We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Agricultural Plastic Waste Generation and Management Practices in Rice and Durian Cultivation Models in Truong Thanh Commune, Can Tho city, Vietnam
Summary
A study in Vietnam found that growing durian (a high-value fruit crop) produces over 6 times more plastic waste from pesticide and fertilizer packaging than traditional rice farming — and most farmers are dealing with this waste by burning it or selling it as scrap rather than proper disposal. Even more concerning, 90% of farmers had never heard of microplastics or the health risks they pose, meaning these tiny plastic fragments could be building up in soil and water without anyone realizing the danger. As farmers increasingly shift to profitable fruit crops like durian, this waste problem — and the potential for microplastics to en
The rapid intensification of agriculture in the Mekong Delta has led to a substantial increase in the use of agrochemicals and, consequently, agricultural plastic waste (APW). This study aimed to quantify the composition and generation rates of APW and assess the current management status in two distinct agricultural models: traditional rice cultivation and intensive durian cultivation in Truong Thanh Commune, Can Tho City. Data were collected through structured interviews with 60 farming households and direct measurement of waste packaging. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in APW generation between the two models. The durian cultivation model generated 6,750 g/1,000 m² of plastic waste, which is approximately 6.5 times higher than the 1,031 g/1,000 m² generated by the rice model. This disparity is attributed to the higher frequency of agrochemical application and the diversity of packaging types (HDPE bottles, multi-layer sachets) used in durian farming. Regarding waste management, the study found alarming practices; 72% of farmers burn waste, and 40% sell it as scrap, with only a minority utilizing proper collection facilities. Furthermore, 90% of respondents were unaware of the existence or risks of microplastics. These findings highlight a critical environmental challenge accompanying the agricultural shift toward high-value fruit crops. The study suggests that current waste management policies are insufficient for the scale of waste generated by intensive fruit cultivation, necessitating targeted interventions, improved collection infrastructure, and enhanced community education to mitigate long-term ecological risks.