When farmers change to escape the "trap" of agricultural product price pressure

Lam Dong farmers not only change their production mindset but also proactively approach the market and improve sales skills to increase the value of agricultural products, especially coffee and pepper, two key commodities.

Mr. K'Khiem - a coffee grower in Dong Gia Nghia ward has focused on producing quality coffee and learning sales skills to improve his family's economy.

The effectiveness of coffee and pepper

Lam Dong - a fertile land, considered the "capital" of coffee in the country - has witnessed many farmers struggling every harvest season because of unstable prices, completely dependent on traders. Mr. K'Khiem, a coffee grower in Dong Gia Nghia ward, recalls: "In the past, every harvest season, every household was anxious. Traders came and competed to sell, those who sold slowly were forced to lower prices. There were years when the coffee had not yet been dried because there was no place to store it, no working capital. After harvesting, it was transported to the agent for consignment."

But things have changed since 2023. With the support of associations, unions and cooperatives, Mr. K'Khiem and many other farmers have access to market information. Farmers are advised on sales strategies and post-harvest preservation. “Now, many households have proactively built warehouses to store coffee, waiting for high prices to sell instead of consigning as before. Thanks to that, coffee prices have stabilized at 100,000 - 120,000 VND/kg, bringing real profits after many years of only working for profit. With 2.5 hectares of coffee, each year about 6 - 10 tons of beans are harvested, after deducting costs, bringing a good income for the family,” Mr. K'Khiem shared.

Not only coffee, pepper growers in Lam Dong are also changing to adapt to the market. Mr. Doan Van Hoan - a member of Hoang Nguyen Organic Agriculture Cooperative in Thuan Hanh commune, had been struggling for many years because of the "unstoppable" plummeting pepper prices. The turning point came in 2018, when he joined Hoang Nguyen Cooperative. Here, he was not only guided to grow pepper according to organic standards according to European standards but also had his products purchased at a higher price than the market. "Now we can produce with peace of mind, no longer having to chase traders every day," Mr. Hoan said happily.

Cooperatives - the "key" to help farmers master the market

Not only supporting production, cooperatives also promote training in marketing skills, negotiation and product pricing. Mr. Le Anh Son - Director of Binh Minh Cooperative in Dak Wil commune said: "In the past 3 years, we have organized sales skills training for more than 4,000 farmers. We provide market information and price forecasts so that people can be proactive in each selling decision."

The cooperative also helps farmers avoid the “psychological tricks” of traders. Instead of rushing to sell off, they are guided on how to preserve agricultural products and set appropriate prices according to the time and market conditions. “Sell when necessary, keep when possible - that is the new principle in consuming agricultural products,” Mr. Son emphasized.

In the context of increasingly volatile business, the shift of farmers from retail to chain production is an inevitable trend. By joining cooperatives, farmers are no longer alone. They are supported with technology, have quality certification, clear traceability and easy access to businesses and e-commerce platforms. Thanks to that, the value of agricultural products is increased, no longer being forced down in price as before.

Changing mindset and sales methods is not easy, but it is the way for Lam Dong farmers to escape the "good harvest - low price" cycle. And in reality, those who dare to change are gradually seizing the opportunity for more sustainable development right on their own land.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/khi-nong-dan-thay-doi-de-thoat-bay-ep-gia-nong-san-388940.html