From initial hesitation with the new method, after one season of directly seeing and experiencing the results, farmers have gained confidence and motivation to change traditional practices, adopt technical innovations, and gradually build a green and sustainable Mường Thanh rice brand.

After joining the model with one hectare in the first season and achieving positive results, this season, Tòng Thị Thêm from Huổi Phúc village, Thanh An commune, boldly registered an additional 500 square meters. As in the previous season, she received agricultural supplies such as ECO-OK biological products and Cherry eco-friendly micronutrient fertilizers, supported by the Net Zero Carbon Joint Stock Company. Standing on her green fields where the rice is growing vigorously with fewer pests, she shared that compared to traditional methods, the new model produces healthier rice with lower costs, and she hopes for a good harvest to increase family income.

In the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop, 57 hectares of rice were cultivated under the smart, low-emission model. Thanks to the support of agricultural officers and farmers’ efforts, the model showed encouraging results. Đài Thơm rice yielded about 7.45 tons per hectare, 0.3 tons higher than traditional methods, while Séng Cù rice reached over 5.1 tons per hectare, 0.5 tons higher. Carbon emissions decreased by 2-3.5 tons per hectare, totaling 172 carbon credits. In addition to reduced costs and higher yields, farmers earned about VND 880,000 per hectare from selling carbon credits, raising total additional income by VND 4.8-9.3 million per hectare. These outcomes provided strong encouragement for farmers to expand the model by 19 hectares in the following crop.

Lù Văn Thân, head of Noong Ứng village in Thanh An commune, said that although farmers were initially unfamiliar with the new process, with guidance from technicians, they found it manageable, and more people have registered to join this season. Surveys of current fields show healthy and well-growing rice under the smart farming model. Bùi Thị Hoa from Chăn Nuôi 2 neighborhood in Mường Thanh ward explained that after seeing good results in the previous crop, she decided to join, and now her rice plants are healthier, branch better, and resist disease more effectively.

As the largest rice granary in the Northwestern region, with fertile land, abundant water, and concentrated cultivation areas, the Mường Thanh field has favorable conditions to continue expanding the “Smart Rice Farming to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Promote Green Growth” model. Trần Minh Tiến, General Director of the Net Zero Carbon Joint Stock Company, stated that the Mường Thanh Basin holds great potential, and the company aims to continue partnering with Điện Biên Province to ensure product traceability and build a smart, low-emission rice brand. Their ambition is to expand the model annually, so that the Mường Thanh Basin, once renowned for the historic Điện Biên Phủ victory, will now also be recognized as a hub for smart, sustainable rice production tied to environmental protection.

To fully unlock the potential of Mường Thanh field, communication efforts must be strengthened. Experience shows that once farmers clearly understand the benefits of low-emission smart farming, they are willing to change practices and adopt new processes, which is essential for moving from pilot phases to widespread sustainable cultivation. Agricultural officers play a dual role, not only as guides but also as supervisors ensuring compliance with procedures, thereby helping farmers recognize tangible results and remain committed to the model.

Only by combining effective communication with close technical support can Mường Thanh’s potential be maximized. This is not just a technical solution but also a strategic step linking local agriculture with the global goals of green growth and greenhouse gas reduction. The success of this model will not only ensure more productive harvests but also affirm Điện Biên’s position in building sustainable agriculture that adapts to climate change.