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This page is aimed at gathering more people involved in dragon fruit, durian, rambutan production, and marketing.

We hope more people will be able to contribute and participate in the building of a dynamic and promising tropical fruit industry. DFNet YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCklNWc3t7hUdhw00qQF8n8g

09/10/2026

Thai durian growers adopt Chinese smart systems to meet rising demand
September 18, 2026 | Bastille Post Global |

Thailand’s durian growers are increasingly adopting Chinese smart agriculture technologies to improve crop monitoring, quality, traceability, and export competitiveness. In Chanthaburi, grower Nuttawoot Chanrueng has combined traditional farming knowledge with cameras, sensors, IoT systems, and AI to collect real-time data and convert farming observations into measurable information.
Chinese technology has become particularly attractive to Thai growers because it is accessible, affordable, and easy to use. IoT and AI systems can help identify cultivation problems earlier while creating detailed records of growing conditions and farm management.
Traceability is becoming increasingly important as international markets demand clearer information about food origins and production methods. China, Thailand’s dominant durian market, has placed particular emphasis on these standards, encouraging growers to use technology to demonstrate compliance and maintain product consistency.
More than 90% of Thailand’s durian exports are shipped to China. In the first half of 2026 alone, Thai durian exports were valued at nearly US$3.8 billion. As China continues to tighten import requirements, smart farming technology is expected to play a growing role in helping Thai producers protect access to this major market.
https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/6169054-thai-durian-growers-adopt-chinese-smart-systems-to-meet-rising-demand

07/10/2026

Dragon fruit prices plunge to below 30 cents a kilogram
September 17, 2026 | vnExpress |

Dragon fruit prices in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Lam D**g have fallen sharply to VND2,000–7,000 per kilogram, a decline of 53–90%, leaving many farmers unable to cover production costs. Some lower-grade fruit is selling for as little as VND500 per kilogram, while farmers estimate prices need to reach at least VND10,000 per kilogram to break even.

The decline is particularly disappointing because crops harvested around the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year traditionally benefit from stronger demand. Farmers report substantial losses from expenses including fertilizers, labor, irrigation, and electricity, prompting some to consider switching to other crops such as lotus or rice.

The Binh Thuan Dragon Fruit Association attributed the price decline mainly to increased seasonal supply. Competition has also intensified as China, traditionally a major market for Vietnamese dragon fruit, rapidly expands its domestic production.

Lam D**g has more than 26,000 hectares of dragon fruit cultivation and produces around 500,000 tonnes annually. Vietnamese dragon fruit is currently exported to more than 20 markets, including India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/dragon-fruit-prices-plunge-to-below-30-cents-a-kilogram-5121212.html

05/10/2026

Philippines sends first metric ton of Carabao mangoes to Canada
August 08 2026 | Manila Bulletin |

The Philippines launched its first commercial export of fresh Carabao mangoes to Canada, shipping one metric ton by air to Vancouver on September 18. The shipment, consisting of 250 cartons, was organized through cooperation between exporter Mensch FilAm Corp. and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau, with Canadian distribution handled by Fresh Makers Ltd.
The initiative forms part of government efforts to expand premium overseas markets for Philippine agricultural products and increase rural incomes. To strengthen the mango export sector, more than 40 growers’ associations have been consolidated into a national federation, while the Bureau of Plant Industry is increasing pest and disease control measures to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. It has also partnered with Mitsui & Co. to improve production standards and market access.
Government officials expect expanded exports to support higher farm-gate values, rural investment, and opportunities in logistics, processing, and distribution. However, the long-term viability of the Canadian market will depend on repeat orders, consistent quality and supply, effective pest management, and control of air-freight costs.
https://mb.com.ph/2026/09/21/philippines-sends-first-metric-ton-of-carabao-mangoes-to-canada

03/10/2026

Climate change squeezing Malaysian durian growers
August 25, 2026 | The Star |

Malaysia’s durian growers are facing rising production costs and unstable yields as climate change brings more frequent heat, heavy rainfall, floods, and pest problems. These pressures come as expanding cultivation and maturing orchards have increased domestic supply, contributing to falling prices. Grade A Musang King prices at one Pahang orchard fell to about half their level a year earlier.
Malaysia’s durian cultivation area reached 92,100 hectares in 2024, nearly 40% higher than in 2016, while production increased almost 90% to 568,800 tonnes. Growing Chinese demand has supported this expansion, particularly after China began accepting frozen Malaysian durians in 2019 and fresh fruit in 2024. However, Malaysia still trails Thailand and Vietnam in exports to China.
Growers are adapting to changing conditions through improved water management, relocating orchards to cooler areas, and using sensors to monitor rainfall, humidity, wind, and soil conditions. These technologies allow farmers to respond earlier to weather and pest risks and better manage fruit quality. Industry experts emphasize that preparation and climate adaptation will become increasingly important for maintaining the quality and profitability of premium Malaysian durians.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/living/2026/08/25/climate-change-squeezing-malaysian-durian-growers

01/10/2026

Pomelo harvest affected by water shortages, typhoons
September 12, 2026 | Taipei Times |

Eastern Taiwan’s pomelo production is forecast at 14,334 tons this year, about 20% below previous averages due to water shortages in March and damage from last year’s typhoons. The region has 1,066 hectares of pomelo cultivation, accounting for nearly one-third of Taiwan’s total planting area. Major production areas include D**gshan in Yilan, Rueisuei and Yuli in Hualien, and D**ghe in Taitung.
Harvesting has already finished in Taitung and is about 90% complete in Yilan and Hualien, with the remaining fruit expected to be harvested before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pomelo characteristics vary by growing environment: Yilan fruit tends to be tender and sweet, Hualien pomelos are juicy with slight tartness, and Taitung fruit is soft and refreshing.
Despite the smaller harvest, export opportunities are expanding. The D**gshan Township Farmers’ Association shipped 2.4 tons of red pomelos to Singapore, its first shipment to the market, with total planned exports reaching 8 tons. Unlike Taiwan, where consumption is concentrated around the Mid-Autumn Festival, Singapore consumers purchase pomelos more regularly throughout the year.
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/09/12/2003864141

29/09/2026

DFNet – Tropical Fruit Newsletter 74

This issue includes 4 recent research publications and 12 news articles. Key studies highlight Fusarium species associated with durian leaf diseases and climate change impacts on fruit crop production and quality. In the news, major stories cover weather-related declines in Taiwan’s pomelo harvest, Thai durian growers’ adoption of smart farming technologies, and the Philippines’ first commercial export of Carabao mangoes to Canada.

