During the period, the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop recorded positive results, with total annual crop cultivation exceeding 153,500 hectares, 0.6% above target and up more than 3,600 hectares year-on-year.
Several key crops posted strong gains. Tobacco output surpassed its target by nearly 50%, while sugarcane rose 6.7%. Peanuts and vegetables also exceeded planned targets, driven by the conversion of low-yield land to higher-value crops and more efficient post-harvest land use.
Perennial industrial crops remained stable at over 253,000 hectares, meeting planned targets and continuing to supply raw materials for processing and export. Fruit cultivation held steady at more than 31,500 hectares, in line with last year, reflecting a stable, market-oriented development trend.
Output also increased across crop groups. Total annual crop production reached an estimated 1.74 million tonnes, up 1.3% year-on-year. Perennial industrial crops exceeded 90,000 tonnes, rising 2.3%, while fruit output recorded the highest growth, reaching nearly 100,000 tonnes, an increase of 6%.
Crop restructuring efforts accelerated, with more than 5,000 hectares converted in the first quarter, nearly 62% of the annual plan, improving land-use efficiency and supporting climate adaptation.
The province also expanded its export infrastructure. Gia Lai now has 348 planting area codes covering over 11,100 hectares and 40 certified packing facilities. In the first quarter, authorities continued processing applications for 12 new planting area codes for high-value crops, including durian, chili and lychee.
Production linkages along the value chain have widened, with more than 251,000 hectares participating, forming key raw material zones for durian, passion fruit and coffee to support processing and export activities.
Sustainable farming initiatives have also progressed, with 17 low-emission rice field models covering more than 688 hectares, exceeding targets.
These developments underscore the central role of crop cultivation in Gia Lai’s agricultural sector, laying the groundwork for more modern, sustainable growth and higher added value in the coming years.