According to Mr. Phạm Cường, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Đăk Đoa District (Gia Lai Province), a pest outbreak—specifically mealybugs—has appeared on more than 300 hectares of coffee plantations in the district. Among these, over 220 hectares are lightly infested, while about 80 hectares are moderately affected.
Almost every commune in the district has coffee areas infected by this pest. Some communes, such as ADơk and Glar, report only 10–15 hectares of infected coffee, while in others, including Hnol and Ia Pêch, the affected area reaches 50–80 hectares.
Mr. Cường stated that his department is working with the Plant Protection and Agricultural Extension agencies to guide farmers in controlling the mealybugs to prevent wider spread and heavier infestation, which could impact both the yield and quality of the 2013–2014 coffee crop.
Numerous on-site training sessions have been held directly in infected coffee gardens across different clusters. These sessions analyze and assess the level of infestation, providing farmers—especially ethnic minority growers—with specific guidance on proper chemical treatments, the correct number of spray applications, and proper spraying techniques.
Officials have also advised farmers not to panic or overuse pesticides, warning that excessive or careless spraying can damage the coffee plants and harm the environment.
Technical staff from the relevant agencies have been assigned to specific areas and are closely monitoring individual farms to promptly detect and address any further pest outbreaks on coffee and other crops, particularly during the current period of unfavorable weather conditions.
Đăk Đoa District has a total coffee area of about 13,000 hectares, mostly cultivated by smallholder farmers. For many years, coffee has been a key economic crop, bringing significant income and improving living standards, especially among ethnic minority households.