With its advantages in land, abundant water resources from irrigation works, and many flat plains from Co Noi to Na San plateau, Mai Son district has become a large-scale vegetable production area, serving the consumption needs of the market.
Farmers in Mai Tien village, Muong Bon commune, Mai Son district, tend to their vegetable gardens.
Upon arriving in Muong Bon commune, one is impressed by the lush, sprawling vegetable fields and the bustling atmosphere of labor in the early days of the new year. Mr. Pham Van Manh, from Mai Tien village, gestured as he introduced the vegetable growing area: "Here, we have abundant water from the Tien Phong reservoir irrigation system, so all households focus on growing green vegetables to supply Son La city. My family grows over 5,000 square meters of cabbage, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various herbs, using an automatic sprinkler irrigation system; after each crop, we plant another, ensuring the land never rests. Each year, we supply the market with nearly 500 tons of various vegetables, which are purchased directly from the farm by cooperatives and dealers, generating an income of over 600 million VND."
Mr. Lo Van Buu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Bon commune, informed: The entire commune has over 164 hectares of vegetable crops, mainly green cabbage, tomatoes, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce, cauliflower, and various herbs. The commune encourages people to utilize vacant land, converting areas of less productive crops to vegetable cultivation; and has established 6 agricultural cooperatives producing according to VietGAP standards. In addition, the commune proactively coordinates with specialized units and departments of the district to organize training and technology transfer for farmers; and receives entrusted loans from banks, helping farmers access capital for production development. The commune's vegetable production reaches over 16,500 tons of vegetables and fruits, mainly sold to safe vegetable stores in the province and supermarket systems in Hanoi.
The people of Hoang Van Thu village, Chieng Mung commune, Mai Son district, are tending to their cabbage garden.
In Chieng Mung commune, with 67 hectares of vegetable crops, an average of 7,000 tons of produce are supplied to the market annually. Mr. Pham Duy Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chieng Mung commune, shared: The commune encourages people to actively improve the land, intensify cultivation and increase the number of crops with high economic efficiency; invest in machinery and technological equipment, apply cultivation processes according to VietGAP standards, and apply techniques in production. By 2025, the commune aims to plant 70 hectares of various vegetable crops.
Currently, the district has established concentrated specialized vegetable growing areas in the communes of Chiềng Mung, Cò Nòi, Mường Bon, Hát Lót, Nà Bó, and Hát Lót town... with a total area of over 1,700 hectares of various vegetables and fruits, producing nearly 22,000 tons per year. By 2025, the entire district aims to plant 1,750 hectares of vegetables; expanding the area of high-tech production for tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, onions, garlic... to meet market demand and increase income.
A cabbage growing area adhering to VietGAP standards in Hoang Van Thu village, Chieng Mung commune, Mai Son district.
Mr. Nguyen Khac Hao, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Mai Son District, said: The district directs specialized departments and agencies to open training courses on green vegetable cultivation techniques, quality management and product marketing; invest in transportation infrastructure, irrigation systems and other supporting works to support cultivation and product transportation; promote and link cooperatives and businesses to ensure stable product consumption and increase economic value; build specialized farming areas, improve product quality, and meet market demands...
Mai Son District encourages people to expand cultivated areas and implement high-tech, safe vegetable production chains. At the same time, it creates favorable conditions for businesses and agents to participate in consuming farmers' products, effectively promoting the role of cooperatives in organizing production, creating jobs, increasing people's income, and contributing to the economic development of the locality.
Minh Tuan