This year's first batch of domestically grown tree-ripened durians from Sanya has entered its harvest season, and a larger supply is anticipated in mid-to-late July.

Currently, Sanya cultivates over 30,000 mu (2,000 hectares) of high-quality tropical fruits, including durian, chempedak, and yellow pitaya, which together cover more than 8,000 mu (533 hectares).

Lang Haibo, deputy general manager of Hainan Youqi Investment, said that the primary durian variety grown is Monthong (Golden Pillow), along with Musang King and Black Thorn.

"Over 4,000 mu (267 hectares) of durian trees are bearing fruit this year. The harvest started in late June, with peak ripeness anticipated in mid-to-late July," Lang added.

This year marks the third year of commercial-scale durian production in Sanya. Since most trees are still in the early fruiting phase, technicians are managing yields to promote growth. Unlike imported durians, which are often harvested early and ripen during transit, Sanya durians mature on the tree, which improves their flavor.

Officials from Sanya's municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs announced that the city is increasing its tropical fruit production. As the domestic durian season begins, the bureau intends to promote "Sanya Durian" as a regional agricultural brand, with the goal of raising the value of high-quality tropical fruit output by more than 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) year-over-year in the third quarter.

Tree-ripened durians in Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]