Accounting for around 70 percent within the total value generated by agricultural production, the crop cultivation sector continues to serve as a pillar underpinning the provincial agricultural economy.

The provincial crop production sector has recently recorded numerous positive outcomes, as cultivated area, output as well as economic value across various crops have all increased. According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, compared with 2024, the province-wide area devoted to annual crops rose by 9,441 hectares, while land allocated for perennial crops expanded by 1,489 hectares.

Durian cultivation bringing stable incomes to farmers in Dak Lak province.

Alongside key crops such as coffee and durian, which continue to maintain stable positions among leading commodities, several other crops have also recorded notable growth, including sugarcane, bananas as well as avocados. In particular, banana output reached 104,118 tonnes, representing an increase of 6,054 tonnes compared with the previous year, while avocado production totalled 45,850 tonnes, up by 1,752 tonnes. Sugarcane alone saw cultivated area expand by 1,457 hectares, with productivity rising by 11.04 quintals per hectare, while total output increased by 150,026 tonnes.

Together with expansion in cultivated area and production volume, the crop cultivation sector has gradually shifted away from purely agricultural production towards a broader agriculture-economy development model. Numerous production zones have been established in connection with planting area codes, meeting requirements for product traceability while supporting export activities. Simultaneously, investment in processing as well as development of OCOP (One Commune One Product) items has also contributed to enhancing the value attached to local agricultural produce.

In addition, the trend toward organic farming, application of high technology together with environmentally friendly cultivation practices has been expanding steadily, gradually forming large-scale production areas linked with the development of eco-tourism in combination with experiential tourism.

According to Ms. Dang Thi Thuy, Deputy Director at the Department of Agriculture and Environment, crop cultivation currently accounts for the largest share within the provincial agricultural production value structure, at roughly 70 percent. This sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, increasing the value attached to agricultural products while strengthening capacity for adaptation to climate change.

Forming concentrated raw material production areas

The province currently has 44,959 hectares of sugarcane cultivation, largely concentrated across localities such as Son Hoa District, Ea Bung Commune as well as Son Thanh Commune. Over many years, a relatively strong production linkage has been established between sugarcane farmers and sugar mills. Enterprises provide support in terms of seedlings, farming inputs, technical guidance and product off-take, enabling farmers to confidently invest in production. Mr. Y Luc, a sugarcane grower in Son Hoa District, shared: “The factory not only purchases our products but also supports us through seedlings, machinery, fertilisers along with loan assistance.” At present, Son Hoa District has around 3,000 sugarcane-growing households that have signed consumption contracts with the Son Hoa Sugar Factory under KCP Vietnam Industries Co., Ltd..

Sugarcane cultivation helping many farmers across the province escape poverty.

Many fruit crops have also generated high incomes for farmers after production zones were planned and local brands developed. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hieu, a farmer in Ea Ba Commune, said that since durian cultivation areas received support through production planning together with brand building, product consumption has become more favourable, while prices have remained more stable. Growers have also paid greater attention toward applying technical production processes aimed at improving the quality associated with agricultural products.

In the coming period, Dak Lak Province will continue to effectively implement the restructuring of the agricultural sector. The focus will centre on promoting the potential and advantages of each locality to develop key crops, forming concentrated raw-material production zones linked with investment attraction as well as strengthened market connections for product consumption.

Translated by HAI LOAN