Điện Biên possesses a vast area of agricultural land and distinct microclimates, creating favorable conditions for the formation and development of diverse raw material regions. Currently, many areas in the province have been planned as specialized cultivation zones for key crops such as rice, tea, coffee, macadamia, fruits, and vegetables. Several agricultural products of the province have established reputable brands in both domestic and international markets.

Cara Farm Vietnam Co., Ltd. began implementing an organic fruit cultivation model in 2014. To date, the company owns 3.5 hectares of orchards, including 2 hectares of Australian Cara oranges, 1 hectare of Bến Tre green-skin pomelos, and 0.5 hectares of bananas. From the outset, the company oriented its production towards organic methods, aiming for clean, safe, and environmentally friendly products. In October 2022, the model was certified as organic agricultural production.

Nguyễn Thị Lan Hương, Director of Cara Farm Vietnam Co., Ltd., said that Điện Biên’s climate, soil, and significant day-night temperature variation are highly suitable for growing citrus fruits. Therefore, the company chose to cultivate Cara oranges and green-skin pomelos- fruits with high nutritional value and significant economic returns. The company prioritizes the application of organic farming techniques, avoiding toxic chemicals to create a balanced natural ecosystem within the orchard. Although yields are not superior compared to traditional farming, organic products are of high quality and maintain stable prices: green-skin pomelos sell for VND 70,000/kg, and Cara oranges for VND 90,000-120,000/kg. The products are sold out immediately after harvest, not only in Điện Biên but also in major cities and provinces. The company is currently planning to expand its orchard to 4.5 hectares.

In May 2023, the Si Pa Phìn high-tech agricultural cooperative launched a high-tech vegetable production model in Si Pa Phìn commune, Nậm Pồ district. The entire production process strictly follows 100% organic farming methods. Water quality is tightly monitored, and fertilizers are composted with decayed rice husks to ensure clean and safe inputs. The cooperative has invested in a modern automatic irrigation system, divided into two zones: sprinkler irrigation for leafy vegetables and drip irrigation for root and fruit-bearing crops, optimizing water use efficiency and aligning with the specific needs of each plant type.

Currently, the cooperative cultivates over 10 common types of vegetables and fruits on an area including 5,000m2 of greenhouse, 2 hectares of net house, and some open-field cultivation. Production is organized in a continuous crop rotation model to ensure a year-round supply of fresh products to the market.

Despite the growing attention from localities, enterprises, and cooperatives to high-tech agriculture, the overall adoption of high technology in agricultural production remains modest and has yet to match the province’s existing potential and advantages.

At present, the province has approximately 350 hectares of vegetables and fruits utilizing efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, and automatic irrigation); 85.86 hectares of winter-spring rice fields using MRV technology software to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate farmers’ responsibilities through the “Net zero carbon” platform. Additionally, about 36,000m² of vegetables and fruits are cultivated in greenhouses and net houses in Điện Biên Phủ city, Điện Biên district, and Nậm Pồ district. Remote sensing (GIS - geographic information systems) technology has also been applied to monitor forest and land changes. In livestock farming, some businesses and cooperatives have initially implemented temperature sensor technologies to automate livestock cooling systems.

Currently, the province has 31 safe agricultural product production and supply chains. Among them, 8.5 hectares of raw material areas have been certified organic, and 16 hectares of agricultural production areas have been certified under VietGAP standards.

To promote the development of high-tech agriculture, Điện Biên province has introduced incentive policies and actively invited investors to research and implement modern agricultural models in the locality.

Recently, a delegation from Niinuma Vietnam Co., Ltd. conducted a survey and held meetings with provincial authorities in search of cooperation opportunities in the high-tech agricultural sector. Minowa YuYa, general director of the company, introduced the smart agricultural models currently being implemented in several provinces across the country and expressed his desire to invest in Điện Biên.

Niinuma Vietnam Co., Ltd. has agreed to invest in constructing two smart greenhouses in the province, each covering an area of 600m2 and equipped with modern technologies such as heat pumps, ventilation fans, AI cameras, and environmental monitoring devices. One greenhouse will be located at the provincial center for agricultural extension and plant & animal varieties, while the other is expected to be developed in partnership with a local enterprise or cooperative. In addition, the company will provide technical support for operation, production processes, and product off-take. Currently, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment is closely coordinating with the company to finalize the detailed plan and select construction sites for early project implementation.