To protect the Điện Biên rice brand, both local farmers and authorities have been proactive in adopting high-quality rice varieties. As a result, farmers have increased their incomes, market access has expanded, and most importantly, the value of local agricultural products is being preserved and promoted.

Maintaining a brand requires the use of quality rice varieties that meet proper standards. Inappropriate varieties can reduce rice quality, harm the reputation of production areas, erode consumer trust, and cause economic losses. In recent crop seasons, the family of Lò Thị Xinh in Bánh hamlet, Thanh Luông commune (Điện Biên district) has tested a new variety TĐ25, commonly referred to by locals as “Thủ đô rice” - developed by the Thủ đô Seed Corporation.

Lò Thị Xinh shared: “After researching, we learned that although this variety hasn’t been officially included in the provincial crop structure, it delivers consistent quality and yields and does not affect the Điện Biên rice brand. That’s why we’ve continued planting it. Across multiple seasons, we’ve seen good growth, fragrant and sticky grains, and stable selling prices. In the last crop, we harvested and sold unhusked rice for VND 1 million per quintal. Therefore, we’ll keep planting “Thủ đô rice” in the 2025 season.”

Reportedly, TĐ25 grows to an average height of 110-115 cm, has dark green leaves, large panicles, strong resistance to rice blast and sheath blight, high grain fill rate, and produces clear, tender, mildly fragrant rice. Suitable for two crops per year, its pilot cultivation yielded 220-230kg per 360m2 and is viewed as a promising direction for restructuring rice varieties in Mường Thanh.

Besides regular rice varieties, many farmers in the 2025 crop season have focused on planting nếp (glutinous rice) to meet rising Tết (Lunar New Year) demands. Particularly among the Thái ethnic community, sticky rice remains a staple, resulting in a significant share of glutinous rice on the Mường Thanh field.

Cà Văn Pánh from Thanh Yên commune (Điện Biên district) said: “Every crop season, locals tend to plant nếp rice to prepare sticky rice and cakes for Tết. As long as the variety produces strong panicles and solid grains, people feel confident in planting. Its selling price is also more stable. Alternating between nếp and regular rice varieties not only meets market demands but also reduces pest risks and price fluctuations.”

According to 2024 data, the total rice cultivation area in the province reached 54,613.29 hectares, exceeding targets for both winter-spring and summer-autumn seasons. The winter-spring crop accounted for 9,831.16 hectares (with 78.59% inbred rice, 0.16% hybrid), while the summer-autumn crop covered 21,289.9 hectares (61.86% inbred, 2.56% hybrid); the remainder was traditional local varieties. The Department of Agriculture and Environment implemented demonstration models using new varieties (BC15, TBR 225, ADI 168, Đài Thơm, nếp 97…) and advanced techniques such as organic fertilization, motorized transplanting, and the “3 reductions, 3 increases” method in Mường Ảng, Mường Chà, Tủa Chùa, Nậm Pồ, Mường Nhé districts, and Mường Lay town.

Using quality seeds alongside improved cultivation techniques, from soil treatment and organic fertilization to mechanized transplanting—is gradually becoming a habit, laying the groundwork for sustainable development of the Điện Biên rice brand. Good varieties yield quality products, increase value, and maintain brand control on the Mường Thanh field.

Phạm Đình Lai, Head of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (under the Department of Agriculture and Environment), emphasized: “Seed selection is key to developing low-emission, high-quality, safe production models. To preserve and sustainably grow the Điện Biên rice brand, we must start with good varieties suited to multiple market segments. Currently, quality varieties like Séng Cù, Bắc Thơm, Dự Hương, Đài Thơm, and various nếp types are widely grown in Mường Thanh. Farmers usually select varieties based on quality and cultivation suitability. Previously, Điện Biên Province had established geographical indications for IR64 and Bắc Thơm No. 7, but after 5-7 years, those varieties deteriorated, leading to reduced yields and quality. Thus, researchers have developed new varieties to uphold the Điện Biên rice reputation. Introducing these new varieties to Điện Biên’s fields does not diminish the brand—instead, it enhances it with improved options for diverse markets.”

In the project “Establishing, Managing, and Developing the Certification Mark for Mường Thanh Rice and Pu Lau Pineapple,” the certification criteria for Mường Thanh rice emphasized origin traceability, core varieties, and sampling per national standards TCVN 8548:2011 and TCVN 9027:2011. At least 45 samples were collected from 12 communes in the field and 9 outside. This confirmed the core varieties such as Séng Cù, Vai Gãy, Hana, Đài Thơm, Tám Thơm, nếp N97, and N87 - preserving the authentic quality of Điện Biên rice.

As stated in the project, adopting new varieties does not mean abandoning the Điện Biên rice brand. New varieties that prove high quality through testing and meet relevant criteria may be officially integrated into the crop plan for the Mường Thanh field. If seed providers wish to propose official inclusion, their varieties must undergo evaluation by professional agencies. Once proven equal or superior in yield and quality, they can be incorporated. Agencies monitor new seeds, and if they show stable performance and are favored by farmers, they may be included in annual varietal structures.

Phạm Đình Lai further emphasized: “If a rice variety can remain viable for 10 years in the field, that’s a success. There are now many fragrant, tender, delicious new varieties, but they must undergo thorough testing before widespread application to avoid old seed degradation and protect the quality of Điện Biên rice. Diversifying rice varieties addresses market needs while reducing pest risks caused by dependence on just one or two main types.”

Using quality seeds, applying scientific cultivation, and strictly managing standards across Mường Thanh fields will strengthen and grow the Điện Biên rice brand. As such, the grains grown on these fields are more than agricultural products, they are symbols of farming heritage and cultural identity in the Northwest region. With continued commitment to high-quality varieties, strong community-linked production, and effective seed management, Điện Biên rice can not only remain a national treasure but also reach international markets, becoming a source of pride for the entire region.