming households, enabling sustainable practices, increasing productivity and quality, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the increasingly stringent requirements of the international market.

Boosting plant health and maximizing yields

A key aspect of BLF in Vietnam is the "bumper crop" solution set, including solutions for durian and coffee. This set focuses on managing plant health, preventing fungal diseases (especially Phytophthora, which causes durian fruit rot), controlling harmful insects and weeds, and caring for roots. By following the correct procedures, farmers can increase yields while effectively managing pesticide residues, ensuring their produce meets safety and quality standards for export.

In parallel, Bayer supports trials of various modern technologies: precision spraying, fertigation through drip irrigation systems, and data-driven field management. These technologies not only save resources but also minimize risks for farmers amid increasingly complex climate change.

Durian fruit in the orchard applying the sustainable farming model. Photo: Minh Minh

Durian fruit in the orchard applying the sustainable farming model. Photo: Minh Minh

These solutions have been evaluated by WASI and implemented on various farm models. In 2024, pilot durian farms in Dak Nong showed an 80-90% reduction in pests and diseases, a yield increase of approximately 20% (up to 20 tons per hectare), and improved fruit quality, with 70-80% of the harvest classified as grade A.

Besides durian, BLF has also proven effective with coffee, one of Vietnam's key export products. A pilot model in Lam Dong with 190 farming households across 300 hectares showed a 33% increase in Arabica coffee yield in Lac Duong and a 29% increase in Robusta coffee yield in Di Linh compared to conventional farming methods.

Tran Van Manh, one of the participating farmers, said that thanks to technical support from the program, his coffee plants are healthier, with lush green foliage and better fruit than before.

The coffee farm of farmer Tran Van Manh, Di Linh, Lam Dong, implemented under the Better Life Farming project. Photo: Better Life Farming

The coffee farm of farmer Tran Van Manh, Di Linh, Lam Dong, implemented under the Better Life Farming project. Photo: Better Life Farming

Changing production habits

The BLF model not only increases productivity but also changes farmers' production mindsets. Instead of using pesticides habitually, farmers are trained according to the "4 Rights" and "5 Golden Rules" principles, using pesticides according to the growth cycle, which both enhances effectiveness and limits pesticide resistance.

The program also provides protective gear and guidance on collecting pesticide packaging after use, contributing to improved health and environmental awareness. This shift is crucial for the local durian industry to adopt a sustainable regenerative agriculture model, reducing pollution, balancing the ecosystem, and controlling pesticide residues.

The Better Life Farming project provides comprehensive solutions to support farmers in cultivating coffee and durian. Photo: Bayer

The Better Life Farming project provides comprehensive solutions to support farmers in cultivating coffee and durian. Photo: Bayer

According to Trinh Ngoc Viet Anh, Digital Farming Lead at Bayer Vietnam, this year the model integrates more new technologies. Notable is the fertigation system, which combines irrigation with fertilization and pesticide application, optimizing resources, reducing labor, and enhancing care effectiveness. A real-time weather alert system has also been implemented to help farmers respond promptly to climate change.

In addition to direct guidance from technical staff, farmers also receive support through digital platforms for rapid and effective knowledge dissemination. Some large orchards in the model have been advised and connected with partners to establish planting area codes, paving the way for official exports.

Experts believe that implementing this model of intensive durian farming amid increasingly stringent international standards is a step in the right direction. BLF not only brings higher profits to farmers but also standardizes production processes, expands planting area codes, and enhances the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

With initial success in Dak Nong and Lam Dong, the model is expected to expand further, creating a sustainable agricultural ecosystem where farmers can improve their income while contributing to the development of Vietnam's agricultural sector according to global standards.

Minh Ngoc