In Điện Biên, smart farming initiatives have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in reducing pesticide use. Instead of spraying based on habit, farmers are guided to apply integrated pest management and follow the “four rights” principle (right pesticide, right dosage, right timing, and right method) to ensure both efficiency and safety throughout the production cycle.

Implementation results show that the model has reduced pesticide spraying by one to two applications compared to traditional practices. This reduction not only cuts input costs by 17% to 50%, depending on ecological zones and rice varieties, but also plays a crucial role in protecting the field ecosystem.

Bùi Thị Hoa, from Chăn Nuôi 2 hamlet, Mường Thanh ward, shared: “By applying these solutions, I’ve noticed fewer plant diseases, and the rice tillers are stronger and larger. Even though we only spray pesticides two to three times per crop, the rice still grows well and evenly.”

Reducing chemical use goes beyond immediate economic benefits; it is also a key component of safe production systems. Farmers are trained in advanced techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), balanced fertilization, and prioritizing the use of biological products.

Phạm Đình Lai, Head of the Sub-Department of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture and Environment) and author of the initiative, said: “The goal is to demonstrate that safe production does not reduce income; on the contrary, it lowers input costs and increases product value. By strictly following the “four rights” principle and minimizing chemical use, products are not only safer but also meet stricter market standards, ensuring more sustainable profits.”

Alongside rice, coffee - one of the province’s key crops - is also being oriented toward sustainable development. The agricultural sector has organized numerous training courses to help farmers apply scientific techniques, gradually shifting from small scale, experience-based production to standardized processes. Through these programs, farmers gain access to high quality Arabica coffee varieties, apply scientific cultivation methods, balance organic and inorganic fertilizers, and increase the use of biological products. Strict control of pesticides and herbicides is also emphasized to ensure safe coffee products that meet growing market demands.

Sùng A Và, from Háng village, Na Son commune, shared: “Previously, we sprayed pesticides out of habit - whenever we saw pests, we sprayed. Now, after learning integrated plant health management (IPHM), I can monitor plant growth and improve resistance using organic fertilizers. As a result, coffee plants are healthier, less affected by pests, and we save on chemical costs.”

Since 2025, the provincial agricultural sector has organized 13 IPHM training courses in key communes such as Mường Nhé, Mường Chà, Quài Tở, Na Son, Tủa Chùa, and Mường Ảng, with over 520 participants. In addition, specialized training programs on improving the use and control of agricultural inputs have been regularly conducted in communes like Nà Tấu, Thanh An, and Mường Thanh ward. These sessions combine theory with hands-on practice, teaching farmers safe pesticide mixing, label reading, and occupational safety measures to protect themselves during production.

Initial results indicate that reducing chemical use in farming has delivered clear benefits as farmers adopt new practices and follow technical guidelines. This approach not only reduces short term costs but also lays a long term foundation for environmental protection, improved product quality, and the gradual development of safe and sustainable agriculture across the province.