This has significantly improved livelihoods while providing the necessary conditions for reinvestment in production and future economic growth. Across cassava-growing regions, the atmosphere is vibrant as people rush to harvest and process the crop. Taking advantage of the dry weather, farmers are focusing on harvesting, slicing, and drying the remaining areas, utilizing every yard and empty space to sun-dry the roots.

In Phình Giàng commune, Sùng A Di from Ao Cá village has nearly finished harvesting over 1 hectare of cassava. With a price of over VND 5,000 per kg, he expects an income of approximately VND 100 million, noting that the higher prices have made his family and fellow villagers feel much more secure about their production.

In Mường Phăng commune, roughly 200 out of 250 households in Nà Pen village are involved in cassava cultivation. Regardless of the scale, ranging from a few thousand square meters to several hectares, everyone is excited as prices have surged. Vàng A Khá, a resident of Nà Pen, mentioned that the harvest season typically runs from October to April. Prices for sliced cassava reached over VND 5,000 per kg, while dried chunks are around VND 3,400 per kg, representing a near-doubling compared to the previous year. These record-breaking purchase prices have provided a massive boost to the community.

Lò Văn Thuận from Pá Bông village, Núa Ngam commune, who manages 3 hectares, shared that in his many years of farming, he has never felt as encouraged as he does now. While last year’s prices for dried cassava fluctuated between VND 3,500 and VND 3,800 per kg, they reached a peak of VND 5,500 at the start of this season and currently remain strong at VND 5,200. His family harvested about 25 tons of dried cassava and even purchased fresh roots from surrounding households to process and sell for extra income.

At purchasing points across the province, buyers are busy storing dried cassava in warehouses for export. Trần Thị Quyên, owner of the Trần Quyên purchasing facility in Núa Ngam, noted that the market has seen many improvements, with prices sometimes reaching VND 5,600 to VND 5,700 per kg, compared to only VND 3,400 to VND 3,600 during the same period last year. However, she observed that overall productivity was hampered by weather conditions that caused significant root rot. Despite these challenges, cassava cultivation continues to flourish in areas like Na Sang, Mường Nhà, and Phình Giàng. Núa Ngam remains a major production hub, having planted 1,457.06 hectares in the 2025-2026 season, exceeding its target. The yield is estimated at 163.67 quintals per hectare, with a total output of over 23,800 tons, reaching 105% of the plan.

Nguyễn Thành Trung, Chairman of the Núa Ngam commune People’s Committee, emphasized that compared to other crops like corn, cassava requires less labor and is less prone to pests while offering a stable output and accessible market prices. Price has proven to be the key factor for the 2025-2026 season, ensuring an effective harvest even with lower productivity. These positive market signals, combined with local government support, provide a foundation for cassava to continue improving the lives of highland residents in the coming years.