Shifting from traditional, fragmented production, many localities have developed high-value commodity crops while increasing the application of technology, science, and technical advances to improve quality, enhance value, and ensure long-term stability.

As a mountainous border province facing numerous hardships, agriculture remains a vital pillar of the local economy. In response to the increasingly visible impacts of climate change and the stringent demands of the modern market, the provincial agricultural sector has pivoted its mindset. The old way of thinking, producing in large quantities based on experience and natural luck, is being replaced by a focus on “clean, smart, and valuable” production. In this new framework, green agriculture emphasizes environmental friendliness and resource conservation; smart agriculture utilizes technology to optimize monitoring and management; and sustainable agriculture ensures long-term livelihoods for farmers by linking production to stable value chains.

A prime example of this transition is Vàng A Chí from bản Pa Pốm in phường Điện Biên Phủ. In late 2025, supported by local authorities, he converted 1 hectare of upland soil from corn and rice to passion fruit. Facing the challenge of an inconsistent water supply, Vàng A Chí worked with the Provincial Center for Agricultural Extension to install a reservoir and an automated irrigation system. This smart infrastructure allows him to store water for dry periods and provide precisely the right amount of moisture to his crops, significantly reducing labor costs and optimizing production expenses. He shared that this tech-forward approach has drastically lowered input costs while raising the potential for a high-yield, stable income.

Similarly, the “For a developing Điện Biên” Cooperative has pioneered the use of technology by implementing AI-integrated nutrient measuring devices for crops like green chilies and passion fruit. Trần Văn Sơn, the Director of the cooperative, explained that these sensors monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels in real-time. This data allows farmers to determine exactly when to water or fertilize, which prevents waste and boosts efficiency. Based on the success of these pilot models, the cooperative is now expanding its reach to replace inefficient traditional crops across a larger area.

On a larger scale, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has actively partnered with research institutes and international enterprises. A notable collaboration with NetZero Carbon Vietnam and BSB Nanotech involves a smart rice cultivation model aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across nearly 200 hectares in Mường Thanh ward, Thanh An commune, and Thanh Yên commune. Farmers are now trained in the “3 submersions, 3 dry periods” water management method and use the NetZero Carbon app to log photos and progress. Lê Xuân Cảnh, Director of the department, emphasized that the province will continue to prioritize science and technology as a central task, focusing on standardized production and brand building to ensure Điện Biên’s agricultural products can compete in export markets.

To support this vision, the province is prioritizing investment in essential infrastructure such as reservoirs, specialized roads for production zones, and data platforms for digital transformation. Alongside these hard investments, there is a strong focus on enhancing human resources through technical training that helps farmers adapt to climate change. This holistic approach ensures that the “green - smart - sustainable” choice is not just a temporary fix, but a permanent foundation for a prosperous and modern Điện Biên.