The implementation of the program "Smart Coffee Cultivation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Highlands" for the period 2023-2025 

On June 14th, in Buon Ma Thuot city, the National Agricultural Promotion Center, the Central Highlands Agricultural Science and Technology Institute, and Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company organized a conference to launch the program "Smart Coffee Cultivation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Highlands" for the period 2023-2025.

The conference was attended by agricultural experts, representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Agricultural Promotion Stations from 15 districts participating in the program from the 5 provinces of the Central Highlands.

Participants at the conference

On June 14th, in Buon Ma Thuot city, the National Agricultural Promotion Center, the Central Highlands Agricultural Science and Technology Institute, and Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company organized a conference to launch the program "Smart Coffee Cultivation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Highlands" for the period 2023-2025.

The conference was attended by agricultural experts, representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Agricultural Promotion Stations from 15 districts participating in the program from the 5 provinces of the Central Highlands.

According to the data from relevant agencies, the Central Highlands is a key coffee production region, accounting for 92% of the national coffee-growing area and making a significant contribution to exports. However, coffee production faces numerous challenges. Coffee farmers excessively use inorganic fertilizers, exceeding the recommended levels. Improper water irrigation practices lead to severe soil degradation and rapid soil acidification. In addition to the impacts of cultivation techniques, coffee production in the Central Highlands is greatly affected by climate change. All of these factors have made coffee production unsustainable, resulting in decreased economic efficiency.

To support coffee farmers in the Central Highlands region, the program will be implemented in the 5 provinces of the Central Highlands, focusing on 15 key coffee-growing districts and intercropping with durian and black pepper. The program will conduct in-depth experiments and practical investigations in 500 coffee farms across the 5 provinces, analyzing 200 soil samples from pure coffee plantations, intercropped plantations (with durian and black pepper), aged plantations, and commercially operated plantations. This aims to assess the impact of climate change on the current coffee cultivation process and provide forecasts for the next 3 years, including soil conditions and understanding of soil biology.

Experts discussing the "Smart Coffee Cultivation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Highlands"

The program aims to build a comprehensive technical package to provide coffee farmers with practical and scientific knowledge for pure coffee cultivation or intercropping coffee with durian and black pepper. By applying this knowledge in their farming practices, farmers can increase productivity, improve quality, enhance income, promote green growth, reduce negative environmental impacts, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions as set forth by the agricultural sector.

Expert from the Central Highlands Agricultural Science and Technology Institute guide the coffee cultivation process

During the conference, experts and relevant agencies focused on introducing, discussing, and exchanging ideas regarding the selection of implementation sites for the program. They also conducted training for officials participating in the "Smart Coffee Cultivation for Climate Change Adaptation in the Central Highlands" program for the period 2023-2025. Through these efforts, the involved parties collaborate to achieve the goal of developing a smart coffee cultivation process that adapts to climate change and can be applied in each province of the Central Highlands region. This aims to ensure sustainable coffee production, reduce costs, increase income for farmers, and benefit all stakeholders involved in the coffee production chain.

Resource: daklak.gov.vn