This practice leads to issues like poor yield and quality, increased pest risks, and affects the reputation and marketability of Điện Biên rice. The consequences extend beyond individual farmers, complicating the effort to organize sustainable agricultural production.

Mrs. Lò Thị Chén, from Thanh Yên commune, decided to try a new rice variety, despite it not being part of the province’s approved varieties. Initially hopeful, the harvest fell short, yielding less than 5 tons per hectare, compared to 6-6.5 tons per hectare from fields using standard varieties. In the following season, bà Chén switched to approved varieties, but the aftermath of her previous decision still lingered. She had to spend extra time and effort removing weeds and mixed varieties from the field to prevent contamination and ensure marketability.

Bà Chén’s case is not isolated. At Thanh Nưa commune, Lò Thị Xinh experimented with a new variety, TĐ25, also not included in the official list. While this variety showed initial promise, its quality and yield were below that of standard varieties, with high rates of empty grains and lower overall quality.

These examples reflect a broader issue where, despite warnings from the provincial authorities, some farmers continue to purchase unapproved seeds from merchants. These seeds are often of uncertain origin and have not been tested for suitability or adaptability in the region, leading to risks like pest outbreaks and poor harvests.

The provincial agricultural department has been working hard to enforce compliance with approved seed structures, encouraging farmers to follow the annually updated crop structures. In 2024-2025, Điện Biên planted 9,763 hectares of rice, mostly using high-quality varieties like Bắc thơm 7, Séng cù, N87, and IR64. However, 4-5% of rice grown still uses varieties outside the approved list, often brought in by small dealers without proper certification, posing significant risks.

Using non-standard rice varieties not only threatens yields but also undermines the reputation of Điện Biên rice, which is known for varieties like Séng cù and Bắc thơm. If this practice continues, it could impede the development of the Điện Biên rice brand, complicating efforts to promote quality and expand the market. Ensuring strict adherence to the approved seed structures is vital for sustainable rice production and the long-term success of the Điện Biên rice brand.