Nguyễn Văn Hường, 64, operates his XAG P150 agricultural drone to efficiently protect his orchard in Vietnam.

Often called the “King of Fruits” due to its large size, spiky exterior, and distinctive aroma and flavor, durian fruit is currently having a major renaissance throughout Asian markets. The tropical delicacy, native to Southeast Asia, particularly thriving in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, is roughly the size of a rugby ball and can weigh around 6 lbs. Durian has become famous for its potent aroma which some describe as resembling the smell of rotten onions or sewage, which contrasts with the flavor of the rich, sweet, custard-like pulp enclosed in the fruit.

In recent years, durian has experienced a surge in global popularity, notably in China, where it has become a symbol of affluence and cultural prestige. This heightened demand has led to a significant increase in durian imports, with China importing 1.4 million tonnes in 2023, valued at $6.7 billion. The fruit’s status as a luxury item has spurred what many refer to as the “durian gold rush,” prompting rapid expansion of durian plantations across Southeast Asia.

In Vietnam, durian cultivation is prominent, with nearly 131,000 hectares of land devoted to durian plants. From 2023 to 2024, Vietnam saw a 25% increase in durian production. To meet market demands, Vietnam has invested greatly in strategic trade agreements and advanced freezing technology to preserve crops. Additionally, farmers are looking for ways of incorporating 21st-century farming tools, like drones, to keep up with demands.

Nguyễn Văn Hường has been managing his 4-hectare family farm for as long as he can remember. The 64-year-old has more than 300 durian trees, along with another 250 jackfruit and coconut trees. The most tedious and time-consuming job of tending to the orchard is spraying the trees with the pesticides needed to protect the fruits from pests. Until recently, Hường would have to go out in a small boat to navigate around the trees, wearing a heavy backpack sprayer system. Using a long attachment, he would reach as high as possible into the trees to spray treatments.

He recalls how difficult this process was, with chemicals dropping down onto his face and not knowing whether or not the fruits were being adequately treated. This is why, in 2024, Hường became one of the first farmers in Tiền Giang province to purchase a XAG P150 agricultural drone. The drone weighs about 116 lbs and has a tank that can hold up to 18.5 gallons of liquid. It has a maximum flight altitude of just under 100 ft, can reach speeds up to 40 mph, and can remain airborne for roughly 20 minutes with a full payload.

What makes the XAG P150 drone particularly beneficial for Hường is its unique RevoSpray 4 system, which has 2 configurable spray nozzles. The system can spray 7.9 gallons per minute, covering a range of 16 to 33 ft based on an autonomous preprogrammed flight path. “It used to be dizzying wearing a mask and spraying by hand,” Hường said, “but now I can keep my distance and let the drone handle it more accurately.” Using the drone extends beyond making Hường’s job physically easier.

Previously, manually spraying his orchard could take up to 3 days, a job the drone can complete in about 3 hours. Keeping spare batteries on hand is essential for streamlining usage times. However, with the XAG GC4000+ SuperCharge Station, batteries can be fully recharged in as little as 8 minutes. Hường also noted that the drone system uses far less water while it precisely covers all fruit, reaching deep into branches for optimal accuracy. “Using drones for spraying can reduce my overall costs by about one-third. With expenses down and our work made easier, the profits would be higher,” he said.

Hường has no intention of keeping the success he is finding by using the drone a secret. He is well aware that the continued success of the “durian gold rush” depends not just on him, but all of Vietnam’s durian farmers. “If anyone asks, I’m happy to share my experience,” Hường proudly said. “This drone is almost fully autonomous and delivers much better spraying quality. Its automatic return-to-home function is especially convenient. I’m really satisfied with this drone.” As durian continues to rise in global demand, innovative tools like agricultural drones are proving essential for farmers striving to scale sustainably. With technology on their side, growers like Hường are not only protecting their crops, but also securing a brighter future for Vietnam’s durian industry.

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