In Bó village, Tủa Chùa commune, the safe vegetable model managed by Phạm Thị Út Mai serves as a prime example of a shift in production mindset. Moving away from traditional cultivation methods, Phạm Thị Út Mai boldly invested in nearly 1ha of vegetables following safe standards and applying technical advances to production. From selecting suitable crop varieties and installing automatic irrigation systems to using plastic mulch, every step is designed to reduce labor costs while improving yield and product quality. Phạm Thị Út Mai shared that after visiting various models in other regions, she adapted those techniques to her family’s specific conditions. The automated systems and mulch have not only stabilized her family’s income but also opened a new path for many other households in the area.

This transition toward safe farming is also evolving into production linkages through cooperative groups. The Safe Vegetable Cooperative Team in Village 13, Thanh Nưa commune, has maintained its operations since 2019 by adhering to a rigorous production process. They focus on careful soil preparation and minimizing chemical fertilizers, while pesticide use is strictly controlled according to the “4 Rights” principle: the right drug, the right dosage, the right time, and the right withdrawal period.

Currently farming over 3.7 hectares, the team supplies tens of tons of clean vegetables to the market annually. Hà Thị Hiền, a member of the group, emphasized that participants are well aware that clean production must go hand-in-hand with environmental and consumer health protection. By utilizing clean well water and disposing of pesticide packaging in designated areas, the group has built strong trust with consumers.

To promote sustainable clean agriculture, Điện Biên province has issued several mechanisms and policies to encourage organizations and individuals to invest in safe production. Consequently, safe vegetable models are expanding and proving their effectiveness across the region. The province currently manages over 1,194 hectares of various vegetable types, with an estimated yield of 196 quintals per hectare and a total output exceeding 23,500 tons. Specialized safe vegetable zones have formed in localities such as Si Pa Phìn, Sam Mứn, Thanh An, Thanh Nưa, and Thanh Yên. These areas are beginning to meet both local consumption needs and the demands of expanding supply markets.

Phạm Đình Lai, Head of the Division of Agriculture under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, noted that developing these safe farming models is a vital solution for enhancing production value and restructuring the agricultural sector sustainably. Looking ahead, the province will continue to support residents with seeds, techniques, and expanded production areas following safe standards, while also strengthening consumption linkages to improve economic efficiency. The shift in mindset among farmers, combined with the application of science and participation in value chains, is paving a sustainable path for Điện Biên’s agriculture.