Cashew prices at the beginning of the season increased, but farmers in Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai still suffered from unseasonal rain and pests.

Binh Phuoc province in Vietnam has been experiencing unseasonal rainfall and temperature fluctuations since March, causing significant damage to cashew trees, with over 1,600 hectares in Bu Gia Map district suffering from pest attacks. This has severely affected the livelihoods of local farmers, with more than 90% reliant on agriculture, especially cashew cultivation. Despite these challenges, the high demand and price of raw cashews have led to higher income for farmers compared to previous years. The agricultural sector has recommended transitioning to new cashew varieties with higher productivity and resistance, and grafting these varieties can yield up to 3.5 tons per hectare. The province is also seeing higher incomes from cocoa cultivation, with farmers experiencing increased security to invest in garden care.

Since the beginning of March, Binh Phuoc has continued to experience unseasonal rains, right at the time when cashew trees are flowering and fruiting. The high temperature difference between day and night causes thermal shock to the plants, leading to dry flowers and dry fruit. In particular, Bu Gia Map district, where there are more than 32,000 hectares of cashew trees, has recorded more than 1,600 hectares being attacked by pests, from mild to moderate levels. This situation has severely affected the livelihoods of people, as more than 90% of local households live on agriculture, of which 70% depend on cashew trees. "My family's cashew garden has had a loss of revenue for the past 3 years. Previously, the yield was stable at more than 2 tons/ha, but recently it has only been about 700-800 kg/ha," said Mr. Tuan. Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Trong Truong (Phu Nghia commune, Bu Gia Map district) said that he had sprayed pesticides three times, but his 2-hectare cashew garden was ...