In late May, when the first rains of the season appear, the Mong ethnic people in Xim Vang commune, Bac Yen district, excitedly begin their rice planting season. On the terraced rice fields, winding like piano keys along the mountainside, laughter and conversation blend with the rhythmic sound of planting, creating a vibrant picture, rich in the colors of the highlands.
The terraced rice fields in Xim Vang village, Xim Vang commune, are ready for planting.
Viewed from above, Xim Vang appears like a picturesque landscape painting. Terraced rice fields stretch along the mountain slopes, curving gracefully like shimmering silk ribbons in the early morning sun. The silhouettes of diligent laborers reflected on the water create a scene that is both peaceful and bustling, with everyone hoping for a bountiful harvest.
A view of the terraced rice fields in Xim Vang commune.
Taking advantage of the sunny weather, Mr. Thào A Lênh from Sồng Chống village and his wife started planting rice early in the morning. Mr. Lênh shared: "This year, the rain came early, so preparing the land and getting water for the planting season is easier. My family has more than 2 hectares of terraced rice fields, so we have to exchange labor within the village to plant. Now, with the plowing machine, the time spent preparing the land and planting rice is much faster."
According to Mr. Lenh, the main rice variety used by the farmers is a local variety that is drought-resistant and less susceptible to pests and diseases. Although the yield is not as high as newer varieties, the rice produces fragrant grains, suitable for cultivation conditions on terraced fields.
Ms. Hang Thi Sau, from Xim Vang village, said: "This year, my family planted more than 1 hectare of local glutinous rice and red rice varieties. Here, we only cultivate one crop per year, so this is the main source of food for our family throughout the year. With favorable weather, we will take good care of the rice to ensure a bountiful harvest."
The Mong ethnic minority people in Xim Vang commune are planting rice.
Besides traditional rice varieties, Xim Vang commune also encourages farmers to experiment with some rice varieties that yield better quality and have the potential for widespread adoption if suitable to the soil. Furthermore, to preserve the terraced rice field landscape, the locality is aiming to develop OCOP (One Commune One Product) products from tourism and the local highland specialty rice varieties.
Mr. Giàng A Nênh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xím Vàng commune, said: The commune has more than 716 hectares of terraced rice fields. To date, people have planted about 60% of the area, expected to be completed by early June. The commune is urging people to plant according to the correct planting schedule, monitoring the weather, and coordinating with district agricultural officials to disseminate sustainable farming techniques. Currently, 9 irrigation works in the commune have been put into use, ensuring water supply for production.
The machinery is used by the people to prepare the land for planting.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level, the Xim Vang terraced rice fields boast beautiful scenery, especially during the rice harvest season, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos. Seizing this opportunity, some families in Xim Vang have begun developing agricultural tourism models linked to ethnic identity.
Giàng A Chênh, a member of the youth startup group in Xím Vàng commune, shared: "Previously, we were only used to farming. Now that I see the villages in Tà Xùa doing tourism effectively, I will follow suit. My dream is to open a small homestay and organize photo sessions for tourists during the rainy season and the rice harvest season. Developing tourism in the village will mean I won't have to go far away to find work."
Terraced rice fields in Xim Vang commune, viewed from above.
Terraced rice fields in Song Chong village after planting.
Xim Vang aims to both preserve traditional rice cultivation practices on terraced fields and harmoniously integrate agricultural production with community-based ecotourism development. This is considered a promising direction, opening up opportunities to increase income and build sustainable livelihoods for people in the highlands.
We bid farewell to Xim Vang as the setting sun casts a golden glow on the shimmering terraced rice fields during the rainy season. On these fields, the local people diligently sow and cultivate, continuing the rhythm of life passed down through generations. Now, alongside rice cultivation, they are also sowing new dreams of tourism development, entrepreneurship, and a prosperous future on their homeland.
Ngoc Khiem - Tuan Hien