Hundreds of coffee-growing households in Đắk Đoa District (Gia Lai Province) are facing serious losses as large areas of coffee—right at harvest time—suddenly show yellowing leaves, drying branches, premature fruit drop, and even tree death caused by a destructive species of cicada.
Alarming Damage in Nam Yang Commune
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Farmers Report Unprecedented Losses
Farmer Nguyễn Văn Hải, from Hamlet 5, Nam Yang Commune, reported that in recent weeks, over two hectares of his coffee trees have begun to yellow, drop fruit, and many have already died.
Nearby, the plantation of Nguyễn Văn Thanh faces similar devastation. After digging up several affected plants, Thanh discovered clusters of white cicada larvae, each the size of a little finger, clinging to the coffee roots.
“In more than ten years of coffee farming, this is the first time I’ve seen anything like this,” Thanh said, adding that about 50% of his coffee area is affected this year.
“Based on today’s coffee prices, our family will lose hundreds of millions of đồng. But the worst damage is long-term: cicada feeding wounds the root system, making the trees vulnerable to disease, while branches and leaves lose their nutrient supply, wither and die. Mild cases may take years to recover; severe cases cause the trees to loosen at the base and die completely.”
Growing Concern Among Farmers
According to Nguyễn Công Bình, chairman of the Nam Yang Farmers’ Association, cicada attacks have plagued the commune for several years, yet no effective control measures have been found.
Some farmers have attempted to use biological preparations mixed with lime to kill the pests, but results remain disappointing.
“We’ve reported the problem to the district plant protection authorities and hope they will soon provide a solution to help farmers fight this pest,” Bình said.
Extent of the Damage
A preliminary survey by the Nam Yang Farmers’ Association shows:
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About 20% of the commune’s nearly 1,300 hectares of coffee have been damaged by cicadas.
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Consequences include tree death, fruit drop, leaf yellowing, and sharp yield losses.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
With pepper prices soaring, dozens of local farmers have already cut down coffee trees to plant black pepper. Without swift action from Gia Lai’s plant protection services, more growers may abandon coffee for pepper, threatening to disrupt the region’s crop structure and long-term coffee production.
The cicada infestation in Đắk Đoa District is emerging as a serious threat to the Central Highlands coffee industry. Immediate intervention from plant protection authorities is needed to prevent further damage, safeguard farmers’ incomes, and maintain the region’s coffee-based agricultural economy.