Arabica Coffee Returns to the Northwest Highlands
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After early failures decades ago, Arabica coffee is thriving again in Muong Ang District (Dien Bien Province). By late August, the hillsides were covered with red coffee cherries as farmers prepared for the main harvest.
Favorable Weather and Strong Yields
This year’s early and abundant rains have boosted growth and cherry development.
“The cherries are maturing well and reaching full size and ripeness,” said Vu Dinh Dao of Ang Nua Commune, who cultivates 2 hectares of Arabica.
Dao expects about 2 tons per hectare and plans to store the crop until year-end, when prices typically peak.
Rising Prices Bring Higher Profits
Traders are buying:
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Fresh cherries at about 7,500 VND/kg,
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Dried parchment coffee at 55,000 VND/kg, about 5,000 VND higher than last season.
With these prices, farmers can earn 80–90 million VND per hectare, marking a strong recovery for local growers.
Expanding Coffee Area in Muong Ang
According to Dang Van Nam, Deputy Head of the District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:
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400 hectares of new Arabica coffee are planted each year.
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The district targets 3,800 hectares by 2015.
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Over 2,500 hectares are already in production—mainly in Ang To, Ang Nua, and Ang Cang communes—with new plantings expanding into Muong Dang, Ngoi Cay, and Xuan Lao.
Best Practices for Quality Coffee
To ensure high-quality beans and sustainable yields, farmers are advised to:
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Provide adequate nutrients and manage shade for ripening cherries.
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Monitor for coffee berry borer—a major pest of mature cherries—and promptly remove any dried cherries to break its life cycle.
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Sun-dry coffee during hot weather and reduce the final green-bean moisture content below 13%.