Cocoa is back!

Previously, farmers in Cat Tien and Cat Tien 2 communes generally planted a lot of cocoa, but some areas were abandoned due to unstable prices and diseases. At one point, the price of cocoa beans dropped to 4,000 VND/kg, but currently it is around 17,000 VND/kg. Therefore, the approximately 200 hectares of cocoa are bringing high income to farming households in the area every day.

Cocoa is a perennial industrial crop, with a lifespan of over 30 years. After planting, the trees flower and bear fruit approximately 12-14 months later, yielding the first harvest in the 18th month, after which they will produce a stable yield. The highest yield can be reached in the 5th year and maintained for up to 30 years, therefore cocoa growers must invest in good varieties and provide attentive care.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Luu, residing in Cat Tien 2 commune, is currently cultivating 3 sao (approximately 0.3 hectares) of cocoa using a model that limits the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, combined with forestry, the development of natural grass cover, and drip irrigation. Each harvest, his family collects about 18 tons of cocoa beans, generating an income of over 300 million VND. According to Mr. Luu, this cocoa cultivation model is very effective because it protects the environment, reduces investment and care costs, and produces high-yield, high-quality cocoa beans. Currently, several households in the commune have implemented this model on cocoa trees, yielding noticeable results. Furthermore, planting forestry trees in home gardens also helps protect the environment and maintain soil moisture. Later, the timber can be harvested, providing a significant income for the people.

For example, the family of Mr. Nguyen Thanh Long in Cat Tien 2 commune is cultivating over 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares) of cocoa with 350 trees. Previously, some households in the area cut down their cocoa trees to switch to other crops, but his family remained determined to maintain their planted area. Thanks to raising natural predators like yellow ants to control pests and diseases on the cocoa trees, his family earns about 400 million VND per year.

According to the Farmers' Association of Cat Tien 2 commune, many local farmers are currently growing cocoa and they appreciate the profits from this crop at current prices, which are even higher than those from growing durian. In particular, in villages with large ethnic minority populations, such as Village 3 and Phuoc Thai, people are also earning high incomes from cocoa cultivation, helping to improve their lives.

In 2024, cocoa prices began to rise sharply from 4,000 VND to 10,000 VND and are currently priced at 17,000 VND/kg, helping farmers in Cat Tien 2 commune earn high incomes and legitimately become wealthy on their farms in the Southern Central Highlands. Furthermore, the presence of cocoa purchasing and processing facilities in the area ensures the purchase of farmers' products. As a result, people no longer worry about being exploited by traders, allowing them to confidently cultivate and care for their cocoa trees.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lich, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cat Tien 2 commune, said that the locality currently has about 200 hectares of cocoa. It can be said that this is a crop very suitable to the local soil and climate. Recently, high and stable prices have helped farmers earn good incomes and improve their lives. Currently, the locality is encouraging farmers to maintain and further develop cocoa cultivation in suitable areas, providing good care to improve productivity and product quality.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ca-cao-tro-lai-401905.html