For more information, please visit DFNet website.

28/09/2026

Vietnam passion fruit, pomelo gain wider export opportunities
August 18, 2026 | Voice of Vietnam |

Vietnam is accelerating efforts to expand overseas markets for passion fruit and pomelo as part of its strategy to increase agricultural export value. The US is expected to consider allowing Vietnamese passion fruit imports in 2026, potentially opening an important high-standard market. Vietnam currently plans to maintain 12,000–15,000 hectares of passion fruit, producing 250,000–300,000 tonnes annually.

Market access for Vietnamese pomelo is also expanding. Japan is conducting trials related to fruit fly management as part of its technical assessment, while Vietnam and China signed a phytosanitary protocol for pomelo exports in April 2026. Vietnam is registering additional growing areas and packing facilities with Chinese authorities. Australia has already approved Vietnamese pomelo imports, receiving its first shipment in April.

As market opportunities grow, authorities emphasize stronger management of growing-area codes, packing facilities, pest control, traceability, and food safety. Meeting these requirements will be essential for maintaining access to high-standard markets.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports reached approximately US$4.83 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 24.9% year-on-year, providing favorable conditions for passion fruit and pomelo to expand internationally.
https://english.vov.vn/en/economy/vietnam-passion-fruit-pomelo-gain-wider-export-opportunities-post1325068.vov

26/09/2026

Kerala farmers turn to rambutan as a profitable alternative to rubber
August 08 2026 | The Hindu Businessline |

Rambutan is emerging as a promising alternative cash crop for farmers in Kerala, particularly in traditional rubber-growing districts affected by falling prices, labor shortages, and changing weather. Cultivation has expanded to nearly 25,000 acres, with production estimated at around 100,000 tonnes this season and revenue of approximately Rs 1,000 crore.

Farmers report strong income potential, as rambutan begins producing within three years, yields increase as trees mature, and labor requirements are relatively low. Some growers have earned substantially more from rambutan than from traditional crops such as rubber.

However, the industry faces significant post-harvest and marketing challenges. Rambutan ripens on the tree and has a short shelf life, making refrigerated transport, cold storage, and modern packaging essential for reaching distant markets. Farmers are seeking expansion beyond southern cities into northern India and export markets, particularly Gulf countries.

Industry representatives are calling for government support in cold-chain infrastructure, national and international branding, value-added processing, Farmer Producer Organisations, and market development. These issues will be discussed at the Rambutan Conclave 2026 as stakeholders consider strategies for sustainable industry growth.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/kerala-farmers-turn-to-rambutan-as-a-profitable-alternative-to-rubber/article71300766.ece

25/09/2026

Exporters urged to adapt as EU tightens food safety rules
August 16, 2026 | Vietnam + |

Vietnamese agricultural exporters are being urged to adapt proactively to increasingly diverse sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements in major markets. The EU is preparing stricter maximum residue limits for eight pesticide active ingredients, with some proposed thresholds falling substantially. New rules are expected in 2027, making careful pesticide management at the farm level increasingly important.

Vietnamese durian, dragon fruit, okra, and chilli peppers remain subject to enhanced EU border inspections, although improved compliance has reduced the number of controlled products. Authorities have requested lower inspection rates for dragon fruit following a period without detected violations.

Officials emphasize that SPS compliance should begin during production rather than at export inspection, reducing the risk and cost of rejected shipments. Requirements increasingly cover traceability, digital records, sustainability, and quality control throughout the supply chain.

Regulatory standards are also diverging across markets. While the EU continues tightening some pesticide residue limits, the UK has relaxed certain requirements following Brexit. Some EU member states, including Germany, have also introduced stricter national measures. Exporters therefore need to monitor destination-specific regulations and adjust production and documentation accordingly to maintain market access and competitiveness.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/exporters-urged-to-adapt-as-eu-tightens-food-safety-rules-post350125.vnp

23/09/2026

DTI urges coconut MSMEs to secure FDA permits to widen market access
August 14, 2026 | Philippine News Agency |

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Eastern Visayas is encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) producing processed foods to obtain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses to improve product standards and expand market opportunities. The requirement was emphasized during the 2nd Eastern Visayas Regional Coconut Trade Fair, where 24 MSMEs are showcasing coconut-based food and non-food products.

Food exhibitors are now required to hold a valid FDA license or have an application underway. This stricter standard contributed to a decline in exhibitors from 28 in 2025 to 24 this year. DTI officials stressed that the measure aims to strengthen food safety and consumer protection rather than restrict participation. The agency is assisting businesses with completing compliance requirements.

FDA registration can enable coconut enterprises to participate in government-supported trade fairs and access larger commercial markets. The Philippine Coconut Authority also expects compliance to support business expansion.

The trade fair forms part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, which aims to increase farmer incomes, modernize the coconut sector, and promote value-added production. Organizers are targeting PHP1.5 million in sales during the four-day event.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1281910

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