Vinh Long Harnesses Technology to Transform Macapuno Coconut into a Billion-Dollar Export Crop
July 23, 2025, Vinh Long, Vietnam — The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long is pioneering the use of advanced technologies to boost the productivity and quality of its famed Macapuno coconuts, positioning this traditional crop as a major contributor to Vietnam’s agricultural exports, with annual revenues exceeding one billion dollars.
Elevating Macapuno Yields Through Science
Macapuno coconut, locally referred to as dua sap, is one of Vietnam’s six key industrial crops and has long been cultivated in Vinh Long, celebrated for its unique flavor and economic value. Traditionally, Macapuno trees produced about 20 to 30 percent "sap" or jelly-like coconut meat per bunch, yielding roughly 20-25 coconuts per tree each year.
However, recent advancements in agricultural science have brought about transformative changes. By adopting embryo and tissue culture propagation techniques, Vinh Long’s Macapuno trees can now produce an impressive 75 to 80 percent sap ratio per bunch, with each tree bearing 55-60 coconuts annually. This represents a substantial enhancement compared to traditional methods.
Such improvements not only increase yield but also significantly elevate market value. Prices for Macapuno coconuts range from VND 70,000 (approximately $2.7) to VND 120,000 ($4.6) per fruit, depending on size and quality. Consequently, modern orchards employing these scientific techniques can generate annual incomes around VND 770 million ($29,500) per hectare, more than double the VND 320 million ($12,200) per hectare typical of conventional orchards.
Innovations Driving Success
Scientists at Tra Vinh University have been instrumental in pushing these boundaries by perfecting embryo culture processes that increase the macapuno-bearing fruit ratio to over 85%. This scientific breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional cultivation, where natural propagation methods cap the macapuno ratio at about 25%.
Currently, Vinh Long cultivates Macapuno coconuts across approximately 1,277 hectares featuring around 250,000 trees. The integration of biotechnology has created promising avenues for enhancing crop resilience amid escalating climate challenges such as drought and saltwater intrusion—threats increasingly prevalent in this delta region.
Comprehensive Development Strategy
Beyond breeding superior crop varieties, Vinh Long authorities are rolling out a multi-faceted strategy. These efforts include zoning dedicated cultivation zones, incentivizing the renewal of aging orchards, and intensifying trade promotion initiatives aimed at expanding both domestic consumption and export markets.
Central to this vision is fostering collaboration between farmers and enterprises to develop a robust value chain. This value chain extends from production and high-tech processing to end consumption, with a distinct focus on boosting export capacity.
Moreover, Vinh Long is working closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology and engaging with international research partners from Japan and South Korea. Together, they aim to explore new applications of Macapuno coconut derivatives in cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors, potentially opening lucrative new markets.
A Bright Future for Vinh Long’s Macapuno
Thanks to the strategic harnessing of modern biotechnologies and coordinated industry efforts, Vinh Long’s Macapuno coconut industry is poised to achieve sustained growth and enhanced international competitiveness. By transforming this traditional crop into a high-value export product, Vinh Long not only supports its local agricultural economy but also contributes substantially to Vietnam’s stature as a major player in the global coconut market.
For further inquiries or information about trade opportunities, contact the Vietnam Economic Times editorial office at 02437552050.
Photo Caption: Cau Ke Macapuno coconut — a renowned brand representing the premium Macapuno variety cultivated in Vinh Long province. (Photo: VOV)
