As Cambodia’s durian farmers prepare to meet growing global demand, they are navigating a delicate balance between opportunity and challenge.

With a burgeoning reputation for producing some of Southeast Asia’s finest durians, Cambodia’s durian industry is poised for growth, especially with the increasing export potential of Chinese markets.

However, this growth is accompanied by challenges, from technical cultivation requirements to the need for substantial investment and disease management in durian crops.

Durian, known as the “king of fruits”, is a popular crop in Cambodia, particularly in Kampong Cham​ province.

The province, blessed with rich red soil, offer ideal conditions for durian cultivation.

As the industry expands, local farmers are increasingly turning their attention to international markets, particularly China, where the demand for high-quality durians is on the rise.

A taste of local pride

Cambodia’s fruit crops, especially durians, rambutans and mangosteens, have long enjoyed strong support from local communities.

Local consumers, increasingly wary of imported durians laced with chemicals, are flocking to farms where they can pick fresh durians directly from the tree.

This approach not only guarantees the quality of the fruit but also highlights Cambodia’s commitment to producing safe, chemical-free durians.

“People want to know that the durians they are eating are safe,” explained Siv Tha, owner of the Boeung Ket durian farm in Stung Trang.

“To address this concern, I opened a farm where people can come and pick fresh durians directly from the tree, ensuring they are eating fruit without chemicals,” he added.

Durian, rambutan and mangosteen seasons begin after the traditional New Year celebrations, in Kampot, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri, although the exact timing depends on when the rain stops and the fruits start to bloom.

On weekends and national holidays, people flock to the farms, causing busy rushes at each location.

Exporting to China: A growing opportunity

Tha is one of the leading figures in the Cambodian durian export movement. His 200-hectare farm cultivates three different types of durians, all of which are ready for export.

Tha is optimistic about the future of durian farming, particularly since Cambodia secured the chance to export fresh durians to China.

Although local products have received strong support from domestic consumers, farmers are still keen to expand their markets abroad.

According to Tha, the price difference between local and foreign markets is minimal, which is not the primary driver for exporting.

“One of the key advantages is that farmers can pick older durians for export, which are easier to protect from theft. This also helps speed up the export process and allows us to produce more durians next year,” he explains.

Next year, Cambodia is set to receive a license to export durians, which will likely increase the price, making durian farming more attractive to those with suitable land.

According to Khim Finan, spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, all fresh durians exported to China must comply with the Cambodian Good Agricultural Practices (CamGAP).

These regulations ensure the highest standards of agricultural safety and quality.

“CamGAP uses QR codes to identify the source of farms and processing and packaging plants in Cambodia,” Finan says.

“This is essential to maintaining the integrity of the product and ensuring that it meets the requirements set by China,” he added.

He noted that the ministry is currently accepting export license applications.

In line with these efforts, the ministry is working to create a sticker with a QR code that identifies the origin of Cambodian agricultural products, helping to prevent counterfeiting and enhancing consumer confidence.

This initiative is part of a broader drive to boost the competitiveness of Cambodian produce on international markets.

Challenges on the ground

While the prospects for export are promising, durian farming remains a highly challenging endeavour.

Phat Phanny, the owner of a durian farm in Bek Anlong, Stung Trang district, faces these challenges firsthand.

Her farm, which spans just four hectares, produces durians that are renowned for their rich, milky taste.

After a bumper harvest of 40 tons in 2025 — nearly three times what she harvested in 2024 — Phanny is optimistic but cautious.

“Durian farming requires a lot of capital investment, and the trees are prone to diseases,” Phanny acknowledged.

“It’s a delicate process, and the fruit is sometimes susceptible to rot, making it difficult to predict the yield,” she added.

However, the investment in durian farming is significant, and Phanny is quick to note that without sufficient capital, it’s difficult to achieve a successful yield.

Despite these risks, the high price of durians has made them a lucrative crop. She may turnover as much as $100,000 this harvet, and stands to make up to $50,000 in profit.

Durian trees also require considerable care and attention.

As agriculture minister Dith Tina emphasised, during a visit to O Soam commune in Pursat province last month, the implementation of the (CamGAP) program is essential to maintain the quality of Cambodian durians.

He highlighted the ministry's support for farm registration, pesticide use and warehouse inspections to meet China's export standards, as well as the introduction of QR codes.

The CamGAP programme has been deemed fully compliant with ASEAN’s agricultural standards, promoting the safety, quality and competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural products.

Expanding Beyond Local Borders

The future of Cambodian durian farming looks bright, particularly as the industry continues to expand.

According to Ban Srung, governor of Stung Trang District, the region has over 2,000 hectares dedicated to durian cultivation, with plans to expand to 2,500 hectares next year.

“This growth will not only cater to the strong domestic demand but also position Cambodia to become a major exporter,” he said.

As Cambodian durians continue to gain recognition for their exceptional quality, the government’s support through CamGAP is helping to ensure that farmers can meet international standards.

This includes farm registration, packaging inspection, and the use of modern technologies to track the source and quality of agricultural products.

A sweet future

Durian farming in Cambodia represents not just an economic opportunity but a cultural and agricultural transformation.

The government's push for CamGAP certification and its efforts to facilitate exports are setting the stage for Cambodia to become a major player in the global durian market.

With high demand from both domestic consumers and international markets like China, Cambodian farmers are seeing a future where their products are recognised for their exceptional quality and safety.