Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

ĐBP - To meet consumer demand for clean food and promote sustainable agriculture, the province has encouraged stakeholders to establish safe food supply chains. However, due to high investment costs, stringent processes, and inconsistent supervision, the number of certified supply chains remains limited. Many chains, even after certification, fail to operate effectively and, in some cases, cease operations entirely.

Developing safe food supply chains is an inevitable trend that not only mitigates the issue of “bumper crops, low prices” but also benefits three key groups: Consumers, who are assured of food safety and health; producers, who increase product value and sales; and regulators, who can more easily monitor quality and trace product origins. Several supply chains have proven effective, generating high profits for participating stakeholders.

However, the number of safe food supply chains remains small and does not fully utilize the local potential and advantages. As of now, Đện Biên province has only 35 certified supply chains for vegetables, fruits, dried meat, rice, tea, and other products. However, most of these chains operate at low efficiency. For example, the supply chain for khẩu xén and chí chọp cakes, managed by Hoa Ban Trắng Cooperative in Mường Lay town, produces around 35 tons of cakes annually. Yet, sales at the certified supply store amount to only 1-2 tons per year.

Many certified safe food supply chains operate minimally or have shut down. Currently, 15 out of 35 chains in the province have reported ceasing operations. A notable case is the supply chain for Điện Biên tám rice (Bắc thơm No.7 variety) run by Hoàng Văn Yêu’s family in Residential Group 5, Thanh An commune, Điện Biên district. According to Yêu, the chain was certified in August 2017, linking 15 rice-farming households in Thanh An and Thanh Xương communes, Điện Biên district, and collaborating with Safe Green Food Co., Ltd. in Điện Biên Phủ city for product distribution. However, due to non-compliance with production conditions and closed-market regulations among participating households, the chain was discontinued in 2023.

Residents of Chua Ta A village, Tìa Dình commune, harvest wax gourd.

Similarly, the supply chain for safe wax gourd, taro, and peanuts, operated by CCO Điện Biên Agricultural Cooperative, was certified in 2019 but ceased operations in 2023. The cooperative initially partnered with 18 households growing wax gourd in Tìa Dình commune, 20 households growing taro in Phì Nhừ commune, and 26 households growing peanuts in Na Son commune, Điện Biên Đông district. However, during operation, many households failed to meet product requirements. The cultivation and harvesting of these crops did not adhere to technical standards, and contract violations occurred due to price differences between the agreed-upon purchase price and the market price.

According to the Rural Development and Cooperative Economy Sub-department (under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment), the primary reasons for these disruptions are the small scale of supply chains and their dependence on seasonal cycles, which results in unstable production volumes. Meanwhile, the market demands a steady supply of high-quality products. Additionally, production, processing, and storage methods remain largely traditional and habit-based, making it difficult to comply with technical standards.

A key challenge is that participation in a supply chain requires strict adherence to protocols from production and processing to distribution. If any “link” in the chain breaks, the entire system collapses. Furthermore, weak connections between suppliers, buyers, and processors contribute to contract violations. Compared to traditional production, supply chain-based production requires higher investment costs (for packaging, labeling, etc.), while product prices often do not meet farmers’ expectations. As a result, there is little motivation for farmers and businesses to engage in safe food supply chains.

Nguyễn Thị Thắm, a vegetable farmer in Noong Luống commune, Điện Biên district, shared: “The production process for vegetables and fruits in a certified supply chain is very strict, from selecting soil and water sources to pest control methods, especially the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, weather-related risks often reduce production volumes, making it difficult to meet supply commitments. If the processing and packaging steps are not followed precisely, product quality may be affected. Since the price difference between traditional and certified produce is minimal, most farmers prefer conventional farming methods.”

To develop safe food supply chains, farmers need to transition to large-scale production, diversify products, and expand markets. Additionally, there must be increased training and awareness programs on food safety for organizations, individuals, and households involved in production and business. Local governments should plan for concentrated safe farming zones, invest in suitable infrastructure, and innovate production models to strengthen links between businesses, producers, cooperatives, and farmers. From a regulatory perspective, authorities must enhance their guiding role, introduce policies to encourage participation in supply chains, and enforce penalties for contract violations.

