Farmers Join Forces to Protect Their Crops
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Every coffee harvest season, Đắk Lắk farmers face sleepless nights as coffee theft surges. Some families even hire 7–8 guards, yet thieves still manage to strip the trees.
Provincial Directives to Curb Theft and Early Picking
To address the issue, the Đắk Lắk Provincial People’s Committee issues directives each harvest season. Authorities are instructed to tighten farm security, strictly prevent early picking of green cherries, and ensure at least 95% of cherries are fully ripe before harvest. Police are required to coordinate with district governments to catch and punish coffee thieves.
Quality and Reputation at Stake
Premature picking of green cherries undermines the quality and reputation of Đắk Lắk coffee. Deputy Provincial Chairman Y Dhăm Ênuôl stressed that the first priority is safeguarding plantations to reassure growers and protect coffee quality.
Volunteer Patrol Teams Show Results
In some districts, farmers have formed volunteer patrol teams to guard their plantations—a strategy that has proven effective. Yet theft remains a challenge in certain areas, highlighting gaps in local security and the need for stronger farmer cooperation.
Call for Proactive Farmer Action
Y Dhăm Ênuôl urged farmers to rely on their own strength and take the lead in crop protection, noting that local authorities can assist but cannot fully secure vast coffee farms on their own.
Sustainable Coffee Development and Cooperative Model
Under the province’s Sustainable Coffee Development Plan, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is promoting the formation of coffee grower clubs, farmer groups, and cooperatives. These organized structures not only improve collective protection of coffee farms but also help farmers adopt modern techniques and reduce risks in marketing and selling their coffee.