In the 2025 wet season, the province has planted 19,628.04 hectares of rice, exceeding the same period last year by 190.5 hectares, reaching 92.2% of the annual target. The main varieties being cultivated are high-quality, pure rice strains with stable yields and good resistance to pests and diseases, including Bắc Thơm No.7, IR64, Séng Cù, Đài Thơm, and Hana 112. Currently, rice plants are in the tillering and greening stages, prompting farmers and authorities to focus on fertilization and close monitoring of the fields to detect and prevent pests in a timely manner and ensure healthy plant growth.

The wet season often poses risks due to unfavorable weather such as heavy rain and flooding, which can hinder rice development. From July 1 to 3, intense rainfall in the province caused 83.53 hectares of rice to be submerged or buried due to landslides. Damaged areas included: 9.33ha in Mường Luân Commune, 8.3ha in Thanh Nưa, 25ha in Chiềng Sinh, 2.5ha in Mường Pồn, 37.5ha in Thanh Yên, and 0.5ha in Tuần Giáo. Unpredictable weather conditions have also favored the emergence of various pests, which affect rice growth. Notably, golden apple snails are causing significant damage, and rats continue to destroy crops, particularly in newly planted fields and areas near residential zones. To date, more than 875.88 hectares of rice have been affected by pests and diseases.

Lò Thị Hinh from Mường Pồn 2 hamlet, Mường Pồn commune, shared: “This season, my family planted over 4,000 square meters of Bắc Thơm No.7 rice. I frequently check the fields and proactively follow pest prevention guidance from agricultural officers. I also use plant protection chemicals according to the ‘four rights’ principle, which helps reduce production costs and protect the environment. Thanks to that, the rice is growing well.”

Thanks to proper technical care, rice fields across the province are currently in good condition, with no severe outbreaks of pests or diseases. For areas with common pests, farmers have already sprayed pesticides on more than 3,000 hectares. However, experts warn that upcoming weather patterns may be complicated, increasing the risk of pest and disease development. Particular threats include stem borers, planthoppers, small leaf rollers, leaf blast, bacterial leaf streak, sheath blight, and rats.

To proactively respond to unfavorable weather and pest outbreaks, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has issued specific guidance, requiring localities to implement a variety of technical measures. For areas affected by flooding, technical units have worked with local governments to drain water from the fields, clear irrigation canals, and prevent waterlogging, which could cause root rot and plant death.

For rice fields buried under mud and debris, agricultural officials have advised farmers to clean the fields and remove mud from the plants to restore photosynthesis. Where recovery is possible, farmers are encouraged to apply supplemental phosphorus, potassium, or NPK fertilizers in appropriate amounts to aid recovery and growth. In cases where crops are irreparably damaged, farmers are advised to replant using short-term rice varieties suitable for the climate and planting schedule to avoid delays in production.

The agriculture sector has directed and guided farmers to use fertilizers in a balanced, reasonable, and efficient way, particularly avoiding fertilization during extreme heat or heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. The sector also promotes the elimination of mixed or impure rice varieties and encourages the adoption of advanced techniques such as climate-resilient smart rice farming, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), Integrated Pest and Crop Management (IPHM), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). These practices enhance plant health and pest resistance.

Chu Thị Thanh Xuân, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: “We have instructed our technical departments to stay closely connected to local areas and help farmers restore damaged rice fields while enhancing pest monitoring and management. Encouraging the use of short-term, disease-resistant rice varieties is a key strategy to ensure this year's agricultural production meets its targets.”

The agriculture sector is also strengthening communication and technical training on sustainable farming practices and scientific applications in the field, from seed treatment before sowing, balanced fertilization at each growth stage, to proper irrigation, to reduce conditions favorable to pest outbreaks.