Dak Lak’s development space has been expanded, creating momentum for interregional value chain connectivity and giving key sectors such as industrial crops, fruit trees, fisheries and rice cultivation greater impetus to enhance value and broaden markets.

Following the merger, the province’s coffee and durian growing areas have expanded, positioning Dak Lak as a leading hub for industrial crops and fruit trees in the Central Highlands, with acreage and output ranking among the highest nationwide. Of Vietnam’s more than 720,000 hectares of coffee, Dak Lak accounts for as much as 30 per cent. Durian has also seen strong growth, with around 44,900 hectares province-wide; of these, 7,400 hectares across 40 packing facilities have been granted 269 planting area codes. In 2025, the province’s durian output exceeded 390,000 tonnes, up 30,000 tonnes compared with 2024.

Fields enriched by the alluvium of the Ba River underpin the rice brand in the eastern part of the province.

According to Nguyen Hoai Vu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Ea Ba commune, the locality has initially developed several fruit garden models meeting VietGAP standards across four hectares, while two cooperative groups cultivating more than 21 hectares of durian have been granted planting area codes. The commune is also finalising procedures to build the “Ea Ba Durian” brand. Mr Vu emphasised that linkage among growing areas is key to enhancing product value.

The Tuy Hoa field, regarded as the rice granary of the South Central region, is also extending its reach to the Central Highlands through interregional connectivity. Tran Tan Khoa, Director of An Nghiep Agricultural Cooperative in Tuy An Tay commune, said: “From land preparation and sowing to harvesting, operations are fully mechanised. Unmanned technologies and AI-based insect monitoring enable farmers to proactively prevent and control pests. Cooperatives not only produce certified seed but also invest in processing, brand building and trade promotion, gradually mastering the agricultural value chain”.

Alongside lowlands and highlands, the marine space, represented by flagship seafood such as tuna and lobster, contributes to the diverse agricultural profile of the province. According to Tran Cong Hoan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Song Cau ward, the locality is promoting sustainable aquaculture, applying wave-resistant cage systems and climate-adaptive technologies, managing farming areas in tandem with environmental protection, and advancing official lobster exports.

Enterprises and cooperatives in the province signing cooperation agreements.

Regional connectivity between the blue sea and the great highlands was initiated in 2022, when five cities - Tuy Hoa, Gia Nghia, Buon Ma Thuot, Kon Tum and Pleiku - signed a memorandum of understanding on development cooperation.

Now united under one administrative framework, this linkage has been translated into policies, guidelines and action programmes to promote agricultural development across the province. Value chains linking agriculture, tourism and trade are becoming increasingly seamless and expansive, generating new momentum from domestic consumption and export markets to interregional transport infrastructure and the development of shared agricultural brands.

Within this network of connectivity, the production facility of Pham Thi Bich Thuy in Dong Hoa ward has boldly introduced Dong Hoa lotus products to distribution channels in Buon Ma Thuot. “Dong Hoa lotus products are now present in the Central Highlands, becoming one of many agricultural products favoured by domestic and international markets. Consumers in Buon Ma Thuot are very fond of products from coastal and lowland areas, while visitors from the eastern region seek out coffee, cocoa and macadamia from the Central Highlands. This linkage has opened a two-way market for us, giving our facility the confidence to expand production and bring local agricultural products further afield”, Ms Thuy said.

Translated by KHUONG THAO