Lac Duong Farmers Join Agricultural Development Linkages

Linking for Artichoke Development

In recent years, farmers in Lac Duong Commune have increasingly turned to high-value crops, including artichoke, a medicinal plant. Thanks to its suitability for the cool highland climate, the crop is emerging as a profitable source of income for many local farming households.

In Da Tro village, Kon So Ha Thu stands out as one of the pioneers in artichoke farming. His family has cultivated this medicinal plant on over 6 sao of farmland for several years. He notes that artichokes are relatively simple to grow, resistant to pests, and particularly well-suited to the local soil and climatic conditions. “Artichokes provide multiple harvestable parts—leaves, flowers, and roots—for medicinal purposes, ensuring a fairly stable market. With established purchase linkages, farmers feel more assured in their production,” he mentioned.

From the initial stages, connections between farmers and businesses were formed. Through these value chains, farmers obtain assistance with seedlings, fertilizers, and cultivation methods, while companies make commitments to buy the produce. At present, the commune has established two artichoke production and consumption chains that span more than 21 hectares. Due to standardized production methods, the quality of products has become more consistent, fulfilling the standards set by medicinal processing firms.

According to local data, Lac Duong commune currently has around 44 hectares of artichokes, yielding an average of approximately 80 tons per hectare. Purchase prices vary from 2,500 to 5,000 VND per kilogram for fresh leaves, about 350,000 VND per kilogram for dried flowers, and 175,000 VND per kilogram for dried roots. This has greatly enhanced the incomes of farmers.

Expanding Production Linkages

In Lac Duong, Arabica coffee remains the dominant crop, covering 3,678.6 hectares. In recent years, as agricultural value has risen, many young people in the area have joined coffee production linkages.

The Yu Mnang Coffee cooperative group, founded by Lieng Jrang Ka Cham, unites K’ho farmers to participate in sustainable coffee cultivation. Members receive guidance on appropriate techniques for growing, harvesting, and processing coffee, which helps maintain the unique flavor of Lac Duong’s highland coffee. Furthermore, Ka Cham also buys and distributes the products, guaranteeing farmers consistent access to the market.

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of Lac Duong's economy, achieving an average annual growth rate exceeding 6% from 2020 to 2025. Crop cultivation constitutes the largest portion, with significant products including Arabica coffee, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal herbs. Importantly, the region is progressively reorganizing production to enhance value chain connections. So far, 13 production and consumption chains have been formed, involving businesses, cooperatives, and groups of farmers.

According to Vice Chairwoman of the Lac Duong Farmers’ Association Lieng Jrang Ka Sau, the success of new crops such as artichoke has become increasingly evident alongside coffee. To help farmers remain committed over the long term, continued support from businesses and relevant organizations is needed, particularly in the provision of quality seedlings, investment capital, and technical assistance. Stronger collaboration among farmers, enterprises, and production organizations will not only raise the value of local agricultural products but also lay a solid foundation for sustainable development.