Currently, the price of dry cocoa beans in Dak Lak is fluctuating at 240,000 - 260,000 VND/kg, double that of last year. Fresh cocoa also reached a record high of 15,000 - 16,000 VND/kg.

Mr. Duong Quang Khang (Tan Tien village, Ea Na commune, Krong Ana district, Dak Lak) said that cocoa is drought-resistant, requires little care, and costs less than many other long-term crops.

In 2004, he invested in growing 9 sao of cocoa, but for many years the price was unstable, sometimes only 38,000 - 40,000 VND/kg, and no one even bought it. In addition, the rainy season caused pests and diseases to reduce productivity, so he had to destroy 3 sao.

However, from 2022 to now, cocoa prices have increased sharply, currently at 240,000 - 260,000 VND/kg, helping growers have more income and feel secure in reinvesting.

Mr. Nguyen Van Sy, director of Tan Thanh Cocoa Production Agricultural Cooperative (Ea Na commune), said the cooperative has 15 members, cultivating 36 hectares.

"The price of cocoa has increased steadily over the past two years, currently reaching about 235,000 VND/kg of dry beans. Farmers are actively taking care of the crop, with productivity reaching 1.5 - 1.8 tons/ha/year, and profit after expenses of about 400 - 450 million VND/ha. Thanks to that, many households have improved their lives and purchased more equipment," said Mr. Sy.

The cooperative actively purchases fresh fruit, processes it, ferments it and dries it before selling it. At the same time, it builds links with businesses to ensure stable output, organizes technical training and updates prices and benefits for members.

In Dak Lak, cocoa areas over 10 years old are concentrated in companies such as October Coffee, Krong Ana Coffee - Cocoa, Buon Ho Coffee. Recently, many areas have been converted to coffee, durian, avocado due to the prolonged loss of cocoa prices.