Looking at these verdant fields of vegetables and fruits, few would imagine that just a few years ago, this was an area of inefficient production. This transformation is the story of a single model that clearly reflects the broader transition of the rural economy in Điện Biên province, where internal resources are gradually being awakened and promoted.

The 2025 general census of rural areas and agriculture collected information from more than 132,700 households across the province, with approximately 114,500 rural households involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishery production along with 22 enterprises and over 160 cooperatives operating in these sectors. This data demonstrates that the rural sector remains a vital foundation and plays a pillar role in the economic development of the province. A prominent highlight of the current rural economy is the shift from traditional methods to the application of science and technology.

Statistics show that Điện Biên province currently has about 350ha of vegetables and fruit trees utilizing economical irrigation systems and 36,000 square meters of cultivation under greenhouse and net-house conditions. Notably, the application of MRV software to monitor greenhouse gas emissions on 80ha of rice illustrates a methodical approach toward green, sustainable agriculture that adapts to climate change.

The production mindset of the people is undergoing a distinct change as many households move away from small-scale, self-sufficient production to proactively link up and diversify product values. In Phăng 2 village of Mường Phăng commune, Lường Văn Thành is developing a model of Hana strawberries and Black Summer grapes on an area of over 3,000 square meters using high-tech applications. To achieve efficiency, Lường Văn Thành focuses on adhering to technical processes such as installing trellises for Black Summer grapes and performing pruning while regulating water and nutrition according to each growth stage.

Currently, the strawberries provide a stable harvest of 30 to 50 kg per day during peak season, while the grapes reach about 2 to 2.5 tons per harvest. Beyond production, the model combines development with sightseeing, experience services, and accommodation, contributing to higher product value and creating additional livelihoods for local people. Sharing his direction, Lường Văn Thành mentioned that the model currently brings in an annual income of about VND 300 million, and by combining production with experiential tourism, product value is significantly increased, proving that farmers can develop their economy and gradually enrich themselves on their own homeland if they utilize available advantages effectively.

Along with cultivation, livestock farming continues to affirm its important role in the rural economy with the total livestock population of the province reaching over 557,000 heads and more than 5 million poultry, maintaining over 300 farms and thousands of household-scale models. In 2025, the output of live meat from buffaloes and cows was estimated at nearly 26,000 tons. Many effective models have been helping people escape poverty and improve their income, such as the case of Giàng A Kỷ in Sính Phình commune.

From a small initial scale, Giàng A Kỷ has developed a herd of nearly 100 goats combined with fish and poultry farming, generating an annual income of over VND 120 million. He believes the decisive factors are selecting suitable livestock, being proactive with local feed sources, and establishing stable output links.

Aiming for concentrated, green, smart, and sustainable agricultural development, the province is pushing for the conversion of crop structures on inefficient land areas. Many areas of upland rice, maize, and cassava are being replaced by coffee, macadamia, and high-value fruit trees. In 2026, the province aims to develop 12,000 ha of coffee and macadamia with approximately 6,000 households participating, which is identified as a strategic direction to create new growth momentum for the rural economy.

In various localities, Party committees and authorities focus on promoting internal strength while encouraging people to change their thinking and methods to boldly apply technical progress in commodity production links. In areas such as Tuần Giáo, Mường Ảng, Na Sang, and Mường Nhà, the movement to develop macadamia, coffee, and fruit trees has helped residents increase their income and form a sustainable agricultural development direction.

Parallel to the efforts of the people, investment resources for agriculture and rural areas continue to be strengthened. During the 2021-2025 period, 14 agricultural projects were approved for investment with a total registered capital of nearly VND 12,000 billion, while over 200 poverty reduction models were supported and replicated. Each year, more than 8,000 laborers receive vocational training, and thousands of households are supported with production tools. As a result, the poverty rate across the province decreased rapidly from 34.9% in 2021 to over 17% in 2025.

However, rural economic development in the province still faces difficulties such as small and fragmented production, loose chain links, and unstable consumption markets. Limitations in capital, infrastructure, and production levels of the people, along with the impacts of natural disasters and climate change, remain significant barriers. This requires the synchronous involvement of the government, businesses, and people to promote production links, apply science and technology, expand consumption markets, and promote internal strength to enhance production efficiency and value. The companionship of policies along with the proactive and innovative spirit of local authorities and residents is creating momentum for the rural economy of Điện Biên.

Despite the many challenges, when internal resources are promoted and barriers in production and consumption are gradually removed, the rural economy will continue to transform positively and develop sustainably.