With its distinct climate and rocky plateau soil, Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province is home to unique agricultural products that reflect the area’s natural advantages - such as ancient tea trees, fish from the Đà River, mountain goats, and purple taro.

In recent years, the district has prioritized branding its agricultural specialties. Investments in expanding raw material zones, improving production processes, and boosting marketing have laid a strong foundation for sustainable, organic agricultural development.

Among the most iconic products of Tủa Chùa is tea from ancient trees. Thousands of centuries-old tea trees grow in clusters across Sính Phình, Tả Phìn, Tả Sìn Thàng, and Sín Chải communes. In late March, after the season’s first rains, tender tea buds begin to sprout. That’s when local Mông and Xạ Phang ethnic residents start harvesting to sell to traders, while tea-processing workshops hum through the night preparing fresh batches.

According to Lò Seo Ngấn, a tea trader and processor in Tả Sìn Thàng, fresh leaves are processed on the same day they are harvested. Every step - from handling to semi-processing - strictly follows hygiene and technical standards to preserve the rich essence of Tủa Chùa’s ancient tea trees. They aim to minimize the impact of time delays from transport or storage. Around 80% of the semi-processed tea is then transported to production facilities in the district center for final processing.

A few years ago, fresh ancient tea sold for around VND 100,000 per kilogram. Thanks to growing recognition and strategic branding, Tủa Chùa tea has become a signature product of the district, and prices have steadily increased. Currently, early-season tea buds sell for VND 200,000 - 300,000 per kilogram, depending on the type - pure buds or buds with one leaf.

Nguyễn Mỹ Linh, Director of Hương Linh Co., Ltd., shared: “Ancient tea is one of the standout OCOP (One Commune One Product) items from the Tủa Chùa plateau. As a producer, we carefully select and refine every stage - from sourcing to packaging - to ensure the best quality. Our finished tea is priced between VND 500,000 and 3 million per kilogram, depending on the variety. We’ve invested in product diversification, upgraded packaging, and promoted the Shan Tuyết tea line to meet the preferences of different customer segments. These efforts help us build a stronger brand, enhance competitiveness, and expand both domestic and international markets.”

With its natural strengths, the Tủa Chùa district’s Party Committee and local authorities have actively supported businesses, cooperatives, and residents in developing local brands. Support includes OCOP certification, showcasing and promoting agricultural products both within and outside the province.

Phạm Quốc Đạt, Head of the district’s Sub-department for Agriculture and Environment, said: “Tủa Chùa currently has 17 OCOP-certified products. We regularly encourage producers to expand raw material areas, increase production scale, improve quality and design, and strengthen brand recognition.”

In early April, the district launched the Tourism Information and Agricultural Product Promotion Center, showcasing over 100 products with upgraded packaging and improved quality. This center plays a vital role in linking local branding efforts with the region’s agricultural and handicraft strengths - driving sustainable and stable economic development.