Implementing an organic tea cultivation model, the Phan Nhất Điện Biên Tea Co., Ltd. chose Pháy Váng area (Mường Lạn commune), a location isolated from residential areas and centralized livestock zones. Of the nearly 20 hectares available, the company is cultivating over 10 hectares of organic tea using only organic microbial fertilizers, biological agents, and herbal pesticides, entirely replacing chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. To ensure the success of this model, the company thoroughly researched tea varieties suitable for the local soil and partnered with specialized units to receive technical consultation and guidance on standardized cultivation procedures.

Phan Trọng Nhất, Director of the Phan Nhất Điện Biên Tea Co., Ltd., shared: “Selecting Pháy Váng for organic tea cultivation was the result of careful research and analysis. Initially, the process faced many challenges, including high investment costs and the need to hire manual labor for weeding. However, after a period of applying this new method, we observed positive changes in the tea garden, as beneficial microorganisms and insects began to return, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. This method not only protects human health and preserves soil fertility but also creates favorable conditions for a sustainable ecosystem.”

Phan Nhất Tea is not alone in this effort. Many cooperatives and collaborative groups in the province have also gradually adopted organic farming practices. These units are committed to using organic fertilizers and biological pesticides, strictly avoiding herbicides and growth stimulants. In addition to expanding production, these businesses prioritize developing clean raw material areas, ensuring safety from sowing to harvest. The production process is strictly monitored according to the requirements of product buyers, thereby improving agricultural quality and gradually establishing a firm position in both domestic and international markets.

Lường Thị Loan, a farmer from Mường Ảng commune, shared: “In the past, we mainly learned coffee farming techniques from each other, and our pruning, fertilizing, and pesticide use was quite limited in effectiveness. To ensure high-quality coffee input, we’ve now been guided by experts on how to properly and effectively use fertilizers and pesticides. This has helped farmers form good habits, master agricultural techniques, and optimize costs and resources. As a result, we’re achieving high yields and producing quality products for both local consumption and export, contributing to a more sustainable coffee industry.”

Transforming from small-scale, fragmented farming to concentrated, market-oriented production has also been identified as a key factor for sustainable agricultural development. Many farmers in the province have proactively changed crop varieties to more suitable ones and applied scientific and technological advances in farming. Notably, there has been a clear shift in awareness regarding pest control. Instead of using chemical pesticides, more and more farmers are choosing biological products, helping protect health and reduce environmental pollution.

According to the Winter-Spring 2023-2024 crop production report, pest and disease control was implemented decisively and effectively. A total of 20,951.2 hectares were treated for pest control, lower than the same period last year. Approximately 26 tons of plant protection products were used on rice crops and 14,340 tons of fertilizers, all approved for circulation in Vietnam. The supply of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides in district and commune centers has largely met local production demands. Moreover, farmers are becoming more aware of using environmentally friendly biological products with short pre-harvest intervals. Although fully integrated pest management still faces many challenges, and chemical use persists in some areas, the trend of adopting biological products in agriculture is spreading. This is a promising sign for a future of safe and sustainable agriculture, balancing human needs with nature.

Promoting organic agriculture not only brings immediate benefits but is also a long-term solution that helps farmers adopt environmentally friendly production methods. To achieve this effectively, specialized agencies must strengthen public awareness campaigns and organize technical training on organic farming, thereby improving knowledge and skills. Transitioning to organic agriculture protects producers’ health, creates high-quality products for consumers, and increases income and economic value. This is a practical step toward realizing the goal of sustainable economic development, building a clean, modern, and enduring agricultural sector.