Dong Nai’s largest banana cultivation area

Dong Nai currently leads the country in banana cultivation area, with Bau Ham Commune, formed through the merger of Song Thao, Bau Ham, Thanh Binh, and Cay Gao communes in the former Trang Bom District, having the largest banana cultivation area in the province.

Banana is the main crop in Bau Ham Commune. Photo: Vuong The

For years, this "banana capital" of Dong Nai and the southeastern region has earned a reputation for both cultivation and export. However, achieving sustainable development in banana farming remains a persistent challenge for local farmers and authorities, especially as export markets tighten product quality requirements.

Major banana cultivation region

According to the Bau Ham Commune Economic Office, the commune is home to approximately 5,400 hectares of banana plantations. Bau Ham has long been known as the banana cultivation “capital” of Trang Bom District and Dong Nai as a whole. In recent years, the area under banana cultivation, particularly tissue-cultured banana varieties, has continued to expand due to several advantages. These bananas grow quickly, taking just eight months from planting to harvest. Moreover, if prices drop or the crop is deemed unsuitable, farmers can easily switch to other crops. Bananas from the commune are mainly exported to China, ASEAN countries, and other markets. When market prices are favorable, the crop generates considerable income for local growers.

Large-scale banana farming models have already been established in Bau Ham. Local authorities have actively supported crop transition, encouraged agricultural specialization, and promoted compliance with organic farming standards. Technical training sessions on cultivation, plant care, and pest control are also held regularly.

Processing and packaging of bananas for export at Thanh Binh Cooperative in Bau Ham Commune. Photo: Vuong The

Le Huy Quang, Deputy Head of Bau Ham Commune’s Economic Office, said that to facilitate banana production and distribution, the commune is focusing on infrastructure investment and improving logistics for agricultural transport. In particular, the local government is calling for more private enterprises and cooperatives to invest in large-scale banana fields.

Several cooperatives and businesses have partnered with local farmers to establish large-scale banana-growing areas. For instance, Thanh Binh Cooperative has developed more than 320 hectares of plantation land through such partnerships. Each year, it exports over 6,000 tonnes of fresh bananas to markets in the Middle East, ASEAN, and other regions.

Ly Minh Hung, Director of Thanh Binh Cooperative, shared that in addition to exporting fresh bananas, the cooperative has invested in facilities for preliminary processing, preservation, and value-added production. Equipment includes harvest lines, machines for drying and processing bananas, and cold storage systems. By-products such as banana trunks, fibers, and dried strands are utilized to produce consumer goods and environmentally friendly handicrafts, sold both domestically and abroad.

Sustainability is key to long-term growth

As with other agricultural sectors, banana production is vulnerable to price volatility and market fluctuations. Recently, farmers in Bau Ham faced challenges when ripe bananas went unsold due to low purchase prices, making it difficult to recoup production costs. Farmers are now calling on businesses to help secure stable markets and establish long-term purchasing plans to avoid price manipulation by intermediaries.

Banana export containers are being packed at Trang Bom Agricultural Service Cooperative (Bau Ham commune). Photo: Vuong The

In late August 2025, Bau Ham Commune, in coordination with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, held a meeting with local banana farmers to discuss the development of centralized banana-growing areas linked to export-oriented value chains. At the meeting, businesses expressed a desire for closer cooperation and urged farmers to follow designated production plans and comply with technical standards to improve product quality. Specifically, export-grade bananas must meet requirements for appearance, be free from pests and diseases, and be harvested at the proper maturity and size. Importantly, farmers are encouraged to sign contracts and take responsibility for product quality to help ensure stable purchasing prices.

Bau Ham Commune has also conducted field visits across local hamlets to survey and assess banana production and consumption in areas already assigned planting area codes and export packing facility codes. These efforts aim to give local authorities a comprehensive overview to help shape future development strategies.

According to Ly Minh Hung, sustainable development requires staying attuned to market trends, adjusting operations accordingly, and building brand reputation through reliable partnerships. This proactive approach is essential to cope with unpredictable market changes.

Similarly, Dang Quy Nhan, General Director of Mekong Trading Service Production Joint Stock Company (based in Ho Chi Minh City), stressed the importance of post-harvest preservation for agricultural products. His company has been developing banana-growing areas in Dong Nai for export while investing in initial preservation processes. He also noted that green and safe production must be part of a long-term strategy. However, such a goal cannot be achieved by individual businesses alone, as it requires coordinated efforts from both local authorities and the farming community.

By Vuong The - Translated by Thuc Oanh, Minho