After researching models in various locations and analyzing local consumer demand, Đức recognized the advantage of his family’s land resources in developing agriculture following organic standards. Although the price of his melons is higher than the market average, they are always in demand thanks to a clean and green production process that minimizes the use of chemical pesticides.

Đức shared: “The net house model maximizes favorable weather and natural light conditions while reducing the need for pesticides. Compared to traditional farming methods, this model offers greater safety and gives consumers peace of mind.”

Another exemplary model is the red-flesh dragon fruit cultivation project implemented in 2018 by the provincial Center for Agricultural Extension and Crop-Livestock Varieties. This model involves transferring and applying advanced techniques, zoning areas by specialty crops, and introducing high-quality, high-yield varieties suited to local climate conditions. It also aims to promote commercial-oriented production, enhancing economic efficiency for participating households in a sustainable way, while generating local seed sources for future expansion at lower costs.

In 2018, Nguyễn Thế Vịnh, a resident of Team 8, Mường Thanh ward, was one of eight households participating in the model, with 3,000m2 of land.

“My family planted 300 dragon fruit posts in 2018,” he said. “Besides the new high-quality variety supported by the center, I now have five different varieties in my garden. Dragon fruit is not soil-demanding, easy to care for, and yields continuously for 5-6 months.”

Participation in the dragon fruit farming model has brought stable income to local farmers. On average, households harvest 6-7 batches per year, with prices ranging from VND 10,000 to 20,000/kg. After 7 years of implementation, Mường Thanh ward has developed over 10 hectares of dragon fruit. This model has helped farmers use capital effectively, increase their income, and raise awareness about crop restructuring, boosting productivity and product quality while contributing to sustainable new rural development.

Promoting the application of science, technology, and new innovations in agriculture has increased productivity and crop quality, laying the foundation for the formation of specialized commodity production zones. As a result, many local agricultural products have built brand identities and established market positions both inside and outside the province.

Currently, Điện Biên province has 9 certified production units meeting VietGAP, GlobalGAP, or organic standards; 4 processing and trading facilities certified with HACCP; 16 planting zones granted domestic planting area codes, covering a total area of 75.6 hectares; and 104 OCOP-certified products.

Thanks to these advances, local agricultural products are increasingly competitive, improving farmers’ income and ensuring a more stable livelihood.