This initiative serves to concretize Resolution No.11-NQ/TU of the provincial Party Executive Committee regarding the restructuring of the agricultural sector toward concentrated, green, smart, and sustainable commodities for the 2026-2030 period. Mường Ảng commune was selected by the provincial People’s Committee as the focal point for the launch ceremony.

The event in Mường Ảng commune was attended by Trần Tiến Dũng, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Lê Thành Đô, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council. They were joined by representatives from the provincial People’s Committee, various departments, the armed forces, and a large number of local residents.

According to the plan, the province aims to complete the digging of over 21.6 million planting holes in 2026, covering an area equivalent to 12,000 hectares. This target includes 5,930 hectares of coffee, 5,930 hectares of intercropped macadamia, and 140 hectares of pure macadamia. Approximately 6,000 households are expected to participate, with each household managing an average of one hectare of coffee and one hectare of macadamia. Under the slogan “Upholding the Điện Biên Phủ spirit and military-civilian solidarity,” the program has mobilized roughly 14,150 laborers. This force includes 12,000 residents directly involved in digging, 900 militia members for coordination in difficult terrains, and 1,250 soldiers, with each soldier supporting about five households, specifically focusing on poor, single-person households and key areas.

To ensure quality and progress from the outset, local authorities have established specialized working and technical groups to provide direct guidance and supervision. Emulation movements like “Excellent hole-digging soldier - Excellent hole-digging household - Commune finishing early with guaranteed quality” have been launched to inspire the public. Furthermore, the province continues to evaluate orchard quality through the movement “Households with excellent care and beautiful orchards - Communes with large areas and high quality,” promoting long-term economic efficiency and sustainable development.

As the model site, Mường Ảng commune prepared its land and human resources thoroughly, with more than 400 participants gathering in Pá Liếng village to dig approximately 72,760 holes across 20 hectares. Lò Văn Cương, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that this is a central political task requiring clear responsibility and prompt action to ensure trees are planted in accordance with the seasonal schedule. He urged the Department of Agriculture and Environment to provide “hand-holding” technical support and called on the Department of Science and Technology to accelerate the application of modern tools, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Following the launch, a demonstration of a UAV spraying foliar fertilizer on coffee trees was held at the Ảng Cang lake area in Mánh Đanh village. This pilot application of drones is intended to verify practical efficiency and provide a scientific basis for perfecting the process before large-scale replication, ensuring safety and suitability for local conditions. By 2030, Điện Biên aims to develop 40,000 hectares of macadamia and 20,000 hectares of coffee, positioning itself as one of the leading regions for macadamia and Arabica coffee in Vietnam. This transition toward high-value crops and low-altitude spatial economic models is expected to shift production mindsets and create sustainable livelihoods for the people.