Pineapple is not new to the people of Búng Lao, but in the past, it was grown sporadically and on a small scale, often intercropped with other crops. Cultivation and harvesting relied mainly on traditional experience, without planning or stable markets, resulting in modest economic efficiency.

Recognizing the potential of the land and with support from the local government, Mr. Từ Quang Hà, a farmer in Hồng Sọt village with years of agricultural experience, boldly began a trial plantation of nearly 50 hectares of honey pineapples, a variety praised for its high yield, excellent quality, and adaptability to mountainous climates.

Mr. Hà shared: “The honey pineapple grows well, with strong stems and tough leaves, and is resistant to pests. Since planting, the crop has developed uniformly with lush, dark-green leaves. Some areas have even begun to bear fruit, showing good adaptation to the local soil and climate.”

Before starting the project, Mr. Hà carefully studied technical procedures and worked with reputable seed suppliers to ensure quality. He divided the plantation into zones for management, applying organic farming methods to protect soil and water resources.

Currently, the entire honey pineapple area in Hồng Sọt is thriving, with part of it already producing fruit. Based on initial calculations, if the average yield reaches 50 tons per hectare and the selling price ranges from VND 6,000-7,000 per kilogram, the project could generate billions of VND in profit per season after deducting costs.

To evaluate the crop’s growth potential, leaders of Búng Lao commune and relevant technical departments recently visited the plantation for an on-site inspection.

According to Mr. Kiều Xuân Hoàng, Vice Chairman of the Búng Lao commune People’s Committee, pineapple is drought-resistant, requires little maintenance, and is well-suited to the sloping terrain of Búng Lao. Converting unproductive upland fields to pineapple cultivation helps make better use of local land resources and opens the possibility for large-scale commercial farming, provided it is well planned and connected to consumption networks. Mr. Hà’s model marks an important first step in assessing the adaptability of this new crop. If the results are positive, the commune will work with authorities to expand the model, supporting farmers with technical guidance, financing, and market connections.

For the 2025-2030 term, Búng Lao commune has identified its strategic advantage in location, lying along National Highway 279 and future interchanges with the Sơn La-Điện Biên Expressway. This gives Búng Lao favorable conditions to become a regional hub for agricultural logistics and trade services.

In the coming years, the commune will focus on agricultural restructuring linked to new rural development and sustainable poverty reduction, promoting safe, organic, and value-chain-based production. From the success of the honey pineapple model, Búng Lao aims to expand the cultivation of other high-value crops suitable for its climate and soil. The commune also plans to leverage its transport advantages to develop agricultural service centers for storage, processing, and distribution, serving both local and neighboring areas, thereby increasing product value and farmers’ incomes.

Mr. Hoàng emphasized: “We consider agricultural restructuring, new rural development, and building an agricultural service hub as key missions for this term. With Búng Lao’s advantageous location near future expressway connections, we must seize every opportunity to enhance the value of agricultural products, create jobs, and raise incomes for local residents.”

After this initial trial phase, Mr. Hà’s family continues to monitor the crop’s growth to assess yield, quality, and adaptability. If the results remain favorable, he plans to expand the plantation to about 200 hectares, moving toward large-scale, market-linked production once the crop reaches full harvest.

The lush, green pineapple rows stretching across the hills of Hồng Sọt reflect not only a thriving crop but also a new vision for Búng Lao’s agricultural future. With strong local determination and effective government direction, the honey pineapple may soon become the commune’s key economic crop, bringing sustainable livelihoods to this fertile highland region.