Dong Nai partners with Japanese enterprise to address cadmium residues in durian for export

On November 4, Queen Farm Ecological Agricultural Limited Company (Phuoc Son Commune) and Urabe Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Japan) signed a memorandum of understanding in Dong Nai to pilot a soil improvement solution using organic lime made from oyster shells in durian cultivation that meets export standards.

Representatives of Queen Farm Ecological Agricultural Limited Company (Phuoc Son Commune) and Urabe Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Japan) sign the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in durian cultivation that meets export standards. Photo: B. Nguyen

The signing ceremony was held as part of a conference to promote cooperation between the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Hiroshima Prefecture, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor (Japan) in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the environment, with an emphasis on green, efficient and sustainable development.

As quality, food safety and environmental protection become increasingly important in fresh fruit exports, the city's agricultural sector is paying close attention to the efficient use of resources and compliance with rising international market standards.

With more than 24,000 hectares under cultivation, durian is a key export crop and ranks among the crops generating the highest economic value for the city. For the durian industry, controlling soil quality and heavy metal residues, including cadmium, improving product quality, and ensuring compliance with export standards are issues of utmost importance.

Le Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment, talks with enterprises on the sidelines of the partnership signing ceremony. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Queen Farm Ecological Agricultural Limited Company is a pioneer in applying high technology to develop a 55-hectare specialized durian cultivation area that meets export standards for demanding markets.

Cooperation between Urabe Sangyo Co., Ltd. and Queen Farm Ecological Agricultural Limited Company focuses on researching and using oyster shell-derived raw materials through recycling and reuse to produce agricultural soil improvement products. Of particular interest is the solution’s potential to improve soil pH, limit cadmium uptake by durian trees, support root development, promote growth, and increase fruit yield and quality. It also serves as a circular economy model by turning by-products and waste into valuable resources, helping reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

The partnership between the two enterprises will provide a vital foundation for research into the potential application of a soil improvement solution suited to Dong Nai’s soil conditions and durian cultivation practices. This will help improve the quality of raw material growing areas and better meet export market requirements.

By Binh Nguyen - Translated by Minh Hong, Minho