Le Van Sau, an 82‑year‑old farmer from Tan Binh Commune, Can Tho City, built a 5.5 ha VietGAP‑certified durian orchard that now earns about VND5 billion profit each year.

After trying rice, sugarcane and oranges, he visited a fruit‑growing model in 1976. Inspired by the durability and high value of durian, he switched crops and eventually planted around 1,000 trees of the Monthong, Musang King and Black Thorn varieties.

Sau’s success rests on a long‑term partnership with scientists from Can Tho University. Professor Tran Van Hau regularly advises him on disease diagnosis, nutrient balance, flowering control and water management, and even brings students for field experiments.

Today the orchard supplies more than 100 tons of VietGAP‑certified durians to export companies each year. Annual revenue ranges from VND6 billion to VND8 billion, leaving roughly VND5 billion as profit after costs.

He records every detail on his smartphone—production data, origin tracing, growing‑area codes and market prices—while favoring organic over chemical fertilizers.

Sau’s story shows that close collaboration with agricultural scientists can boost yields, improve disease management and increase profitability, offering a practical model for sustainable, high‑value farming.