Cocoa is back

Previously, farmers in general in Cat Tien and Cat Tien 2 communes planted a lot of cocoa but some areas were destroyed due to unstable prices and diseases. There was a time when the price of cocoa beans dropped to 4,000 VND/kg, now the price is about 17,000 VND/kg. Therefore, about 200 hectares of cocoa are bringing high income to farmers here every day.

Cocoa is a perennial industrial plant, with a lifespan of more than 30 years. After about 12-14 months of planting, the tree will flower and bear fruit, and by the 18th month, it will give the first harvest, after which it will have a stable yield. The highest yield can be reached in the 5th year and maintained for up to 30 years, so cocoa growers must pay attention to investing in good varieties and taking care of them.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Luu in Cat Tien 2 commune is currently cultivating 3 sao of cocoa according to a model of limiting pesticides, chemical fertilizers, combining forestry trees, developing natural grass carpets and drip irrigation. Each crop, his family harvests about 18 tons of fruit, earning over 300 million VND. According to Mr. Luu, cultivating cocoa according to the above model is very effective because it can protect the environment, reduce investment and care costs; cocoa fruit has good yield and quality. Currently, a number of households in the commune have implemented this model on cocoa trees, bringing clear results. In addition, planting forestry trees in home gardens also helps protect the environment, keeping the soil moist. Later, timber exploitation will also bring significant income to the people.

Or like Mr. Nguyen Thanh Long's family in Cat Tien 2 commune, is growing more than 5 sao of cocoa with 350 trees. Previously, some local households cut down to switch to other crops, but his family is still determined to maintain the area. Thanks to raising natural enemies such as weaver ants to prevent and control pests on cocoa trees, each year, his family earns about 400 million VND.

According to the Cat Tien 2 Commune Farmers' Association, many local farmers are currently growing cocoa and they appreciate the profits from this crop at the current price, even higher than growing durian. Especially, in villages with a large population of ethnic minorities such as village 3, Phuoc Thai, people are also earning high incomes from cocoa, helping to improve their lives.

In 2024, the price of cocoa began to increase sharply from 4,000 VND to 10,000 VND and is currently at 17,000 VND/kg, helping farmers in Cat Tien 2 commune have high incomes and become rich legitimately in the fields of the Southern Central Highlands. On the other hand, the locality has a place to purchase and process cocoa, ensuring the purchase of products for farmers. From now on, people no longer have to worry about being forced down by traders, and can rest assured to plant and care for 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 that is very suitable for the local soil and climate. Recently, high and stable prices have helped farmers have good income and improve their lives. Currently, the locality is encouraging farmers to maintain and develop more cocoa trees in suitable areas, taking good care to improve productivity and product quality.

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