VOV: In the past several years, the central highlands agriculture sector has suffered heavy losses due to droughts. What is the main reason?

Mr Tiem: Global climate changes have of course affected the region in the past 10 years, but the main reason is human factor. Forestry areas have been reduced and the farming structure in the region is not really appropriate.

VOV: How to overcome this situation?

Mr Tiem: Farming restructuring is a long-term strategy. Other measures are just temporary.

VOV: For many years, the State has urged central highlands authorities to restructure farming and reduce the coffee growing areas. This year, however, when coffee prices went up farmers rushed to plant coffee. Is it due to lack of mechanism to restructure farming sustainably?

Mr Tiem: Directions are clear but there is no capital for the implementation of directions. For example, it is very difficult for farmers to shift from growing coffee to other plants when water supply is not stable. Therefore, the Government should devise specific policies to support farmers in this undertaking.

VOV: Thank you very much