Gia Lai accelerates crop conversion

Bold shift from low-efficiency crops

In recent years, the movement to convert low-efficiency crops in Gia Lai has gained strong momentum. Moving away from traditional farming practices, many households have shifted their mindset, choosing higher-value crops that better suit local soil and water conditions. This transformation not only increases income but also helps form commodity production zones, creating momentum for sustainable agricultural growth.

After years of cultivating cassava, corn, and upland rice on drought-prone land with unstable income, Dinh Vun from Keo village, Ayun commune, decided to take a different path. When the Plei Keo irrigation project brought water to his fields, he saw an opportunity to transform his barren land.

In 2019, he invested all his savings to plant 600 coffee trees, starting what many considered a risky venture. Drawing on experience gained from working on coffee farms and from investing in a sprinkler irrigation system connected to the canal, he gradually developed his plantation using proper techniques.

Skepticism among villagers faded as rows of healthy coffee trees thrived on once-arid land. The shift from low-value crops to coffee not only improved his family’s income but also opened a more sustainable production direction for the community.

Just over a year later, he further diversified by planting 200 pepper plants. Notably, the pepper garden has grown well without pesticides, highlighting the effectiveness of his approach.

In Ia Rsai commune, the family of Ro Cham from Dong Thuor village also transitioned from cassava cultivation on 4 sao of land, which previously yielded unstable income. Recognizing its inefficiency, he switched entirely to tobacco cultivation. Despite initial technical challenges, the crop performed well, yielding over 1.5 tons. At a price of around VND 60,000 per kilogram, his family could earn a profit exceeding VND 30 million after costs.

Accelerating crop restructuring

Across Gia Lai, local authorities have actively guided and supported farmers in transitioning away from inefficient crops, gradually improving production value and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

In Phu Thien commune, the crop structure for the 2025–2026 winter-spring season is shifting toward higher efficiency. Of more than 8,400 hectares of cultivated land, wet rice still accounts for 4,700 hectares. However, around 450 hectares of low-yield rice fields have been rotated to sweet potato cultivation. Additionally, 55 hectares of sugarcane and 17 hectares of cassava have been replaced with more suitable crops.

With high-quality varieties and advanced techniques, production efficiency has improved significantly. On the same land area, sweet potatoes and upland crops now generate two to three times the economic value compared to rice, offering a more sustainable direction for farmers.

According to Mai Ngoc Quy, Head of the Economic Department of Phu Thien commune, future crop conversion will be implemented based on local conditions, including soil and water availability. Farmers will also receive technical support and assistance in market linkages to ensure stable output.

In Ia Rsai commune, nearly 200 hectares of degraded cassava land and low-efficiency rice fields have been converted to sugarcane and tobacco, bringing more stable and higher income. According to Vo Ngoc Chau, Chairman of the Ia Rsai People’s Committee, incomes have increased two to three times compared to before.

The locality plans to continue converting about 600 hectares of inefficiently used cropland to high-value crops, with careful consideration of climate, soil, water resources, and market demand, alongside increased use of technical solutions for sustainable production.

Similarly, in Phu Tuc commune, areas previously planted with cassava and low-yield rice have gradually been replaced by sugarcane, tobacco, and watermelon. The sugarcane area has expanded from about 2,700 hectares to 4,000 hectares, while tobacco cultivation has nearly doubled from 738 hectares to almost 1,400 hectares. Both crops benefit from water-saving irrigation technologies, ensuring stable and high productivity.

According to the Gia Lai Sub-Department of Plant Production and Protection, during the 2025–2026 winter-spring season, the province converted 5,000 hectares of inefficient farmland into high-value crops, achieving nearly 62% of the planned target.

Of this, more than 2,300 hectares of rice land were converted to crops such as tobacco, sweet potatoes, vegetables, legumes, corn, and forage crops. Additionally, nearly 2,700 hectares of other inefficient crops, mainly cassava, sugarcane, and cashew, were also replaced.

This strong shift reflects a broader transition toward more efficient, sustainable, and market-oriented agricultural production in Gia Lai.

$1 = VND 26,358 (Source: Vietcombank).