This involves transforming the crop structure in accordance with local conditions, intensifying the application of science and technology in production, and linking the consumption of products. These results are pivotal in ensuring a sustainable agricultural sector that adds value and contributes to economic growth.

Pú Hồng, a highland, economically challenged commune in Điện Biên Đông district, has been actively promoting crop structure changes to combat soil depletion and low crop productivity. With the government’s initiative and the support of the local authorities, the commune has successfully transformed many hectares of ineffective maize and upland rice fields into high-value crops like coffee, macadamia, and cinnamon.

In 2018, Vì Thị Thởi from Chả B hamlet took the initiative to learn coffee cultivation techniques from Sông Mã district (Sơn La province) and Mường Ảng district. She purchased seeds and planted them, and now, her 2 hectares of coffee have begun to yield profits of approximately VND 70 million per harvest since 2023.

According to Vì Thị Doan, Chairwoman of the Pú Hồng commune People’s Committee, through the implementation of various production-support projects, many households have realized that certain industrial crops are suitable for the local environment and have actively adopted and expanded these models. Currently, the commune has over 20 hectares of coffee, 4 hectares of which are already producing, along with 7 hectares of macadamia and more than 10 hectares of cinnamon. By the end of the year, it is expected that the commune will plant an additional 10 hectares of coffee and 30 hectares of macadamia.

The coffee cultivation movement has spread across several communes, including Na Son, Noong U, Pu Nhi, Keo Lôm, and the town of Điện Biên Đông, raising the total coffee acreage in the district to 141 hectares, with 12.5 hectares already yielding 8 tons per hectare. By 2025, Điện Biên Đông will continue to focus on the development of coffee and macadamia. The district has directed local communes to prepare the necessary conditions for planting during the rainy season.

The provincial agricultural restructuring has created concentrated production zones focusing on commodity crops. Notable areas include 31,000 hectares of rice cultivation, with 10,000 hectares being high-quality rice in Điện Biên Phủ city and Điện Biên district; 4,500 hectares of coffee in Mường Ảng, Tuần Giáo, and Điện Biên Đông; 10,000 hectares of macadamia in Tuần Giáo, Mường Ảng, and Điện Biên; 629 hectares of tea in Tủa Chùa, Mường Chà, and Mường Ảng; cinnamon cultivation in Mường Nhé, Nậm Pồ, and Mường Chà; and more than 4,100 hectares of fruit trees. Many of these areas have started yielding produce, improving the income of residents.

An essential aspect of agricultural restructuring is the application of science and technology in production. The province has issued several decisions and plans to promote the application of technology in agriculture, notably the “Project for the Development of Science and Technology in Agriculture by 2030.” The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has actively coordinated with large organizations and businesses in high-tech agriculture to experiment with and scale up various advanced production models. Some notable achievements include the successful application of new rice varieties (QR15, ĐT14, and Nếp Thơm 88), the DA15-19 chicken breed, CT9 oranges, Ngọc Linh ginseng, and Lai Châu ginseng.

In the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop season, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has partnered with companies such as NetZero Carbon, BSB Nanotech, and Spiro Carbon to implement a rice cultivation model that reduces emissions, covering 86 hectares in three districts: Điện Biên (53 hectares), Mường Ảng (23 hectares), and Tuần Giáo (10 hectares). This model applies advanced technology and sustainable farming solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and promote ecological, organic, and circular economy practices. The project aims to reduce input costs by 30%, increase profits by 50%, and cut emissions by 10%. Additionally, farmers will benefit from selling carbon credits at USD 20 per ton of CO2e.

Nguyễn Thị Thủy, from Thanh Xương commune, Điện Biên district, a participant in the low-emission rice cultivation model, shared that the cost reductions were significant. Instead of burning rice straw as before, they now use it to grow mushrooms, feed animals, create biological bedding, or make fertilizer. This practice not only reduces emissions but also generates additional income from by-products.

To improve the quality and value of agricultural products, especially those targeting export markets and supermarket chains, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has actively assisted individuals and organizations in registering for planting area codes. In 2024, 7 new planting area codes were issued for crops such as pomelo, oranges, tea, macadamia, and fruit trees, bringing the total number of registered planting area codes to 9. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also recognized 7 specialty crops such as Tủa Chùa taro, Phì Nhừ taro, Na Son red peanuts, Tìa Dình squash, and Điện Biên melon, increasing the total number of officially recognized local varieties to 11. Additionally, the Department has certified 3 mother gardens with 280 early-mature TL1 jackfruit trees, 200 HK2 sugar apple trees, and 280 ID1 red-fleshed jackfruit trees, as well as 1,497 Catimor coffee plants and 45 Da Xanh pomelo trees.

The success of agricultural restructuring has significantly contributed to the modernization of production, increased value, and promoted sustainable agricultural development in the province. In 2024, the GRDP value for the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector is expected to reach VND 2.55 trillion, a 4.06% increase from the previous year. In the future, the province will continue to implement the restructuring project in a synchronized and effective manner to enhance farming skills, raise incomes for the people, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the province.