Grasping provincial policies and market trends, many farming households, cooperatives, and enterprises in Điện Biên province have proactively shifted their production methods and invested in safety-oriented livestock farming.

The Government’s Decree No.106/2024/NĐ-CP, which regulates policies to support and improve livestock efficiency, serves as a crucial mechanism that provides a legal framework and resources to drive this transition. This policy aims to enhance productivity, product quality, and the competitiveness of the livestock industry while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It applies broadly to farming households, cooperatives, and enterprises, with priority given to large-scale, concentrated models capable of applying scientific and technical advances.

By the end of 2025, the total livestock population in Điện Biên province reached nearly 577,000 heads, demonstrating that livestock farming is a key pillar of the local agricultural economy. However, large-scale farming remains limited, as most operations are still small and scattered. The application of bio-safety standards is uneven, primarily concentrated in farms, cooperatives, and households with large herds. Therefore, Decree No.106/2024 has provided a vital impetus, encouraging economic sectors to invest boldly and innovate production methods. Support policies for market development, waste treatment, and the relocation of livestock facilities out of unsuitable areas have proven effective.

Consequently, many bio-safety and closed-loop circular livestock models are gradually taking shape. Various enterprises and cooperatives have invested in modern barns, waste treatment technology, and value chains for standardized products like VietGAHP and organic livestock, opening a sustainable path for the industry.

Changing the awareness and production habits of livestock farmers is the foundation of any transformation. When people clearly understand the long-term benefits of green livestock, they will proactively change their practices, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development. One of the early adopters of safe livestock farming is Huy Toàn Điện Biên Co., Ltd., with its large-scale closed-loop model. The farm currently maintains approximately 30,000 laying hens, 3,600 pigs, and 300 sows. The entire farming process is strictly controlled according to bio-safety principles. The pig-raising area minimizes entry, and lime powder and periodic disinfection are used to prevent disease.

A highlight of this model is the effective circular utilization of livestock waste. Large amounts of daily waste are processed through two 600m3 biogas tanks, generating gas for daily living and fertilizer for crops. The remainder is provided to local people, reducing environmental pollution and creating additional income. According to Nguyễn Hữu Huy, Director of the company, although the initial investment for the barn system and equipment is relatively high, it is offset by low operating costs and stable economic efficiency. Thanks to automation, a single worker can care for nearly 1,000 pigs, helping to reduce labor costs.

Beyond large enterprises, many cooperatives in the province have proactively switched to green livestock farming suited to their specific conditions. The Thanh An commune General Construction and Agricultural Services Cooperative currently raises more than 200 commercial and breeding goats using a bio-safety approach. The barns are designed to be high and airy to limit moisture, and feed is primarily sourced from nature. The use of biological bedding not only reduces odors but also creates a clean living environment, helping the goats grow well with fewer diseases.

The Mùa Ban Điện Biên Cooperative in Sam Mứn commune has boldly invested in an organic circular model for raising deer for antlers. Feed for the deer includes planted grass, banana leaves, and guava leaves, ensuring healthy growth. A unique feature of this model is the establishment of a closed-loop cycle. From an initial three pairs of breeding deer, the herd has grown to nearly 40 animals. Deeply processed products from deer antlers, such as deer glue, antler wine, and antler powder, have been recognized as 3-star OCOP products.

Green livestock in Điện Biên province has been realized through specific models with clear results. The combination of bio-safety and the circular economy helps minimize environmental pollution, increase product value, and expand consumption markets. This is the appropriate direction given the increasing demand for clean and safe food.

According to the agricultural restructuring plan for 2026, the province will focus on expanding grass-growing areas tied to developing captive livestock farming to gradually reduce free-grazing. This is seen as an important solution to control disease, improve productivity, and protect the ecological environment. However, for the transition to occur synchronously and effectively, strong involvement from all levels and sectors is needed to support people in accessing capital and technology and building consumption value chains. More importantly, awareness must change to help farmers understand that investing in green livestock is an investment in the long-term future.