Under the theme “Ea Knuec in Harvest Season,” activities organised by Ea Knuec Commune in response to the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival have opened up novel prospects for developing a sustainable, multi-value agricultural ecosystem.

Connecting agricultural products with local culture

In Ea Knuec Commune, durian is increasingly woven into the distinctive cultural landscape of the local Ede community, creating fresh momentum for the experiential agritourism development.

At the “Ea Knuec in Harvest Season” event, held as part of the Dak Lak Durian Festival, the strong connection between local agricultural products and cultural identity was clearly highlighted. The ceremonial procession of the “Durian Queen” from an ancient durian tree, accompanied by two Central Highlands elephants coupled with a re-enactment of the Ede people’s Ceremony of Gratitude for Abundance, transformed harvest season into a vibrant cultural celebration.

The ceremonial procession of the “Durian Queen” from an ancient durian tree was among the cultural highlights that drew large crowds of visitors.

According to Mrs. Ngo Thi Minh Tinh, Secretary of the Ea Knuec Commune Party Committee, agricultural products are more than just commodities; they reflect a distinctive combination of local culture, natural conditions and the people who produce them. When agriculture, farmers and culture are closely intertwined, each product brought to market carries its own distinctive cultural story.

By integrating local cultural values into agricultural value chains, Ea Knuec is creating novel opportunities to attract visitors through hands-on orchard experiences, supporting agritourism development.

Building a transparent value chain

Ea Knuec currently has 5,153 hectares under durian cultivation, including 2,830 hectares in production, with an estimated output of around 70,000 tonnes. Despite its large production scale, the local durian sector faces an urgent need to strengthen supply-chain management and standardise production to meet export requirements. As of June 2026, only 20 growing-area codes had been issued in the commune, covering more than 1,133 hectares while involving 1,371 farming households.

Visitors enjoy a durian orchard experience in Ea Knuec Commune during the Dak Lak Durian Festival.

To address the challenges of meeting technical standards and gaining market access, Krong Pac Clean Agricultural Services Cooperative has taken the lead in adopting strict cultivation practices as well as using QR codes to ensure product traceability for exports.

Mr. Mai Dinh Tho, Chairman of the cooperative, said local farmers no longer produced independently but were now working closely with the cooperative. They follow a common production process, keep farming records, manage growing-area codes and gradually adopt technology to improve product quality.

Another significant step towards expanding market access has been the promotion of local agricultural products on digital platforms. A TikTok livestream themed “Ea Knuec Durian: Connecting Values – Reaching Global Markets,” held on August 23, 2026, brought together the Secretary of the Ea Knuec Commune Party Committee, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and importers, generating strong interest in local durian products.

By the end of the livestream, hundreds of retail orders had been placed, while six containers of Ea Knuec durian had been shipped to China.

Mrs. Tran Thi Van, Vice Chairwoman of the Ea Knuec Commune People’s Committee, said the locality would continue to expand the issuance of growing-area codes for agricultural products, particularly durian, while accelerating digital transformation alongside promoting local products through e-commerce platforms.

The launch of the Ea Knuec Durian collective trademark provides an important foundation for building brand recognition, adding value to local products and promoting sustainable development.

Translated by THAO LINH