The price of fresh areca in Vietnam has surged to 70,000 - 80,000 VND/kg or even 100,000 VND/kg due to increased demand from China for areca confectionery and a decrease in areca production caused by storms in 2020. This has led to a surge in interest in areca cultivation, but local authorities are warning against mass planting of the crop, which they consider risky due to its unpredictable price fluctuations and potential negative effects on soil. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hoa Binh province has issued a directive advising against the expansion of areca plantations and warning that unauthorized changes to plant structures will be punished.