Crop restructuring has become a strategic solution for the province’s agriculture. Localities are actively supporting farmers in selecting crop varieties suited to climate conditions and market demand, contributing to product diversification and increased income.

In 2024, the province converted 2,668.22 hectares of rice land to other crops. Of this, 2,216.3 hectares were switched to annual crops, 451.73 hectares to perennial crops, and 0.19 hectares to aquaculture.

Due to the hilly and steep terrain, for many years, residents in Pu Nhi commune mainly practiced rotational cultivation of maize, upland rice, and cassava. However, as a result of climate change and soil degradation, crop yields have declined.

In response, the People’s Committee of Pu Nhi commune, in collaboration with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, implemented pilot models of fruit tree cultivation, such as pear, “mắc coọc” (local name for a variety of plum), and peach, on upland fields. Following successful trials, local authorities encouraged farmers to expand fruit tree cultivation in place of low-efficiency crops. To date, the commune has 32 hectares of fruit trees, of which yellow pear accounts for 28 hectares. Many of these trees have begun yielding harvests, helping increase income and offering a sustainable agricultural path for Pu Nhi.

As a pioneer in crop conversion, Mr. Lò Văn Dung from Nà Ngám village, Pu Nhi commune, now owns over 1,000 fruit trees, including 300 yellow pear trees already in harvest. According to Mr. Dung, yellow pear and mắc coọc are well-suited to the local climate and soil, grow well, are disease-resistant, and yield high productivity. On average, each pear tree yields 70kg of fruit, sold at VND 13,000-15,000 per kilogram, generating substantial income for the family.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, crop restructuring not only helps effectively adapt to climate change but also increases the value of production by 3 to 5 times compared to upland rice. Currently, farmers’ awareness is improving, and they are increasingly willing to change their farming structure to boost income. As a result, specialized production zones for fruit trees, vegetables, coffee, and macadamia are gradually taking shape, laying the foundation for sustainable agricultural development.

Along with crop restructuring, localities are prioritizing short-duration crop varieties to minimize risks from weather, pests, and natural disasters. These varieties mature quickly, have shorter harvest times, and offer high economic efficiency, thereby increasing farmers’ income.

Previously, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thu from hamlet A1, Thanh Yên commune, cultivated nearly 8,000 square meters of single-crop rice fields. About five years ago, she switched to short-term crops such as vegetables, eggplants, and maize. She also adopted safe vegetable farming practices following VietGAP standards, combined with plastic mulch and drip irrigation technology. Thanks to this, crops grow well, suffer fewer pests, and produce far greater economic returns compared to rice farming.

Mrs. Thu shared: “By switching from rice to short-term vegetables, I can now farm three seasons per year, two vegetable crops and one maize crop. Each year, I harvest about 5-6 tons of tomatoes, 4 tons of bitter melon, 2 tons of cabbage, and 2-3 tons of string beans, bringing in around VND 100 million in income. Although this method requires more care, the economic gains have helped my family achieve a stable life.”

In 2024, Mrs. Trần Thị Lê from hamlet A1, Thanh Yên commune, converted 800 square meters of single-crop rice land to grow green J chili peppers under a linked production model. With a projected yield of over 51 tons per hectare and selling prices ranging from VND 2,900 to 6,600 per kilogram (depending on quality), this model yields a profit of VND 20-23 million per 1,000 square meters after deducting expenses.

As climate change becomes increasingly complex, Điện Biên’s agriculture sector is stepping up efforts to educate and guide farmers in transforming production methods, applying advanced technologies, and developing climate-resilient, efficient, and sustainable farming models.