Skilled harvesters pick nearly 30-year-old durian trees in Can Tho

In Can Tho City, Vietnam, the harvest of nearly 30-year-old Ri6 durian trees is underway, showcasing the remarkable skill and coordination of local fruit pickers. Working from heights of dozens of meters, these seasoned teams employ intricate techniques to carefully detach the heavy durians, some weighing over 5 kilograms, ensuring they land safely without damage.

The process demands seamless teamwork. Typically, two workers operate on each tree: one ascends to identify ripe fruit and cut the stem, while another positions themselves below, ready to catch the falling durian in a specially designed net made of sturdy plastic. This precise timing and positioning are crucial, as a slight delay or misjudgment could result in the fruit hitting the ground, diminishing its value.

"This job looks simple but is very stressful," shared Nguyen Anh Tuan, a 30-year-old harvester. "The durians are valuable, so they must be kept intact. If they fall hard, crack, or their spikes break, the orchard owner suffers an immediate loss."

Harvesting durians from difficult positions, such as over canals or deep within the foliage, requires even greater expertise. Catchers sometimes use iron nets to prevent the fruit from falling into water or sustaining impact. Beyond the pickers, a specialized group known as "durian knockers" also plays a vital role. These workers, using their extensive experience, tap the fruit to assess its ripeness by the sound it produces, a skill honed over many years.

The durian season not only provides a substantial income for orchard owners like Mr. Bay Nho, who has over 150 Ri6 durian trees, but also creates essential employment opportunities for many in the local community, filling the season with a vibrant, industrious atmosphere.

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This job looks simple but is very stressful. The durians are valuable, so they must be kept intact, if they fall hard, be cracked or have broken spikes, the orchard owner suffers an immediate loss.