Terraced fields in Xim Vang village, Xim Vang commune during the planting season.

Seen from above, Xim Vang appears like a picturesque landscape. The terraced fields stretch along the mountainside, curving softly like shimmering silk ribbons in the early morning sun. The silhouettes of diligent workers reflected on the water surface create a peaceful yet bustling scene, everyone hopes for a bountiful harvest.

A corner of terraced fields in Xim Vang commune.

Taking advantage of the sunny weather, Mr. Thao A Lenh, from Song Chong village, and his wife planted rice early in the morning. Mr. Lenh shared: This year, the rain came early, so it was easier to prepare the land and get water for the planting season. The family has more than 2 hectares of terraced fields, so people in the village had to exchange labor to do the planting. Now, with the use of plows and harrows, the time to prepare the land and plant rice is faster.

According to Mr. Lenh, the main rice varieties used by farmers are local varieties that are drought-resistant and have few pests. Although the yield is not as high as the new varieties, the rice produces fragrant grains, suitable for cultivation conditions on terraced fields.

Ms. Hang Thi Sau, Xim Vang village, said: This year, the family planted more than 1 hectare of local sticky rice and red rice. Here, there is only one crop, so this is the main source of food for the family to live on all year round. With favorable weather, the family will take good care of the rice to have a bountiful harvest.

Mong ethnic people in Xim Vang commune plant rice.

In addition to traditional rice varieties, Xim Vang commune also encourages people to experiment with some rice varieties that have better yield and quality, and can be replicated if suitable for the soil. In addition, to preserve the terraced landscape, the locality is aiming to build OCOP products from tourism and specialty rice varieties of the highlands here.

Mr. Giang A Nhenh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xim Vang Commune, said: The commune has more than 716 hectares of terraced fields for growing seasonal rice. Up to now, people have planted about 60% of the area, expected to be completed in early June. The commune is urging people to plant according to the right time frame, monitor the weather and coordinate with district agricultural officials to propagate sustainable farming techniques. Currently, 9 irrigation works of the commune have been put into use, ensuring water sources for production.

Machines are used by people to prepare the land for planting.

Xim Vang terraced fields are located at an altitude of over 1,500 m above sea level, with beautiful scenery, especially during the rice harvest season, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos. Seizing this opportunity, some households in Xim Vang have begun to build an agricultural tourism model associated with national identity.

Giang A Chênh, a member of the youth start-up group of Xim Vang commune, shared: Before, we were only used to farming and farming. Now that I see the villages in Ta Xua doing tourism effectively, I will do the same. My dream is to open a small homestay, organizing for tourists to take photos of the flood season and the ripe rice season. If we do tourism in the village, we won't have to go far to work.

Terraced fields in Xim Vang commune seen from above.

Terraced fields in Song Chong village after planting.

Xim Vang has set the goal of preserving the practice of rice cultivation on terraced fields while harmoniously combining agricultural production and developing community ecotourism. This is considered a potential direction, opening up opportunities to increase income and build sustainable livelihoods for people in the highlands.

Saying goodbye to Xim Vang when the late afternoon sunlight seemed to gild the terraced fields shimmering in the flooding season. In those fields, the people here still diligently sow and plant crops, continuing the rhythm of life for generations. Now, besides rice, they also sow new dreams of developing tourism, starting a business and of a prosperous future right on their homeland.

 

Ngoc Khiem - Tuan Hien