Quốc Huy
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Điện Biên races to implement two-tier local government system

    Điện Biên races to implement two-tier local government system

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - With just a few days remaining, the two-tier local government system is set to be officially operational, laying the foundation for a new phase of development. Ahead of this historic moment in the ongoing administrative restructuring revolution, the atmosphere of urgency is palpable across localities, with efforts intensifying to complete all tasks on time, working day and night.
  • 'Diverse forms of dissemination for Party congresses at all levels

    Diverse forms of dissemination for Party congresses at all levels

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In recent times, the Party Committee of the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee has focused on directing and enhancing the dissemination efforts for the party congresses at all levels through various forms and content. This aims to affirm the leadership role of the Party and strengthen public trust.
  • 'Maintaining peace along the border

    Maintaining peace along the border

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Nearly two years into the pilot implementation of the “Drug-free border commune” model, Vàng Đán commune (Nậm Pồ district, Điện Biên province) has seen notable improvements in public security and order. Drug-related crime and social evils have significantly declined, contributing to local stability and creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development.
  • 'Điện Biên exchanges potential for cooperation with Caen city (France)

    Điện Biên exchanges potential for cooperation with Caen city (France)

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On June 25, the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee held an online meeting to discuss potential for cooperation across various fields with the government of Caen city, Calvados prefecture, France. Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Vừ A Bằng chaired the meeting from Điện Biên, while Cécile Cottenceau, Deputy Mayor of Caen, chaired the meeting from the French city.
  • '50 children in special circumstances trained in swimming and drowning prevention skills

    50 children in special circumstances trained in swimming and drowning prevention skills

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - 50 children with special circumstances, currently residing at the SOS Children’s Village Điện Biên Phủ, the provincial Social Welfare Center, and from underprivileged families in several districts and communes in Điện Biên province participated in a swimming and drowning prevention skills training course organized by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
  • 'Realizing dream of stable housing

    Realizing dream of stable housing

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - With the spirit of “Mutual Support - No One Left Behind,” in recent years, Điện Biên province has maximized its resources and effectively implemented housing policies for people from policy backgrounds. Every new house completed not only helps people settle down but also gives them the motivation to focus on production and work toward sustainably reducing poverty.
  • 'Trial operation of local government after administrative restructuring in Điện Biên

    Trial operation of local government after administrative restructuring in Điện Biên

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On June 25, Điện Biên Phủ ward, Thanh Nua commune, and Na Sang commune conducted a trial run of their local government operations after the completion of the district-level government restructuring and the implementation of the two-tier local government model. These localities tested two activities: holding their first meeting of the People’s Council and operating the Public Administrative Service Center.
  • 'Maintaining ideological stability in administrative restructuring

    Maintaining ideological stability in administrative restructuring

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The restructuring of administrative units at the commune level is a major policy of the Party and State to streamline the apparatus and improve the operational efficiency of local governments, ultimately serving the people better. To ensure the successful implementation of this process, Điện Biên province has particularly focused on ensuring safety and security, with strong, specific, and timely guidance.
  • 'Ready to establish Điện Biên College

    Ready to establish Điện Biên College

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - After much consideration and planning to align with the province’s development needs, the proposal to establish Điện Biên College is being developed with the goal of merging two vocational education institutions: Điện Biên Vocational College and Điện Biên College of Economics and Techniques, into a single entity named Điện Biên College. This new institution will serve as the province’s key vocational education and training facility.
  • 'Ready for the operation of new commune administrative system

    Ready for the operation of new commune administrative system

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On June 24, comrade Lê Thành Đô, Deputy Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, inspected the infrastructure and necessary conditions to facilitate the operation of the newly merged communes: Sam Mứn and Núa Ngam.
  • 'CDC Điện Biên with emulation movements for community

    CDC Điện Biên with emulation movements for community

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In anticipation of the Party Congress at all levels, the staff and workers at the Điện Biên provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC Điện Biên) have been making great efforts to enhance the movement of emulation, achieving the set targets and objectives in the fight against disease and building a strong organization.
  • 'Trust and high hopes for the future

    Trust and high hopes for the future

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The 15th Điện Biên provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term is a landmark political event, marking a new phase in the province’s development as the country pushes forward with comprehensive reform and global integration. As the congress approaches, officials, Party members, and people of all ethnic groups across the province share a common trust and strong expectation for strategic, visionary decisions that will drive Điện Biên towards rapid and sustainable growth.