Starting from early May, the water in the reservoir begins to recede, and the land submerged in the reservoir becomes available for farming as the water level drops, farmers immediately fertilize and plant crops.

For households that have farmland in the low-lying areas under the reservoir, these fields are the first to be flooded when the water level rises. Therefore, farmers carefully consider the crops they plant to avoid losses when the water level rises.

In previous years, the low water season began in March and gradually increased until September. According to the annual water release schedule, nearly 50 hectares of semi-submerged fields in villages such as Quan Chiêng, Nậm Cản, Bắc 1, Bắc 2 were already planted a month in advance. However, this year the low water season started later by one month, with the water receding lightly at the end of April, and only after the April 30 - May 1 holidays did the semi-submerged fields become visible. The fluctuating water levels made it more difficult for farmers to choose the right crops to grow on their semi-submerged fields.

Lò Thị Miền from Bắc 2 village shared: “My family has two semi-submerged fields, located at the water inlet, so we can start planting earlier than those in lower areas. On average, families in Bắc 1 village start planting about half a month earlier than those in Quan Chiêng village. This year, just a few days after the hydroelectric dam released water, all 50 hectares of semi-submerged fields in the reservoir began to be cultivated. Even though it’s later than usual, our family is still planting rice, and as we finish preparing the soil, we sow right away. I hope the water rises slowly this year, and the rice won’t be affected.”

For households that have farmland in the low-lying areas of the reservoir, the fields are the first to flood when the water level rises. Therefore, farmers carefully choose the crops they plant to avoid losses when the water rises.

Lù Văn Đại from Quan Chiêng village stated: “The water receded late this year, so farming has been delayed compared to previous years. As a result, many households are not planting rice this year but are switching to growing vegetables, or a mix of vegetables and rice. In previous years, our family’s rice field yielded about 40 bags of rice, enough to meet the family’s needs. In recent years, the unpredictable weather, combined with inconsistent water management by the Son La Hydroelectric Plant, has caused issues. My family’s field is in a low area, the first to flood when the water rises. Therefore, this year, my family has mainly planted fast-growing vegetables.”

At present, about 80% of the semi-submerged fields have been planted, with most households in Quan Chiêng village growing vegetables. However, there are still some households that continue to plant rice on their low fields, taking a “gamble” approach.

Lò Thị Thích from Na Nát village, Na Lay commune, shared: “After the water receded, my family prepared the land and sowed seeds directly, using short-growing rice varieties with high yields. The rice grows for about 3 months. If the water rises slowly this year, it will reach my family’s fields by late August or early September, and we will be able to harvest the rice.”

In recent years, the unpredictable weather and varying timing of water release and receding in the reservoir have had a significant impact on local production. Currently, farmers are working urgently, preparing the land, and planting crops, trying to make use of each day in the semi-submerged fields of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir.