Vietnam, the world’s second-largest coffee producer, has been hit hard by the worst drought in nearly a decade, raising concerns about higher global espresso prices.
Domestic forecasts expect a 10-16% drop in Vietnam’s next coffee harvest due to the extreme heat that hit the Central Highlands region.
However, some Vietnamese coffee farmers have found ways to maintain or even increase their yields despite the drought.
Techniques like keeping soil moist, preserving older plants with deeper roots, and improving water absorption have helped some farmers mitigate the impact of the drought.
One farmer even used biopesticides to combat an increase in pests caused by the extreme weather.
While these innovative tactics have helped some farms, the overall production outlook remains grim, and global coffee prices may still rise.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is more optimistic, estimating Vietnam’s next harvest will be roughly steady compared to the current season.
Some Vietnamese Coffee Farms Defy Drought with Innovative Tactics, But Prices May Still Rise