#Vietnam #XAG Drones #Durian Farmers #Mekong Delta #Tiền Giang

Vietnamese Durian Farmers Enhance Crop Yields with XAG Drones

In the thriving agricultural landscape of Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta, the demand for durian has skyrocketed, creating what many are calling a “durian gold rush.” Amidst this surge in interest, farmers are embracing modern agricultural technologies, with XAG agricultural drones leading the charge. These drones are transforming traditional farming practices, providing growers with innovative ways to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance crop yields.

One farmer at the forefront of this technological shift is 64-year-old Nguyễn Văn Hường, from Tiền Giang province. Hường has dedicated his life to agriculture, managing a diverse farm that includes over 300 durian trees alongside jackfruit and coconut trees. With each mature durian tree capable of yielding up to 100 kilograms of fruit annually, the stakes are high. As Hường puts it succinctly, “Selling durians is like selling a house.” With profits per tree estimated to be around 15 to 16 million VND, it’s clear why maximizing productivity is crucial.

What sets Hường apart from his peers is his progressive approach to farming, a mindset he embraced long before drones became commonplace. He recalls being the first in his area to adopt a backpack sprayer 50 years ago, believing that innovation is tied directly to profit. Today, he has taken another leap forward by incorporating the XAG P150 drone into his farming regimen. This technological marvel has redefined how he manages crop protection on his orchard.

Historically, Hường faced the arduous task of manually spraying pesticides. This involved wading through his orchard’s many trees while attempting to spray the highest branches with a long-handled sprayer, an exhausting process that often jeopardized his safety. “On windy days, chemicals would blow back into my face, which was hazardous,” he shares. Recognizing the need for a change, Hường invested in the drone in late 2024, a decision aimed at improving safety and efficiency in his agricultural practices.

The impact of the XAG drone has been transformative. Hướng learned to operate the drone in just three days, allowing him to control the spraying process from the comfort of a remote control. Where he once relied on extensive manual labor, he can now conduct pesticide applications in just a fraction of the time. Notably, the drone’s intelligent RevoSpray system lessens water usage from 3,000 liters to just 800 liters per operation. Tasks that previously took up to two days are now completed in about three hours, resulting in significant labor savings.

The efficiency gains don’t end there; the drone’s design ensures that every spray reaches those hard-to-reach areas at the top of the trees, significantly improving coverage and reducing pesticide waste. Hường now enjoys the dual benefits of improved health and enhanced productivity. “It used to be a dizzying task to spray by hand while wearing a mask, but the drone allows me to maintain distance and achieves much better results,” he explains.

The financial implications of using drones are also noteworthy. Hường estimates that utilizing drones for pesticide spraying could reduce his overall operational costs by almost one-third, paving the way for higher profits. Last season, he reported earnings close to one billion VND from just 100 mature durian trees, contributing to the local economy while meeting growing export demands.

Hường's transformation mirrors a larger trend across Vietnam. Research from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicates that the integration of agricultural drones in Southeast Asia can lead to yield increases of up to 20% and a 30% reduction in pesticide usage. For small-scale Vietnamese farmers, adopting such technology is not only about enhancing profitability; it’s a necessary step to keep pace with evolving global standards and uncertain climatic conditions.

Hường has become a local advocate for drone technology, readily sharing his experience with fellow farmers. He highlights the drone’s almost autonomous operation and superior spraying capabilities, emphasizing its user-friendly automatic return-to-home function. “I am really satisfied with this drone,” he remarks proudly.

With advancements in agricultural technology, Hường’s journey illustrates how Vietnamese farmers are evolving in an increasingly competitive marketplace. His reliance on drones exemplifies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, showing that even small family farms can thrive amidst modern challenges when equipped with the right tools and an open mindset toward change. Through this mission of modernization, Vietnamese farmers are not only securing their livelihoods but also shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in the region.