In early December 2025, a working delegation from the Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment conducted field inspections and held a working session in Thanh Yên commune to review the 2025 crop restructuring program on rice land. After visiting several production models, the delegation praised the locality’s proactive and flexible approach in effectively harnessing soil and climate advantages to select appropriate crops, thereby improving land use efficiency, increasing farmers’ incomes, and enhancing climate resilience.

Thanh Yên has relatively diverse soil conditions, with many areas of rice land that are low yielding and difficult to irrigate during the dry season but well suited to upland crops, vegetables, and fruit trees. Based on these conditions, in 2025, the commune converted 200 hectares of low productivity rice land to higher value crops such as sticky corn, various vegetables, tomatoes, climbing beans, chili peppers, and several fruit varieties.

The conversion has been implemented in line with approved planning, with crop selection tailored to specific soil types and microclimates while aligning with local farming practices. In practice, many conversion models have delivered clear results, including high yields, reasonable investment costs, and stable market outlets through linkages with traders and cooperatives. As a result, farmers’ incomes per unit of land have increased significantly compared with traditional rice cultivation, contributing to more sustainable agricultural development.

Speaking with the delegation, Nguyễn Gia Tuấn, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Yên commune, said that to improve the effectiveness of crop restructuring, the commune has intensified communication and outreach to encourage farmers to adopt new production mindsets. It has also worked with specialized agencies to organize technical training courses and provide guidance on cultivation practices suited to local soil and climate conditions. At the same time, the commune encourages the application of scientific and technological advances and the use of new varieties, gradually forming concentrated production zones linked to product consumption. In the coming period, Thanh Yên will continue reviewing land resources and expanding effective conversion areas to enhance agricultural value and improve local livelihoods.

Implementing the policy of agricultural restructuring aligned with local strengths, Mường Mùn commune has recently focused on developing two key crops: macadamia and coffee. Thanks to sound direction and a systematic approach, the commune has established relatively concentrated production zones, with more than 870 hectares of macadamia and over 360 hectares of coffee, gradually delivering tangible economic benefits and creating stable livelihoods for upland residents.

Alongside public outreach on crop restructuring, Mường Mùn has stepped up efforts to attract businesses to participate in production linkages. Currently, 33 agricultural projects are operating in the commune, engaging more than 2,200 households across the value chain, from planting and care to purchasing and product off-take, particularly for macadamia. Value chain based production has helped farmers invest with greater confidence, reduce market risks, and enhance the value of agricultural products.

According to Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Mường Mùn commune, macadamia and coffee are well suited to local soil and climate conditions. In recent years, the commune has actively encouraged households to restructure crops and expand new planting areas, while organizing numerous training sessions on macadamia care, pruning, and canopy shaping. Technical staff have provided hands-on guidance, helping farmers master cultivation processes and improve productivity and product quality.

For the 2025-2030 term, Mường Mùn continues to identify macadamia and coffee development as a breakthrough priority, targeting 1,200 hectares of macadamia and 1,000 hectares of coffee by 2030. The goal is to boost agricultural economic growth, improve living standards, and meet targets for new rural development.

In recent years, the provincial agriculture sector has undergone a strong transformation toward restructuring aligned with green growth and sustainable development. Based on accurate assessments of natural and socio-economic potential, many localities have proactively restructured crops, formed concentrated production areas, and gradually increased value added and incomes for rural residents.

More than 90 percent of Điện Biên’s land area is allocated to agriculture and forestry. Its climate varies by region, making it suitable for both tropical and temperate crops such as rice, corn, coffee, macadamia, fruit trees, and vegetables. In addition, a large and experienced rural labor force provides a solid foundation for large scale commodity agriculture. Notably, distinctive products such as Điện Biên rice and Mường Ảng coffee have established a strong market presence, creating favorable conditions for brand building linked to geographical indications and export orientation. These advantages offer significant potential to drive crop restructuring and agricultural development across the province.

Capitalizing on these strengths, in 2025, the province converted nearly 948 hectares of rice land to other crops, including more than 440 hectares shifted to high value perennial crops. At the same time, nearly 3,400 hectares of coffee and over 2,000 hectares of macadamia were newly planted, while stable production was maintained on more than 630 hectares of tea and 4,160 hectares of fruit trees. Several organic, ecological, and smart agriculture models have been piloted, aligning with modern agricultural development trends.

Emphasizing the role of agricultural restructuring in the coming period, Lê Xuân Cảnh, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the sector will continue to play a core role in advising, guiding, and organizing production development solutions. The focus will be on accelerating crop restructuring to more effectively harness land and climate potential and regional ecological advantages, while forming concentrated production zones centered on key crops.

At the same time, the sector will advise on policies to promote green agriculture, organic farming, and the circular economy; invest in synchronized rural infrastructure, irrigation systems, forest protection, and climate adaptation; and strengthen support for value chain linkages, agricultural branding, and sustainable resource use. These efforts aim to raise rural incomes and quality of life and advance sustainable new rural development.

With its inherent advantages, clear provincial direction, and coordinated engagement across all levels and sectors, agriculture is expected to remain a key pillar of Điện Biên’s economy, moving toward green, sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for rural communities in the years ahead.